Updating Car Registration & License After Moving in Quebec

Updating Your Address with the SAAQ

After moving within Quebec or to Quebec from another province, you're required to update your address with the SAAQ (Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec) within 30 days. You can do this online through the SAAQ website, by phone, or in person at any SAAQ service centre. The Montreal area has several locations — the one on boulevard Crémazie Est is the busiest, so try the Dorval or Longueuil offices for shorter wait times.

Updating your address is free and ensures your vehicle registration, insurance, and license are all linked to your current location. Failing to update can result in missed renewal notices and complications with insurance claims if you're in an accident.

Transferring Your License from Another Province

If you're moving to Quebec from another Canadian province, you must exchange your driver's license for a Quebec one within 90 days of establishing residency. Visit an SAAQ service centre with your current valid license, two pieces of ID, and proof of Quebec residency (lease, utility bill, or bank statement with your Montreal address). The exchange is straightforward for Canadian licenses — no written or road test is required.

For international licenses, the process varies by country. Some countries have reciprocal agreements with Quebec (France, Belgium, Switzerland, and others), allowing a direct exchange. Otherwise, you may need to pass both a knowledge test and a road test. Check the SAAQ website for your country's specific requirements before visiting.

Vehicle Registration and Insurance in Quebec

If you're bringing a vehicle from another province, you must register it in Quebec within a specific timeframe. You'll need a mechanical inspection (performed at a certified garage), proof of insurance from a Quebec-licensed insurer, and the vehicle's previous registration documents. Registration fees vary by vehicle type but typically run $250–$350 annually, which includes SAAQ's public auto insurance contribution.

Quebec has a unique split insurance system: the SAAQ covers bodily injury (included in your registration), while private insurers cover property damage. Shop around — rates in Montreal are higher than the rest of Quebec due to higher theft and accident rates. Get quotes from Desjardins, Intact, La Capitale, and Belairdirect for competitive Montreal pricing.