To legally rent and drive a car in Canada, you’ll need a driver’s license issued by the government of your province or territory and should be held for at least 2 years. If you have a valid licence from your home country, you’ll probably be able to use this to drive in Canada for a short time after you arrive.
A valid driver's license is:
A license issued by a Canadian province, territory.A license issued by a US state, territory or possession.
A license issued by a country that is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1943 Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American Automobile Traffic.
A license issued by a country that has a reciprocal agreement with Canada.
Tips
U.S. renters must provide valid license, temporary license in cases of lost, stolen or expired license, and chauffeur's license issued in the U.S. or a U.S. territory.
If your domestic driver's license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) or an official translation in English is required when you drive in Canada. Please note that an International Driving Permit (often referred to as an International Driver's License) does not replace the requirement for a regular driver's license. And you must carry your current overseas driver’s license, IDP or translation with you all the time when driving in Canada.
Age Requirement
The minimum driver age for renting a car at a Canadian rental office is 21 years old (age may vary by state and car category). If you're 21-25, you are likely to have to pay a young driver fee. If you're 65 or older, you may have to pay a senior driver fee.
*Attention! Some car hire companies would have different requirements. Please check Terms and Conditions during the booking process.
You need a driver’s licence issued by the government of your province or territory and should be held for at least 2 years.
A valid driver's license is:
A license issued by a Canadian province, territory.
A license issued by a US state, territory or possession.
A license issued by a country that is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1943 Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American Automobile Traffic.
If your domestic driver's license is printed not in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) or an official translation in English is required when you drive in Canada. Please note that you also need to bring your domestic driver's license.
*Attention! Some car hire companies would have different requirements. Please check Terms and Conditions during the booking process.
