Open ProvincesDriving and vehicles in Newfoundland and Labrador: switching your licence and what is required
The published deadline to switch an out-of-province driver's licence in Newfoundland and Labrador, who handles it, the usual steps and documents.
If you are moving to Newfoundland and Labrador
Driver's licences in Newfoundland and Labrador are handled by Motor Registration Division.
Published deadline to switch your licence : Three months (90 days) after becoming a resident (as published when we checked, 2026-11-14)
Book an appointment: exchanges are done only at a Motor Registration office. A Class 5 licence from another Canadian jurisdiction is accepted without testing; heavier classes need a medical report and vision screening. Bring one primary and one secondary identity document.
Official page: new residents and your driver’s licence ↗
The usual steps
- Check the deadline above: after it, you may no longer drive legally on your old licence, and insurance can be affected.
- Gather your identity documents and proof of address in the province: the official page lists exactly which documents are accepted (two documents from the same issuer are often refused).
- Licences from other Canadian provinces are usually swapped for the same class without a road test; licences from other countries may need tests depending on an exchange agreement.
- Surrender your old licence: only one valid licence is allowed. Keep the temporary document you receive until the card arrives by mail.
- Register your vehicle and get insurance in the province: the deadline differs from the licence deadline.
- Change the address on your health card, bank, employer and the CRA.
More: our moving checklist, the moving page for Newfoundland and Labrador (health card and taxes) and government online accounts.
Deadlines, fees, accepted countries and documents change and are set by each province: the official page is the authority. General information. Quebec has its own rules (SAAQ): see AtlasQuébec.
Guides for this province
- Renting in Newfoundland and Labrador: rights, rent increases and average rents
- Working in Newfoundland and Labrador: minimum wage, standards and wages
- Moving to Newfoundland and Labrador: health card, driver's licence and taxes
- Cost of living in Newfoundland and Labrador: prices, rent, wages and taxes
- Buying a home in Newfoundland and Labrador: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
- Health care in Newfoundland and Labrador: health card, drug plans and dental help
- Studying in Newfoundland and Labrador: tuition, student aid and grants
- Seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador: pensions, supplements and programs
- Taxes in Newfoundland and Labrador: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
- Families in Newfoundland and Labrador: child benefits and family programs
- Documents and ID in Newfoundland and Labrador: birth certificate and change of name
- Starting a business in Newfoundland and Labrador: register a name, GST/HST and licences
- Problems and disputes in Newfoundland and Labrador: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid
- Driving and vehicles in Newfoundland and Labrador: switching your licence and what is required
- Photo ID card in Newfoundland and Labrador without a driver's licence: who can apply, documents and fee
- Getting married in Newfoundland and Labrador: marriage licence, fees and documents
- Health card in Newfoundland and Labrador: who qualifies, waiting period and how to register
- When someone dies in Newfoundland and Labrador: death certificate, estate and probate
- Registering a child for school in Newfoundland and Labrador: age, documents and where to sign up
- Child care in Newfoundland and Labrador: fees, finding a space and subsidies
- Immigrating to Newfoundland and Labrador: nominee program, steps and processing times
- Accessible parking permit in Newfoundland and Labrador: how to apply
- Alcohol rules in Newfoundland and Labrador: legal age and where to buy
- Car insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador: what is compulsory and where to buy it
- Cannabis rules in Newfoundland and Labrador: legal age, where to buy and where to use
- Disability income and supports in Newfoundland and Labrador: how to apply
- Prescription drug coverage in Newfoundland and Labrador: public plans and how to enrol
- Emergency preparedness in Newfoundland and Labrador: alerts, evacuation and your 72-hour kit
- Separation, parenting and child support in Newfoundland and Labrador: free help and enforcement
- Help for family violence and victims of crime in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Fishing and hunting licences in Newfoundland and Labrador: where to buy and what you need
- Health advice line (811) in Newfoundland and Labrador: speak to a nurse any time
- Indigenous relations and services in Newfoundland and Labrador: who does what
- Marriage licence fee in Newfoundland and Labrador
- New drivers in Newfoundland and Labrador: graduated licensing stages and minimum ages
- Provincial parks and camping reservations in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Probate fees in Newfoundland and Labrador: what an estate pays
- Social assistance in Newfoundland and Labrador: how to apply for income support
- Social housing and rent help in Newfoundland and Labrador: how to apply
- Student loans and grants in Newfoundland and Labrador: where to apply
- Voting in Newfoundland and Labrador: register, check your status and find your election office
- Wills, powers of attorney and health care directives in Newfoundland and Labrador