Moving is exciting, but it can also come with administrative tasks. One of the essential items on your list is updating your driver’s licence. Do you need to get a new driver’s licence if you move? What about moving to a new province? And what about your car insurance when moving to a new province?
Each province has different rules and regulations regarding driver’s licences, and it can be confusing to navigate the process. In this blog, we will dive into the details of what you need to know about getting a new driver’s license when you move and how it can affect your car insurance. So, if you are planning a move or are simply curious about the process, keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
Why a new driver’s licence is necessary when you move
When you move, updating the new address on your driver’s licence and/or vehicle permit is not just necessary but also mandatory.
You need a new driver’s licence when you move within Canada because your driver’s licence is linked to your current address. It’s important to keep your driver’s licence information up to date with your new address to ensure that you are in compliance with the law and that your licence remains valid. Having an outdated address on your driver’s licence can lead to potential problems, such as traffic tickets or other important documents being sent to the wrong address. Additionally, updating your driver’s licence with your new address can help you avoid unnecessary stress and hassle in the future.
Updating the address on your driver’s licence is important for several reasons, including:
- It ensures that your licence contains the correct information about your current residence, which is important for legal and identification purposes.
- It is a legal requirement to keep your address up to date on your driver’s licence.
- It can help you avoid potential problems, such as receiving traffic tickets or other important documents at the wrong address.
Additionally, when you change your driver’s licence or vehicle permit, you must also update your health card’s address. If you don’t operate a vehicle, provinces like Ontario or Alberta provide the option to apply for a photo card, which functions as an identification card.
Do you need to change your license when you move?
If you are planning to move within your current province, you must update the address on your driver’s licence as soon as possible. Each province has a different deadline, so be sure to check with your province’s guidelines to determine your deadline. For example, in Ontario, you must update your driver’s licence and vehicle permit (the green ownership document) within six days, whereas in Alberta, you have 14 days to update your address. After you have updated your address, you will receive a new licence in the mail with the new address on it.
Do you need to change your driver’s licence when moving out of the province?
When you move to a new province, you will need to get a new driver’s licence, as all provinces issue their own. Typically, you are given a period of 60-90 days to update your licence when moving to a new province. However, it’s important to note that the grace period may differ depending on the province you are relocating to. Therefore, it’s advisable to confirm the specific grace period of the province you are moving to. For example, a new driver in Ontario is permitted to use their current driver’s licence from another province, state or country for 60 days. After 60 days, you must switch to an Ontario driver’s licence.
Do you need to change your driver’s licence when moving out of Canada?
If you’re moving to another country, you will likely need to complete a driving test in order to obtain a new driver’s licence in your new country. It’s important to check the specific rules and regulations that apply in the country you are moving to.
How to update your driver’s licence when you move
Updating your driver’s licence with your new address is an important step to take when you move to a new location, whether it’s within the same province or a different province in Canada. Keeping your driver’s licence information up to date can help ensure that you comply with the law, avoid potential problems and maintain your ability to drive:
In-province
Generally, you can update your driver’s licence address online. For example, if you live in Ontario, you can update your licence by visiting the ServiceOntario website. You’ll need to create an account and provide some personal information, including:
- Your current driver’s licence or registrant identification number.
- The issue date on your driver’s licence.
- Identifying supporting documents (birth certificate, passport, etc.)
- Proof of your new address (such as a lease agreement, mortgage statements, utility bills, etc.)
You can also update the address on your driver’s license by mail by filling out the required forms and mailing them to the address indicated on the form. It’s important to note that there may be fees associated with updating the address on your driver’s licence, and these fees will depend on the specific service and method you choose to use.
Out-of-province
If you move to a new province in Canada, you’ll need to update your driver’s licence with the new address. The specific process for updating your driver’s licence may vary depending on the province you are moving to, but in general, you can follow these steps:
- Obtain information on the specific requirements and regulations for updating your driver’s licence in the province you are moving to. You can usually find this information on the province’s government website or by contacting the province's transportation department. They will guide you on the next steps.
- Visit a ServiceOntario center in person or the equivalent government office in the province you are moving to. Bring your existing driver’s licence and any other necessary documents, such as proof of residency or identification.
- Fill out the necessary forms to update your driver’s licence information. You may need to provide personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and current and new address.
- Pay any applicable fees for updating your driver’s license. The amount of the fee will depend on the province you are moving to and the specific services you require.
- Once your application form has been processed and approved, you will receive a new licence with your updated address. It's important to note that the processing time may vary depending on the province you are moving to, so be sure to plan accordingly.
