CAA offers refunds for International Driving Permits and passport photos

The Canadian Automobile Association South Central Ontario is offering a full refund to travellers who bought an International Driving Permit and passport photos on Wednesday or Thursday.

Customers have until March 15 to get their money back. They must bring back the IDP issued and the original receipt to any south central store.

Canadians on both sides of the border expressed surprise and indignation Thursday upon learning new rules require them to have an IDP to drive in Florida.

But as word of the change began to circulate, officials in the state that millions of Canadians visit every year issued a release saying enforcement was being deferred because the change may run afoul of an international treaty.

CAA is apologizing for any inconvenience this issue may have caused. In a news release the company said “we understand the frustration and confusion among travellers and are offering a 30 day period to obtain a full refund.”

CAA is still recommending Canadians travelling to Florida in the next few days consider obtaining the permit. The Association says people who are not travelling for a while and those already in Florida should wait for further developments.

The refund is only available to customers at CAA South Central Ontario locations.

With files from The Canadian Press.