Driving in the Northwest Territories on a foreign licence: visitors and new residents (2026)
According to the Government of the Northwest Territories, checked on 31 October 2026, a foreign national living in the NWT can drive legally with a valid licence from another country and an International Driving Permit, and IDPs are valid for 12 months; the page does not give a separate 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 for tourists; foreign nationals living there need their licence and an IDP |
|---|---|
| New residents | No time limit stated on the page we read |
| IDP and translation | IDP needed together with the foreign licence (IDPs are valid for 12 months) |
| UK licence, exchange without tests | Not stated on the page we read (it says only “if your country is eligible”) |
| US licence, exchange without tests | Not stated on the page we read |
| Checked | 31 October 2026 |
What the official sources say
International driving permit and translation
If you are a foreign national living in the NWT, you can drive legally if you have: a valid driver’s licence from a different country; and, an International Driving Permit (IDP). IDPs are valid for 12 months and are equal to an NWT Class 5 driver’s licence.
Source: NWT Driver and Vehicle Services: Driver's Licence Information for Foreign Nationals (Government of the Northwest Territories (Department of Infrastructure)), checked on 31 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Exchanging your licence
If you are applying for a driver’s licence in Canada for the first time, you may be able to transfer your international driver’s licence to an NWT driver’s licence if your country is eligible.
Source: NWT Driver and Vehicle Services: Driver's Licence Information for Foreign Nationals (Government of the Northwest Territories (Department of Infrastructure)), checked on 31 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Hire a car in the Northwest Territories
Hiring a car in the Northwest Territories? 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.
Compare car hire in the Northwest Territories
Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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 the Northwest Territories?
No. We quote the Government of the Northwest Territories 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.
Spotted a change? Tell us.