How To Renew a Vehicle Registration in Quebec
Every vehicle registered in Quebec must undergo annual registration renewal in accordance with the Highway Safety Code, which establishes the legal framework for road vehicle registration and operation. The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) administers all aspects of vehicle registration throughout the province.
Vehicle owners receive a registration renewal notice by mail each year, which includes all necessary payment information and the renewal deadline. Registration must be completed annually to maintain legal vehicle operation on Quebec roadways.
Payment through financial institutions
The primary method for renewing vehicle registration in Quebec is through participating financial institutions. This option provides maximum flexibility and convenience.
Available payment channels:
- Online banking platforms
- Automated teller machines (ATMs)
- In-person at financial institution branches
- Telephone banking services
To complete payment through your financial institution, you will need your payment notice number, which appears on the renewal notice sent by SAAQ.
Pre-authorized debit arrangements
SAAQ offers a payment plan option allowing vehicle owners to spread registration costs over multiple instalments through pre-authorized debits from a bank account.
Instalment options:
- Single payment (1 debit per year)
- Monthly instalments (12 debits per year)
Pre-authorized debits begin the month following your renewal deadline. You can simulate payment amounts and schedule using the online pre-authorized debit tool before enrolling.
Payment by mail
Vehicle registration can be renewed by sending a cheque to SAAQ by postal service. This traditional method remains available for those who prefer mail-in payment.
Mail cheques to: Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec C.P. 19600, succursale Terminus Québec (Québec) G1K 8J6
Include your payment notice with the cheque and allow adequate processing time before the renewal deadline.
Renewal at SAAQ service outlets
In-person renewal is available at any SAAQ service outlet across Quebec. Services are provided both by appointment and on a walk-in basis, though appointments are recommended to minimize wait times.
Contact SAAQ:
- Phone: 1-800-361-7620
- Online inquiry form
When attending a service outlet, bring your renewal notice and valid identification. Payment can be made by cash, debit card, or credit card.
Payment deadlines and late fees
Registration renewal notices are mailed approximately 90 days before the expiration date. The payment deadline is clearly indicated on the renewal notice.
Late payment penalties:
- Administrative fee for late renewal: minimum $13.20 (may vary based on circumstances)
- Non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee: $13.20 per occurrence
- Extended delays may result in additional penalties
Timely renewal prevents penalties and ensures the continuous legal operation of your vehicle.
Required insurance coverage
All vehicles must maintain valid automobile insurance from a Quebec-licensed insurance provider to renew registration. SAAQ verifies insurance status during the renewal process.
If insurance coverage has lapsed or is not current, registration cannot be renewed until valid insurance is reinstated. Present your pink insurance certificate as proof of coverage.
Outstanding fines and toll obligations
Vehicle registration renewal cannot be completed if there are unpaid fines, fees, or toll charges associated with your vehicle or driver's licence.
Common outstanding obligations include:
- Provincial offences fines
- Parking violation tickets
- Highway 407 ETR tolls (if applicable from Ontario travel)
- Court-ordered payments
- Municipal parking infractions
You can pay provincial fines online through the Quebec government portal. Allow 2 to 3 business days for payments to process in SAAQ systems before attempting registration renewal.
Third-party registration renewal
Another individual may renew your vehicle registration on your behalf, provided they present appropriate documentation and authorization.
Required documents for third-party renewal:
- Written authorization letter signed by the vehicle owner
- Vehicle owner's valid identification (original or photocopy)
- Third party's valid government-issued photo identification
- Payment notice and payment method
- Proof of current insurance
The third party must present all documentation at an SAAQ service outlet to complete renewal on your behalf.
Commercial vehicle registrations
Commercial vehicles, trucks exceeding 3,000 kg, and vehicles under the International Registration Plan (IRP) follow specialized registration procedures with different fee structures.
Seasonal vehicle registrations
Motorcycles, off-road vehicles, and snowmobiles operate under seasonal registration provisions with adjusted rates based on the renewal timing.
Motorcycles not renewed by the deadline require a full-year registration payment regardless of when renewal occurs. Snowmobiles and snowblowers have specific seasonal rate adjustments.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Vehicle Registration in Quebec?
Vehicle registration costs in Quebec vary based on vehicle type, usage classification, engine specifications, and geographic location.
