Drivers Licence and Vehicle Registration

New Residents

If you are a new resident in Ontario and have a valid driver's licence from another province, state or country, you can use it for up to 60 days after you move to Ontario. If you want to keep driving in Ontario, you must get an Ontario driver's licence. New Ontario residents have 30 days before they have to register their vehicles and get Ontario licence plates and a vehicle permit. If you plan to buy a vehicle, you will need proof of insurance. To get insurance, you usually need an Ontario driver's license.

For more information on getting an Ontario Driver's Licence and licensing a vehicle in Ontario visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.

For information on permanently importing your vehicle to Canada, visit the Registrar of Imported Vehicles. For more information on importing personal belongings, visit the "bringing your belongings to Canada" section of this site.

Exchanging your license for an Ontario license

You may be able to exchange the driver's license from another country for an Ontario license. The license you get depends on your being able to provide proof of driving experience from the other country, and exact terms of exchange and required documentation vary from country to country.

For some countries, you have to show an original letter from the country which issued your driving license. It is much easier to obtain this before you leave your country of origin.

Click here to review a list of countries and the exact requirements for exchange.

Visitors

If you are a visitor to Ontario and want to drive while you are here, you must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver's licence from your own province, state or country. If you are visiting Ontario for more than three months, you need an International Driver's Permit from your own country or you may have to apply for an Ontario driver's licence, depending on your length of stay. You should also ensure your automobile insurance coverage is sufficient.

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