Driving in Newfoundland and Labrador on a foreign licence: visitors and new residents (2026)
According to the Motor Registration Division of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, checked on 31 October 2026, new residents must exchange their licence for a Newfoundland and Labrador licence within three months of becoming a resident; the pages we read do not give a rule for tourists.
These rules differ from place to place, and they change. We quote the official pages word for word, with the date we checked them; this is information, not legal advice. Car rental companies and insurers can ask for more than the law, for example an international driving permit or a translation: ask them before you book.
At a glance
| Visitors | Not stated on the pages we read |
|---|---|
| New residents | Exchange within three months of becoming a resident |
| IDP and translation | English translation required for a licence not in English or French |
| UK licence, exchange without tests | Yes (United Kingdom and Northern Ireland are on the list) |
| US licence, exchange without tests | Yes, without a written, vision or road test |
| Checked | 31 October 2026 |
What the official sources say
If you move there
New Residents You must exchange your existing driver’s licence to a Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s licence within three months of becoming a resident.
Source: Motor Registration: Licence Application Process (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (Motor Registration Division)), checked on 31 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
International driving permit and translation
If your driver’s licence is in any language other than English or French, an English translation of the licence is required.
Source: Motor Registration: Translation of Foreign Driver Licences (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (Motor Registration Division)), checked on 31 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Exchanging your licence
Countries with Reciprocity Agreements The Province of Newfoundland and Labrador allow for exchange of the class of licence as indicated: Class 5 (Passenger Vehicle /Light Trucks) Only Class 5 (Passenger Vehicle /Light Trucks) & Class 6 (Motorcycle) Germany Austria Switzerland United Kingdom Republic of Korea Ukraine Denmark France Isle of Man Northern Ireland Ireland Japan Taiwan Belgium
United States People taking up residence from the United States can exchange their existing licence for a Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s licence without taking a written, vision or road test.
Source: Motor Registration: Licence Application Process (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador (Motor Registration Division)), checked on 31 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Hire a car in Newfoundland and Labrador
Hiring a car in Newfoundland and Labrador? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence rules above before you book: the rental company can ask for more than the law, such as an IDP or a translation.
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Visiting Canada?
Driving in Canada, do you need an international driving permit? UK licence · Australian licence
Other provinces and territories in Canada
Canada, Australia and New Zealand: every province, state and territory in one table
Questions
Is this legal advice for driving in Newfoundland and Labrador?
No. We quote the Motor Registration Division of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador word for word, as read on 31 October 2026. Rules change, and car rental companies and insurers can ask for more than the law: check with them and with the official page before you drive.
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