DRIVING IN QUEBEC - How to Exchange a License and Register a Vehicle - Updated Feb. 25, 2026

Sep 19, 2026

Uploaded by Anda

Guide to driving requirements in Quebec, focused on exchanging an out-of-province or foreign driver’s licence within six months of arrival and obtaining a Quebec licence before any prior licence expires. Covers required original documents, potential proof of residency and driving record, plus how to check exchange agreements. Explains vehicle registration steps: mechanical inspection via SAAQ agent, then service-centre submission. Includes SAAQclic online account creation requirements, road condition resources, winter tire rules, and mandatory child car seats.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

DRIVING IN QUEBEC

Driver’s Licence

Vehicle Registration

SAAQclic

SAAQ Online Services

Road Conditions

Winter Tires

Child Car Seats

PLEASE NOTE THAT SOME WEBSITES MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH # DRIVING IN QUEBEC The Société del’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) is a provincial Crowncorporation. It issues driver’s licences and vehicle registrations. It is mandatory tohave private car insurance in Quebec as the SAAQ does not provide insurancecoverage for drivers. # Driver’s Licence If you have a valid driver’s licence issued outside Quebec, you have six monthsfrom your arrival in Quebec to exchange it for a Quebec driver’s licence. Note that if your driver’s licence issued outside Quebec expires before the six -month deadline, you must obtain a Quebec driver’s licence before it expires. To obtain your Quebec driver’s licence, you must book an appointment at : Driver’s Licence Issued Outside Québec— SAAQ (gouv.qc.ca) CRFM Bagotville MFRC • 418-677 7468 • www crfmbagotville com/en Feb 25, 2026 At your appointment, you will have to provide the following original documents: • Driver’s licence from another province or territory of Canada • Proof of Canadian citizenship or Quebec temporary resident permit • Proof of residence in Quebec • Proof that you resided in the province or on the territory that issued yourlicence if you have obtained it less than 3 years ago. • Your driving record may be required. If you have a driver’s licence issued abroad, click this link to see if theissuing country has an agreement with Canada: Canadian or foreign driver’s Licence— SAAQ (gouv.qc.ca) If you have any questions or issues regarding the exchange of your driver’slicence, contact SAAQ to speak to one of their representatives : 1- 833- 762- 1502 # Vehicle Registration To obtain a Quebec licence plate, you must first have your vehicle inspected bya SAAQ agent to receive a valid mechanical inspection certificate. The only inspection centre in Saguenay is in the Chicoutimi District: Autolook inc. 162, rue des RoutiersChicoutimi (Quebec) 418 - 696 - 1352 CRFM Bagotville MFRC • 418-677-7468 • www.crfmbagotville.com/en UPD Feb. 25, 2026 You will then have to go to a SAAQ service centre and present the followingdocuments: • Driver’slicence from another province or Canadian territory • Mechanical inspection certificate • Piece of identification with photo. To find the SAAQ service centre or for more details concerning your driver’slicence and vehicle registration, visit the SAAQ website: https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/ ## SAAQclic You must create an online account to make all future requests/transactions: ## SAAQ Online Services A first connection will instruct you on all the steps, starting with the creation of aGovernment Authentication Service account. The following information is required: • Health insurance number • Social insurance number • Notice of assessment number • Reference number on driver’slicence or health insurance card Within 10 days, you will receive a secret code by mail or by email to confirm youridentity. You can connect directly to SAAQclic if you already use the GovernmentAuthentication Service. If you don’t have the notice of assessment number or either of the tworeference numbers, you can request a confidential code which will be mailedto you. Once you have received it, you can continue creating your account. CRFM Bagotville MFRC • 418-677-7468 • www.crfmbagotville.com/en UPD Feb. 25, 2026 ## Road Conditions Visit the Quebec 511 website to find out about the state of road networks,warnings in effect, road works, rest areas, etc. https://www.quebec511.info ## Winter Tires Winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 15. However, since snowcovers the road between November and April, it is strongly recommended toextend the use of winter tires. ## Child Car Seats Child car seats and seat belts are mandatory. For more details, visit: Child Safety Seat | CO

| NTACT US:
418-677-7468
info@crfmbagotville.com
CRFM Bag

FAQs

How long do you have to exchange an out-of-Quebec driver’s licence in Quebec?

You have six months from your arrival in Quebec to exchange it for a Quebec driver’s licence.

What documents must you provide at your appointment to get a Quebec driver’s licence?

You must provide your original driver’s licence, proof of Canadian citizenship or a Quebec temporary resident permit, proof of residence in Quebec, and proof of residency in the issuing province/territory if you obtained the licence within the last three years.

What are the steps to get Quebec vehicle licence plates?

You must first have the vehicle inspected by a SAAQ agent to obtain a mechanical inspection certificate, then visit a SAAQ service centre with your driver’s licence, the inspection certificate, and a photo identification piece.

Sep 19, 2026

Uploaded by Anda