Moving to Québec from another province: your driver’s licence
By Thomas Lymburner, residential real estate broker, RE/MAX Direct
Key facts
- First six months: a licence from another province is accepted if it is valid and covers the type of vehicle.
- Licence valid or expired less than three years ago (most road vehicles except Class 1): licence exchange, with some holders having to pass tests first.
- Licence expired three or more years ago: driving course and graduated licensing, tests.
- Trucks, emergency vehicles, buses, minibuses: medical examination report.
- Credit cards are not accepted to pay the fees.
- Source: SAAQ, page updated July 27, 2026, consulted October 19, 2026.
After six months: which process?
If your licence is valid or expired less than three years ago (most road vehicles except Class 1): licence exchange; some holders must pass tests first.
If it expired three or more years ago: driving course and graduated licensing, with tests.
For trucks, emergency vehicles, buses and minibuses: medical examination report.
This page covers licences issued in Canada; a foreign licence follows other rules.
1. Check eligibility
You must be 16 or older, hold a licence from another Canadian jurisdiction, have your principal residence in Québec, and be a Canadian citizen or have the right to stay for more than six months.
2. Book an appointment
Apply online with the SAAQ form. The SAAQ contacts you within 20 business days. Help: 1 833 762-1502.
3. Bring original documents
Your licence from the other province; proof of citizenship or right to stay; proof of residence in Québec; proof of residence in the issuing province if the licence is less than three years old; driving record (recommended).
4. Take the tests if required
Knowledge test: $13.50 (possible the same day). Road test fees vary by class.
5. Pay the fees
Fees vary by class; see the SAAQ fees page. Payment by cash, debit (not everywhere), pre-authorized debit, cheque or money order. Credit cards are not accepted.
Probationary licence
If the SAAQ recognizes less than 24 months of passenger-vehicle driving experience, you receive a probationary licence until 24 months are recognized.
Frequently asked questions
During your first six months in Québec, if it is valid and covers the type of vehicle. After that, you need a Québec licence.
It depends on the licence’s validity and your experience: some tests may be required. If the licence expired three or more years ago, you must take the driving course and graduated licensing, with tests.
No. The SAAQ accepts cash, debit (not everywhere), pre-authorized debit, cheque or money order.
Sources
- SAAQ — Your driver’s licence was issued elsewhere in Canada — Page updated July 27, 2026, consulted October 19, 2026.
- SAAQ — Permis de conduire canadien ou étranger (French page) — Page updated July 27, 2026, consulted October 19, 2026.
General information only, not financial or legal advice.
Related guides
Let’s discuss your plans in Gatineau
To discuss your plans, contact Thomas Lymburner, real estate broker, RE/MAX Direct, OACIQ licence J6215.
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