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Newfoundland and Labrador · Driving and vehicles

Driver's licence renewal in Newfoundland and Labrador

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

New drivers in Newfoundland and Labrador start in the Graduated Driver Licensing Program at 16 or older, passing written, vision and road tests. For a first licence you must present at least two original ID documents and proof of address. You can renew online through MyGovNL once outstanding fines are paid. You leave with a temporary licence and the card comes by mail.

Who handles it

Motor Registration Division (Government Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)

Handles it in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Renew online through MyGovNL; in-person service at a Motor Registration office is by appointment.

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Who can apply

  • All new drivers, whatever their age, must complete the Graduated Driver Licensing Program for a Class 5 car or Class 6 motorcycle licence.

    Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

  • You must be at least 16 and pass a written, vision and road test. If you are under 19, a parent or guardian must sign consent on the application form.

    Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

Steps

  1. The written test covers the rules of the road, safe driving and road signs, and you need 85% to pass.

    Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

  2. Renew your licence online at MyGovNL. Any fines and tickets on your record must be paid first.

    Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

  3. To replace a lost, stolen or damaged licence, contact your nearest Motor Registration Division office in person, by phone, or by mail or fax.

    Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

What you need

  • For a first licence, prove your identity with at least 2 documents that together show your legal name, date of birth, legal presence in Canada and photo. Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.

    Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

  • You also need proof of address with your full name, such as a utility bill no older than two months, a bank statement, a signed lease or a pay stub.

    Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

How long it takes

  • Learners must spend at least 12 months at Level I before the road test, or 8 months after an approved driver education program. Level II then lasts 12 months.

    Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

  • When a clerk accepts your application, you get a temporary licence right away and the card is mailed to you.

    Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

Questions people ask

Can I renew my driver's licence online in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Yes. You can renew online through MyGovNL. Make sure any outstanding fines and tickets on your record are paid first.

Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

My NL licence has expired. Do I need to take the tests again?

If it expired less than 5 years ago, no tests are needed. Between 5 and 10 years, you take written, vision and road tests. After more than 10 years, you start the graduated program again.

Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

How old do you have to be to get a learner's licence in Newfoundland and Labrador?

You must be at least 16. If you are under 19, a parent or guardian must give consent on the driver application form before the learner's licence is issued.

Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

Do I get my NL driver's licence right away?

You get a temporary licence document when the clerk processes your application. The plastic card is sent to you by mail.

Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

What ID do I need for my first driver's licence in NL?

At least two original documents that prove your legal name, date of birth, legal presence in Canada and photo, plus proof of your address. If you lack a photo or address document, a Guarantor Declaration can be used.

Source: gov.nl.cachecked #

In every province and territory

The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. Newfoundland and Labrador is marked.

Province or territoryWho handles itOfficial linkGood to know
British ColumbiaICBCRenew your licencechecked Licences are renewed and replaced at ICBC driver licensing offices.
AlbertaAlberta registry agents (Government of Alberta)Renew or replace a licencechecked Renew or replace at any registry agent office; online renewal was paused in October 2026.
SaskatchewanSGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance)Renew, replace or change a licencechecked Renew at a motor licence issuer; a new photo is needed every 5 years.
ManitobaManitoba Public Insurance (MPI)Get a driver's licencechecked Licences are issued, renewed and replaced at Autopac agents and MPI Service Centres, not at a provincial government office.
OntarioServiceOntario (Ministry of Transportation)Renew a driver's licencechecked A new photo, a recent address change or a required test means renewing in person at ServiceOntario.
QuebecSociété de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)Renew and pay your licencechecked
New BrunswickService New BrunswickRenew a driver's licence onlinechecked First licences, upgrades and name changes are done in person at a Service New Brunswick centre.
Nova ScotiaRegistry of Motor Vehicles, Access Nova Scotia (Service Nova Scotia)Renew online (class 5, 6, 8)checked Only class 5, 6 and 8 licences renew online; new, replacement and other classes are done at an Access Nova Scotia RMV office.
Prince Edward IslandAccess PEI (Highway Safety Division, Government of PEI)None on record
Newfoundland and LabradorThis pageMotor Registration Division (Government Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)Renew a driver's licencechecked Renew online through MyGovNL; in-person service at a Motor Registration office is by appointment.
YukonMotor Vehicles (Government of Yukon)None on recordRenewals are done in person at a Motor Vehicles office.
Northwest TerritoriesDriver and Vehicle Services (Department of Infrastructure, Government of the Northwest Territories)Renew or replace a licencechecked
NunavutMotor Vehicles Division (Government of Nunavut)Apply, renew or replacechecked Submit the application online or in person at any Motor Vehicles office.

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Driver's licence renewal in Newfoundland and Labrador", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/drivers-licence/newfoundland-and-labrador