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Canada licence Brazil

Driving in Brazil with a Canada license

IDP Required

Yes — to drive in Brazil on an Canada licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Canada licence. Brazil expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Convention basisBrazil recognises the 1968 Vienna Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.

At the rental deskLocaliza and Movida require the physical IDP plus your home licence at the counter.

CarryCarry BOTH your Canada national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Source: 1968 Vienna Convention

Get my IDP for Brazil Full Brazil guide

Canadian drivers should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their provincial licence when driving abroad. Your International Driving Permit is the recognised multilingual translation of your existing licence, issued in the 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Brazil

Headlights on during the day on highways.
Zero-tolerance alcohol law (Lei Seca).
Carry original licence + IDP — photocopies not accepted.
Radar speed enforcement is widespread.

Common questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Brazil with a Canada license?

Yes — to drive in Brazil on an Canada licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Canada licence. Brazil expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

What IDP format does Brazil accept?

Brazil recognises the 1968 Vienna Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.

Do I still carry my Canada license?

Carry BOTH your Canada national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.