Passenger vehicles (personal use)
Standard passenger vehicles used for personal transportation follow a tiered fee structure based on vehicle age. Registration fees fund road network maintenance and the province's public automobile insurance plan.
| Vehicle age | Vehicle registration fee | Insurance contribution (tax included) | Charge | Total (excluding additional fees) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year or less | $137.00 | $64.78 | $5.35 | $207.13 |
| 2 years | $111.00 | $64.78 | $5.35 | $181.13 |
| 3 years | $85.00 | $64.78 | $5.35 | $155.13 |
| 4 years or more | $0.00 | $64.78 | $5.35 | $70.13 |
Note: Passenger vehicles 4 years or older are exempt from the vehicle registration fee but must still pay insurance contributions and charges.
Public transit contribution
Vehicle owners in certain municipalities pay an additional contribution to support regional public transit infrastructure. These contributions vary significantly by location.
Additional fees for luxury vehicles
Passenger vehicles valued above $40,000 are subject to an additional annual registration fee for luxury vehicles calculated on the portion of the vehicle's value exceeding this threshold.
Additional fees for large cylinder capacity vehicles
Vehicles manufactured in 1995 or later with engine cylinder capacity of 3.95 litres (3,950 cc) or greater are subject to an additional annual registration fee.
Cylinder capacity additional fees (2025):
| Cylinder capacity | Additional fee |
|---|---|
| 3.95 L to 4.99 L | $137.35 |
| 5.00 L to 5.99 L | $215.67 |
| 6.00 L and over | $215.67 |
Motorcycles
Motorcycle registration costs vary based on engine displacement or power output for electric models.
| Motorcycle classification | Insurance contribution (tax included) | Vehicle registration fee | Charge | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 125 cc (gasoline) / up to 11 kW (electric) | $213.45 | $57.50 | $5.35 | $276.30 |
| 126 cc to 400 cc (gasoline) / 11 kW to 35 kW (electric) | $541.35 | $57.50 | $5.35 | $604.20 |
| 401 cc to 549 cc (gasoline) / over 35 kW (electric) | $592.51 | $57.50 | $5.35 | $655.36 |
| 550 cc and over (gasoline) | $665.87 | $57.50 | $5.35 | $728.72 |
High-performance motorcycles may incur additional insurance contributions based on risk assessment. Use the motorcycle cost calculator to estimate your registration fees.
Mopeds and scooters
| Fee component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Insurance contribution (tax included) | $317.10 |
| Vehicle registration fee | $57.50 |
| Charge | $5.35 |
| Total | $379.95 |
Off-road vehicles and snowmobiles
| Fee component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vehicle registration fee | $57.50 |
| Special contribution | $21.00 |
| Charge | $5.35 |
| Total | $83.85 |
Trucks and commercial vehicles
Truck registration fees depend on weight classification and usage type (commercial goods transport, farm use, or personal use).
Light trucks under 3,000 kg (personal use):
Follow the passenger vehicle fee structure with age-based registration fees plus insurance contributions.
Trucks over 3,000 kg (commercial use):
| Vehicle type and weight | Registration cost range |
|---|---|
| Commercial transport (3,001 to 4,500 kg) | $356.10 |
| Commercial transport (4,501 to 6,500 kg) | $471.34 |
| Commercial transport (6,501 to 9,000 kg) | $699.78 |
| Heavy commercial (over 9,000 kg) | $699.78 to $4,800+ |
Farm vehicles (reduced rates):
| Weight classification | Registration cost |
|---|---|
| 3,001 to 4,500 kg | $188.27 |
| 4,501 to 6,500 kg | $272.45 |
| 6,501 kg and over | $406.35 to $1,458.50 |
International Registration Plan (IRP) vehicles
Commercial vehicles operating interprovincially under IRP have specialized registration requirements.
| Service | 2025 fee |
|---|---|
| Initial registration | $52.25 |
| Changes to vehicle, fleet, or distance | $52.25 |
| Renewal by mail | $52.25 |
| Renewal at service outlet | $59.50 |
| Replacement certificate or plate | $26.25 |
Trailers
| Trailer type | Annual registration cost |
|---|---|
| Light trailer (under 900 kg) | $37.10 |
| Heavy trailer (900 kg and over) | $87.10 |
Administrative fees
Standard registration services (2025):
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Issuing standard licence plate (pair) | $42.50 |
| Registration certificate issuance | $10.40 |
| Replacement licence plate | $26.25 |
| Replacement registration certificate | $26.25 |
| Vehicle acquisition by exchange | $10.40 |
| Change of registration information | $10.40 |
Personalized licence plates:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Annual fee for personalized plate | $39.96 |
| Initial personalized plate issuance | $248.50 |
View all administrative fees on the SAAQ website.