How to update your vehicle permit when you move
Your vehicle permit, which is also referred to as vehicle ownership, is a document that you are issued once your vehicle is registered. This document serves as proof that you are the registered owner of the vehicle. It’s essential to sign the plate portion of the permit, keep the original copy of the permit safe, and ensure that the information on the permit is accurate and up-to-date.
There are many situations in which you need to update your vehicle registration, including when you move. While changing your address for your driver’s licence will also update your vehicle registration, you will still need to visit a ServiceOntario location or your province’s equivalent government office to exchange your current permit for one with your new address. If you request a new vehicle permit but fail to provide the existing one, you may be charged a fee for the replacement.
What happens if you don’t change your licence after moving?
If you don’t change your driver’s licence after moving to a new address in Canada, you may face legal and practical consequences. Here are some potential consequences of failing to update your driver’s license:
Fines and penalties
In most provinces, failing to update your driver’s licence with your new address can result in fines and penalties. These fines may increase over time if you continue to neglect the issue.
Invalid license
If you move to a new province and fail to update your driver’s licence, your licence may be considered invalid. This means that you could be driving without a valid licence, which is illegal and could result in additional fines and penalties.
Additional questioning
If you are pulled over by law enforcement and your driver’s licence has an outdated address, you may face additional questions and scrutiny. This could lead to longer stops and more inconvenience for you.
Missed notifications and documents
If you don’t update your driver’s licence with your new address, you may miss important notifications and documents related to your licence, such as renewal notices or important correspondence from the licensing authority.
In short, failing to change your driver’s license after moving can lead to several problems. Therefore, it should be addressed as soon as possible to ensure that you’re in compliance with the law and that your license remains valid.
How does moving affect my car insurance?
Considering your car insurance is also crucial. When you move to a new location within your current province, your car insurance rates may change based on a number of factors, such as the area’s crime rate, population density, driving habits and traffic volume. Depending on the location you are moving to, your rates may go up or down.
Moving to a new province affects your insurance as well. In fact, it can have a significant impact on your auto insurance. Certain provinces, such as Saskatchewan and British Columbia, have government insurance, while others, like Quebec, require private insurance. Here are some ways that moving to a new province can affect your car insurance:
Different insurance regulations
Each province in Canada has its own rules and regulations regarding car insurance. This means that when you move to a new province, you’ll need to comply with the new province’s requirements for insurance coverage. For example, some provinces have government-run insurance plans, while others require private insurance.
Insurance premiums
Your car insurance premiums will likely change when you move to a new province. This is because insurance companies base their premiums on a variety of factors, including the location where you live, the type of car you drive, and your driving record.
Coverage options
The types of coverage that are available to you may also change when you move to a new province. For example, some provinces have public insurance programs, while others have private insurance. This can affect the types of coverage that are available to you, as well as the cost of that coverage.
Policy renewal
If you have car insurance from an insurance company that operates in multiple provinces, you may be able to renew your car insurance in a new province. The specifics of the renewal process may vary depending on the province you’re in, the insurance company you’re working with, and the terms of your insurance policy.
Keep in mind that it is still advisable to compare auto insurance quotes from different companies in your new area, even if your current insurer operates in the new province, to ensure that you’re getting the best deal for your new address.
Policy cancellation
However, if your current insurance provider doesn’t operate in the province you’re moving to, you will need to find a new insurance provider in your new location. For example, your current Toronto car insurance company may not also cover car insurance in Calgary. Be sure to research insurance options and compare rates from different providers to find the best coverage for your needs.
It’s important to update your car insurance coverage as soon as possible to ensure you are meeting any new requirements and regulations in your new province. Contact BrokerLink today to learn more about how your move will affect your car insurance rates and coverage and how you can make changes to your auto insurance policy.
Should I update my auto insurance or my driver’s licence first?
It’s advisable to update both your auto insurance and your driver’s licence as soon as possible when you move to a new location in Canada. It’s important to ensure that your insurance coverage is up to date with your new address to comply with legal requirements and to protect yourself in case of an accident. At the same time, updating your driver’s licence with your new address ensures that you have a valid licence and avoids potential legal and practical consequences.
Get in touch with BrokerLink for more information on how your move can affect your car insurance
There are several reasons why it’s important to update your car insurance when you move, including compliance with legal requirements, proper coverage, and avoiding fines and penalties. BrokerLink can help you understand the insurance regulations and requirements in your new city or province, ensure that your coverage is up to date with your new address, and compare rates from different insurance companies to find the best deal for your needs. By working with BrokerLink, you can have peace of mind knowing that you and your vehicle are properly protected.
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