Can I drive in France with a Canadian licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
It depends on how long you stay. The Government of Canada says: “You can drive with your valid Canadian driver’s licence for the first year of your stay in France.” (Government of Canada travel advice for France, travel.gc.ca, checked on 28 October 2026).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
Government of Canada travel advice for France: “Laws and culture” › “Driving”
You can drive with your valid Canadian driver’s licence for the first year of your stay in France. If you stay in France for more than one year, you will have to exchange your Canadian licence for a French licence.
Source: travel.gc.ca: France, page updated 28 October 2026, checked on 28 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
The Government of Canada says:
Contact the Canadian Automobile Association for a Canadian International Driving Permit application form.
The IDP is valid for only 1 year from the date of issue.
Your IDP will only allow you to operate a vehicle in the same class as your Canadian driver’s licence.
Source: travel.gc.ca, International Driving Permit, page modified 28 May 2026, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car in France
Hiring a car in France? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Hiring a car in France? How to pay tolls in France with a rental car
Driving in France this winter? Winter tyres and snow chains in France with a rental car
Renting a scooter or a moped instead? France: what a car licence covers (moped, 125 cc)
Other licences in France
| Licence | In France | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| UK licence | No IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | It depends | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to France
- British passport: France entry requirements
- Canadian passport: France
- Australian passport: France
- Italian citizens: Francia
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for France with a Canadian driver's licence?
It depends on how long you stay. The Government of Canada says: “You can drive with your valid Canadian driver’s licence for the first year of your stay in France.” (Government of Canada travel advice for France, travel.gc.ca, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in France with my Canadian licence?
The Government of Canada says: “You can drive with your valid Canadian driver’s licence for the first year of your stay in France.”
Which international driving permit do I need for France?
The Government of Canada advice for France does not say which convention (1926, 1949 or 1968) the permit must follow.
Where do I get an international driving permit in Canada?
The Government of Canada says: “Contact the Canadian Automobile Association for a Canadian International Driving Permit application form.” “The IDP is valid for only 1 year from the date of issue.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of the Government of Canada, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a Canadian licence · Driving abroad: all licences.