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Quebec · Driving and vehicles

Driver's licence renewal in Quebec

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

In Québec, driver's licences come from the SAAQ. New drivers must be at least 16, live in Québec, take a driving course at an SAAQ-recognized school, hold a learner's licence for 12 months, pass the SAAQ knowledge and road tests, then drive on a probationary licence for 24 months. The licence is renewed every year before your birthday by paying the fees on your SAAQ notice.

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Who can apply

  • To get a Class 5 licence for a passenger vehicle, you must be a Canadian citizen or allowed to stay in Canada for more than six months, live mainly in Québec, and be at least 16. Under 18 you need a parent's or guardian's consent.

    Source: saaq.gouv.qc.cachecked #

Steps

  1. The path is a learner's licence held for 12 months, the driving course, the SAAQ knowledge and road tests, and then a probationary licence held for 24 months before a full licence.

    Source: saaq.gouv.qc.cachecked #

  2. Before getting a learner's licence, finish the four Phase 1 modules of the driving course and pass the school's knowledge test. Then book an appointment at an SAAQ service centre.

    Source: saaq.gouv.qc.cachecked #

  3. Each year before your birthday you get a payment notice by mail. Pay through SAAQclic from your bank account, through your bank, by pre-authorized debit, or by cheque. Credit cards are not accepted.

    Source: saaq.gouv.qc.cachecked #

What you need

  • For a first licence, bring two official documents, one with a photo. For people born in Canada, one must be a document such as a birth certificate, citizenship certificate or Canadian passport; the other can be a health insurance card.

    Source: saaq.gouv.qc.cachecked #

Cost

  • A Class 5 learner's licence costs $88.35, is valid for 18 months, and includes the photo. SAAQ service outlets do not accept credit cards.

    Source: saaq.gouv.qc.cachecked #

  • The 24-month probationary licence costs $107.96.

    Source: saaq.gouv.qc.cachecked #

  • In 2026, renewing a Class 1 to 5 licence with no demerit points costs $50.23 a year, plus $10.40 for a photo when one is needed. The amount rises with demerit points.

    Source: saaq.gouv.qc.cachecked #

How long it takes

  • When you pay through SAAQclic, your licence is renewed right away and the money leaves your bank account within one to three business days.

    Source: saaq.gouv.qc.cachecked #

Good to know

  • New Québec residents can drive a car with a valid licence from elsewhere for up to six months in a row, and can apply for a Québec licence as soon as they arrive.

    Source: saaq.gouv.qc.cachecked #

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to renew a driver's licence in Québec?

It depends on your demerit points. In 2026, a Class 1 to 5 licence with no demerit points costs $50.23 for the year, plus $10.40 if a new photo is needed. Your notice shows the exact amount.

Source: saaq.gouv.qc.cachecked #

How often do I renew my Québec driver's licence?

Every year. You must pay the annual fees by your birthday, which is the deadline shown on the payment notice the SAAQ mails you.

Source: saaq.gouv.qc.cachecked #

Can I pay my SAAQ licence renewal with a credit card?

No. The SAAQ does not take credit cards. You can pay through SAAQclic with your bank account, through your bank, by pre-authorized debit, or by cheque. Service outlets also take cash and, at most locations, debit.

Source: saaq.gouv.qc.cachecked #

How long can I drive in Québec with an out-of-province licence after moving?

As a new resident, up to six months in a row for a car, motorcycle or moped, as long as your licence is valid for that vehicle.

Source: saaq.gouv.qc.cachecked #

In every province and territory

The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. Quebec 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.
QuebecThis pageSociété 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 LabradorMotor 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 Quebec", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/drivers-licence/quebec