Transferring Your Driver's License Between Provinces
Why You Must Transfer Your Driver's Licence
Every Canadian province requires new residents to exchange their out-of-province driver's licence within 60 to 90 days of establishing residency. Driving on an expired out-of-province licence beyond this period is illegal and can result in fines, points, or even having your vehicle impounded. Auto insurance policies also require a valid in-province licence—driving without one could void your coverage.
The exchange process is generally straightforward for full licence holders. Canadian provinces recognize each other's licensing classes under mutual recognition agreements, so you won't need to retake written or road tests in most cases. Graduated or learner's permits may require additional steps depending on the province.
Province-by-Province Transfer Guide
Quebec (SAAQ): Exchange within 90 days. Visit a SAAQ service centre with your current licence, proof of Quebec residency, and two pieces of ID. The fee is approximately $12 for the licence card plus applicable class fees. No road test for full out-of-province licences. Quebec issues a Class 5 licence equivalent to a full G (Ontario) or Class 5 (BC/Alberta).
Ontario (MTO): Exchange within 60 days at a ServiceOntario centre. Bring your existing licence, proof of Ontario address, and valid identification. Fees range from $90 for a five-year licence. Full Quebec Class 5 holders receive a G licence directly. British Columbia (ICBC): Exchange within 90 days at a driver licensing office. Fees are approximately $31 for the licence plus a $17 knowledge test fee (waived for most Canadian licence exchanges). Photo and eye test on-site.
Alberta: Exchange at any registry agent office within 90 days. Fee is approximately $93 for a five-year licence. No testing required for full Canadian licences. Manitoba (MPI): Exchange within 90 days at an MPI service centre. Fee is about $30. Saskatchewan (SGI): Exchange within 90 days at any SGI motor licence issuer. Fee is approximately $25.
Documents You'll Need
Regardless of province, prepare these documents: your current valid driver's licence (it will be surrendered), government-issued photo ID (passport or citizenship card), proof of new address (utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within 30 days), and your Social Insurance Number in some provinces.
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If your licence has been expired for more than three years, most provinces will require you to start the licensing process from scratch. If you hold a commercial licence (Class 1–4), additional documentation such as a medical certificate and driving abstract may be required. International licence holders face different rules—consult the specific provincial authority.
Vehicle Registration & Insurance
Transferring your licence is just one part of the equation. You also need to register your vehicle in the new province and obtain local auto insurance. Some provinces (Ontario, Nova Scotia) require a vehicle safety inspection before registration. Others (Alberta, Quebec) do not for vehicles already registered in Canada.
Auto insurance systems vary dramatically. Quebec and Manitoba use public insurance for bodily injury; Ontario, Alberta, and the Maritimes use private insurers. BC uses ICBC exclusively. Cancel your old policy only after the new one is active to avoid any coverage gap. Up & Out includes a complete administrative transfer guide with every interprovincial move—ask about it when requesting your quote.
