Driver's license at port of entry

[Samrancho]

I'm an Indian national with PR. I have a valid California driver's license since I had lived in the US few years ago.

Is a driver's licence mandatory? If yes, will this license suffice at the port of entry and for how long can I use it?

 

[bellaluna]

I'm an Indian national with PR. I have a valid California driver's license since I had lived in the US few years ago.

Is a driver's licence mandatory? If yes, will this license suffice at the port of entry and for how long can I use it?

PR of what?

 

[Samrancho]

PR of what?

I have obtained my Permanent Residency to Canada

 

[bellaluna]

I have obtained my Permanent Residency to Canada

Then according to this you must have your Canadian PR card, or a PRTD:

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1050&top=16

 

[Bs65]

I'm an Indian national with PR. I have a valid California driver's license since I had lived in the US few years ago.

Is a driver's licence mandatory? If yes, will this license suffice at the port of entry and for how long can I use it?

Your question is not clear , specifically ref port of entry.

To enter Canada you need your passport and your PR card or COPR if first landing or crossing by land border without a PR card. If travelling by air then you would need passport/PR card or passport/PRTD or if first landing passport/COPR.

Each province has variations on how long you can drive on a valid foreign license which is often just 90 days before you need a Canadian license. Not aware CBSA would check your driving license at the border. Which province are you planning to reside in ?

 

[Samrancho]

Thanks.

Since I'm a new resident, I will automatically receive my new card by mail when I first arrive in Canada. Also, I was told PRTD won't be essential since this is my first time arriving

 

[Bs65]

Thanks.

Since I'm a new resident, I will automatically receive my new card by mail when I first arrive in Canada. Also, I was told PRTD won't be essential since this is my first time arriving

That is true given you will need your passport and your COPR to present to CBSA to complete your initial landing. You will get your PR card in the mail only of course if you provide a Canadian address when you land. As per my other reply how long you can drive on a valid foreign license can vary by province, often only 90 days before you need to exchange for a Canadian one but as far as I am aware not something of any concern to CBSA, more a police matter if you are stopped at some point..

 

[Samrancho]

That is true given you will need your passport and your COPR to present to CBSA to complete your initial landing. You will get your PR card in the mail only of course if you provide a Canadian address when you land. As per my other reply how long you can drive on a valid US license can vary by province, often only 90 days before you need to exchange for a Canadian one but as far as I am aware not something of any concern to CBSA, more a police matter if you are stopped at some point..

Yes, I do have my passport and COPR. Thanks for the information!

 

[Bs65]

Yes, I do have my passport and COPR. Thanks for the information!

Just google 'province name driving license' you plan to head for and you will find the specific requirements for how long you can drive before needing to exchange.

 

[Aarti123]

ontario is 60 days