Renting a car in Calgary is a convenient way to get around the city and its surroundings. However, foreigners may wonder whether a national driver's license is sufficient or whether an international driver's license (IDP) is required. The answer depends on the type of driver's license you have and the requirements of the rental companies.
Situation | Is an IDP required? | Notes |
---|---|---|
License in English/French (Latin alphabet) | ❌ Not required | For example: United States, Germany, Poland |
License not in English (Latin alphabet) | ❌ Not required, but recommended | For example: Spain, Italy |
License not in the Latin alphabet | ✅ Required | For example: Ukraine, Russia, China |
Rental through international companies (Hertz, Avis) | Depends on policy | Some require an IDP even for Latin rights |
An IDP is mandatory for renting a car in Calgary if your national license is not written in the Latin alphabet. For licenses in Latin characters (even if not in English), an IDP is not required, but having one reduces the risk of misunderstandings. Always check the requirements of the specific rental company and have both documents with you – your national license and IDP.