Northwest Territories · Driving and vehicles
Driver's licence renewal in Northwest Territories
Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked
Short answer
For a first driver's licence in the Northwest Territories, visit a driver and vehicle office with the application form, proof of your name, birth date and photo ID, and proof of NWT residency, then book a written exam. Learners can start at 15. A 5-year licence costs $110, or $54 for seniors 60 and over. Renewals and replacements can be done online or in person.
Who handles it
Driver and Vehicle Services (Department of Infrastructure, Government of the Northwest Territories)
Handles it in Northwest Territories.
Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.
Who can apply
For a Class 7 learner's licence you must be 15 or older and pass a vision screening and a knowledge exam on the rules of the road.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
After moving to the NWT you have 30 days to transfer your licence. Transfers are done in person only.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Steps
The upgrade from probationary to full licence is not automatic. You must apply in person at a driver and vehicle office.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
You can renew or replace a licence online, or in person at a driver and vehicle office with your current licence. If it expired more than two years ago, follow the process for a new licence.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
What you need
Bring proof of your legal name, date of birth and acceptable photo ID, such as a birth certificate or passport, and proof that you live in the NWT, such as a utility bill or lease.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Cost
A 5-year licence costs $110, a 3-year licence $84 and a 1-year licence $46. Seniors 60 and over pay $54, $43 and $23.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Replacing a lost, damaged or stolen licence costs $33, or $17 for seniors 60 and over.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Where to go
Apply for a first licence at a driver and vehicle office. Bring the completed form, which you can also get at the office.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to renew a driver's licence in the NWT?
A 5-year renewal costs $110, a 3-year renewal $84 and a 1-year renewal $46. Seniors 60 and over pay $54, $43 or $23.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Can I renew my NWT driver's licence online?
Yes. The NWT offers online renewal and online replacement. You can also renew in person at a driver and vehicle office by bringing your current licence.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
How old do you have to be to get a learner's licence in the NWT?
You can get a Class 7 learner's licence at 15. You must be at least 16 to move to the probationary Class 5P or 6P stage.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
How long is an NWT driver's licence valid?
Licences are issued for one, three or five years. Your licence class, age or medical status can mean you need to renew more often.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
I just moved to the NWT. How long can I drive on my old licence?
You have 30 days after moving to transfer your licence. Go in person to a driver and vehicle office with the completed form and supporting documents.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
In every province and territory
The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. Northwest Territories is marked.
| Province or territory | Who handles it | Official link | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | ICBC | Renew your licencechecked | Licences are renewed and replaced at ICBC driver licensing offices. |
| Alberta | Alberta 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. |
| Saskatchewan | SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) | Renew, replace or change a licencechecked | Renew at a motor licence issuer; a new photo is needed every 5 years. |
| Manitoba | Manitoba 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. |
| Ontario | ServiceOntario (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. |
| Quebec | Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) | Renew and pay your licencechecked | |
| New Brunswick | Service New Brunswick | Renew a driver's licence onlinechecked | First licences, upgrades and name changes are done in person at a Service New Brunswick centre. |
| Nova Scotia | Registry 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 Island | Access PEI (Highway Safety Division, Government of PEI) | None on record | |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Motor 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. |
| Yukon | Motor Vehicles (Government of Yukon) | None on record | Renewals are done in person at a Motor Vehicles office. |
| Northwest TerritoriesThis page | Driver and Vehicle Services (Department of Infrastructure, Government of the Northwest Territories) | Renew or replace a licencechecked | |
| Nunavut | Motor 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 Northwest Territories", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/drivers-licence/northwest-territories