Canada licence Dominican Republic
Canada licence 
Dominican RepublicDriving in Dominican Republic with a Canada license
Short answer: you can drive in Dominican Republic with a Canada license; an International Driving Permit is recommended and is carried alongside your Canada license.
IDP recommended
An International Driving Permit is recommended (not strictly required) for Canada licence holders driving in Dominican Republic. Your Canada licence is in the Roman alphabet, but an IDP removes any doubt at rental desks and roadside checks. Carry both.
Convention basisDominican Republic uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
At the rental deskPunta Cana and Santo Domingo desks accept many licences; an IDP helps.
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 2026Convention: 1949 Geneva
Canadian drivers should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their provincial licence when driving abroad. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the 1949 Geneva format and carried alongside your national licence.
Driving rules in Dominican Republic
- Drive on the right.
- Aggressive urban traffic and motoconchos.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Avoid night driving on rural roads.
Common questions
01
Can I drive in Dominican Republic with a Canada license?
you can drive in Dominican Republic with a Canada license; an International Driving Permit is recommended and is carried alongside your Canada license. Dominican Republic uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
02
Is my Canada driver's license valid in Dominican Republic?
An International Driving Permit is recommended (not strictly required) for Canada licence holders driving in Dominican Republic. Your Canada licence is in the Roman alphabet, but an IDP removes any doubt at rental desks and roadside checks. Carry both.
03
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Dominican Republic?
An International Driving Permit is recommended (not strictly required) for Canada licence holders driving in Dominican Republic. Your Canada licence is in the Roman alphabet, but an IDP removes any doubt at rental desks and roadside checks. Carry both.
04
Can I rent a car in Dominican Republic with a Canada license?
Punta Cana and Santo Domingo desks accept many licences; an IDP helps.
05
What IDP format does Dominican Republic accept?
Dominican Republic uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.
06
How do I get an International Driving Permit for Dominican Republic?
An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing Canada license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the 1949 Geneva format Dominican Republic uses — carried alongside your Canada license.
07
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.
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