What is an international driving permit and when do you need one?

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An international driving permit is a "translation" of the driver's licence you hold from your home country: it describes, using a recognized international classification, the types of vehicles you are authorized to drive. It does not replace your licence, it supplements it: you must always carry both. According to the SAAQ, with a valid foreign licence you can drive in Québec for 6 months; if you stay more than 6 months, or if you visit Québec without settling here and your licence is not written in English or French, you need an international permit, which you must request before leaving for Québec. If you settle in Québec, the SAAQ strongly recommends starting the steps for a Québec licence before the 6 months end.

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Key facts

What it is: A "translation" of your home licence, using a recognized international classification. It does not replace your licence: it supplements it.
Validity: For an international permit issued abroad, 1 year to 3 years according to the SAAQ page. The international permit a Québec resident requests from CAA-Québec is valid for one year.
Driving without an international permit: With a valid foreign licence: 6 consecutive months for a visitor or a new resident; for the whole length of the studies or internship for a student or intern.
When it is mandatory: A stay of more than 6 months, or a visit to Québec without settling here with a licence not written in English or French.
After 6 months as a new resident: If your main residence is in Québec, you must get a Québec licence. The SAAQ states that you can apply for it as soon as you settle in Québec.
Roadside check: Show the international permit and your original licence: both documents are required.

Your procedure, step by step

Start the official procedure Official page: International driver's licence (SAAQ) (opens in a new tab)https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/permis-conduire/permis-international

Identify your situation: you are a visitor or tourist, a student or intern, a new Québec resident, or you hold a Québec licence and are travelling abroad.
If you are a visitor: you can drive in Québec for 6 months with your foreign licence, as long as it is valid. If your licence is not written in English or French, the SAAQ says you must have an international driving permit.
If your stay is longer than 6 months: the international permit is mandatory. Request it before leaving for Québec (the SAAQ page does not say which organization to ask: check with the authority that issued your licence).
If you are a student or intern: you can drive a car, a motorcycle or a scooter for the whole length of your studies or internship with your valid foreign licence of the appropriate class. An international permit is recommended if your licence is not in French or English.
If you are a new resident: your valid foreign licence lets you drive a car, a motorcycle or a moped for a maximum of 6 consecutive months (no truck, bus, minibus, emergency vehicle or taxi). Start the steps for a Québec licence before this period ends.
Always keep both documents with you: the international permit is valid only if accompanied by your original licence, and you must show both at a roadside check.
If you hold a Québec licence and are travelling: first check whether the country you are going to requires an international permit. If so, request it from CAA-Québec.

Start the official procedure Official page: International driver's licence (SAAQ) (opens in a new tab)https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/permis-conduire/permis-international

Your progress is kept on this device only: nothing is sent to Demande au Québec. Some steps only apply in certain situations: skip the ones that do not concern you.

Sources

Permis de conduire international (Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ))
Permis de conduire canadien ou étranger (Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ))

Checked on October 6, 2026. Rules, deadlines and fees can change: always confirm on the official page above. Demande au Québec is an independent website, not a government site.

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