When To Renew Your Driver's License In Quebec
Driver's licenses in Quebec are valid for a specific period based on the driver's age and license class. You must renew your plasticized driver's licence, usually every 4 or 8 years.
The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) mails a renewal notice approximately eight weeks before the license expiration date. Drivers should renew their licenses before expiration to avoid penalties and ensure they remain legally driving.
How To Renew Your Driver's License In Quebec
To renew your driver's license in Quebec, you can choose one of the following methods:
• Online: Visit the SAAQ's online services portal and follow the instructions for license renewal.
• By mail: Complete the renewal form received in the mail and send it back to the SAAQ with the required payment.
• In-person: Visit an SAAQ service center with your renewal notice, required documents, and payment.
Note that online and mail renewals are only available for specific categories of drivers. If you are required to provide additional documentation or pass a medical examination, you must renew in person at an SAAQ service center.
How To Renew Expired Driver's License In Quebec
If your driver's license has expired for less than three years, you can still renew it using the standard renewal process (online, by mail, or in-person), but you will be required to pay an additional fee for the expired period.
You must pass the knowledge and road test for expired licenses over three years old.
How Much Is Driver's License Renewal In Quebec?
The cost of driver's license renewal in Quebec depends on the driver's age and the validity period of the license. As of 2024, the fee for Class 5 licenses is $25,50
Additional fees may apply for expired licenses or those requiring a medical examination. Check the SAAQ's website for the most up-to-date fee information.
Additional fees may apply for expired licenses or those requiring a medical examination. Check the SAAQ's website for the most up-to-date fee information.
Where To Renew Your Driver's License In Quebec
Driver's licenses can be renewed at any SAAQ service center across the province. To find the nearest service center:
• Use the SAAQ's online service center locator
• Call the SAAQ's customer service line at 1-800-361-7620
• Check your renewal notice for the address of the nearest service center
Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)
Address: 333 Boulevard Jean-Lesage, Québec, QC G1K 8J6
Phone Number: 1-800-361-7620
Official Website: https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/
Can I Renew My Driver's License Online In Quebec?
Yes, some drivers can renew their licenses online through the SAAQ's online services portal. To qualify for online renewal, you must:
• Have received a renewal notice in the mail
• Not have any outstanding fines, medical conditions, or other issues that require additional documentation or in-person renewal
• Have a valid credit card for payment
If you meet these criteria, follow the instructions on the SAAQ's website to complete your online renewal. If you are not eligible for online renewal, you must renew by mail or in person at an SAAQ service center.
What Documents Are Needed To Renew A Driver's License In Quebec
When renewing your driver's license in person at an SAAQ service center, you must provide:
• Your renewal notice (if you received one)
• Your current driver's license
• Proof of identity (e.g., passport, birth certificate)
• Proof of Quebec residency (e.g., utility bill, lease agreement)
• Payment for the renewal fee
If renewing by mail, include your renewal notice, a cheque or money order for the fee, and copies of the required identity and residency documents. No additional documents are needed for online renewals, but you may be required to provide information from your renewal notice and driver's license.
Can I Drive With An Expired License In Quebec?
No, driving with an expired license is illegal in Quebec under the Highway Safety Code. If caught, drivers face fines and potential license suspension. To avoid these penalties, it is crucial to renew your license before the expiration date.
In some cases, such as a medical emergency or urgent situation, a police officer may use discretion if you are caught driving with an expired license. However, this is not guaranteed, and keeping your license current is always best.
What Is The Fine For Driving With An Expired License In Quebec?
According to the Highway Safety Code, the fine for driving with an expired license in Quebec ranges from $300 to $600 for a first offense and $600 to $2,000 for subsequent offenses within three years.
Drivers may receive demerit points and face license suspension in addition to the fine. Repeated offenses can lead to higher fines and longer suspensions. To avoid these penalties, always renew your license before it expires.
Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)
Address: 333 Boulevard Jean-Lesage, Québec, QC G1K 8J6
Phone Number: 1-800-361-7620
Official Website: https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/
How Long Does It Take To Renew A Driver's License In Quebec?
The time it takes to renew a driver's license in Quebec depends on the renewal method:
• Online renewals are processed immediately, and the new license is mailed within 7-10 business days.
• In-person renewals at an SAAQ service center are completed on the spot, and you receive your new license at the end of the transaction.
• Mail renewals can take 4-6 weeks to process and receive the new license.
To ensure timely renewal, starting the process well before your license expires, especially if renewing by mail, is best. If you have yet to receive your new license within the expected timeframe, contact the SAAQ at 1-800-361-7620 for assistance.
Is A Medical Examination Required To Renew A Driver's License In Quebec?
In most cases, a medical examination is not required for routine driver's license renewal in Quebec. However, there are some exceptions:
• Drivers aged 75 and over must provide a medical report every two years to maintain their driving privileges.
• Drivers with certain medical conditions, as determined by the SAAQ, may be required to provide medical information or undergo an examination to ensure they are fit to drive.
• Commercial vehicle drivers (Classes 1, 2, 3, and 4) must provide a valid medical report at specified intervals, depending on their age and license class.
The SAAQ will notify you by mail if a medical examination is required. Failure to comply may result in license suspension. For more information on medical requirements for drivers, visit the SAAQ's website.
Do I Have To Renew A Lost Driver's License In Quebec
Yes, if you have lost your driver's license in Quebec, you must replace it as soon as possible. Driving without a valid license is illegal and can result in fines and other penalties.
To replace a lost license, visit an SAAQ service center with acceptable identification and proof of Quebec residency. You must complete a license replacement form and pay the applicable fee (as of 2023, the cost is $17.40). Your replacement license will be mailed within 7-10 business days.
Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)
Address: 333 Boulevard Jean-Lesage, Québec, QC G1K 8J6
Phone Number: 1-800-361-7620
Official Website: https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/