Moving to Newfoundland and Labrador: health card, driver's licence and taxes

The first steps after arriving in Newfoundland and Labrador: health coverage, driver's licence, sales tax, online accounts and benefits.

1. Health card. Apply to the provincial plan: MCP (Medical Care Plan). Keep your previous coverage until the new one starts, since there can be a waiting period.
2. Driver's licence and vehicle. Licences and registration are handled by Service NL. There is a deadline to exchange an out-of-province licence and re-register a vehicle.
3. Taxes. Sales tax in Newfoundland and Labrador: HST 15%. For income tax, the province where you live on December 31 applies for the whole year. Update your address with the CRA.
4. Benefits. File a tax return even with little income: federal and provincial benefits are calculated from it and follow you to your new province.
5. Housing and work. See our guides on renting and working in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Official government site ↗ · Source: Canada Revenue Agency, GST/HST rates ↗, read on 2026-11-13.

Online accounts to set up

• MyGovNL — Driver and vehicle services, health card (MCP) and other provincial services.

Federal accounts explained →

Programs to know about

• Newfoundland and Labrador Child Benefit — Monthly amount for low-income families, paid with the CCB.
• NL Seniors' Benefit — Quarterly payment for low-income seniors.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit — Monthly support for low-income people approved for the disability tax credit.
• NL Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP) — Several drug plans for seniors, low-income residents and people with high drug costs.
• Student Aid — One application for federal and provincial loans and grants.

General information, not legal or financial advice. Figures show their source and the date they were read; confirm with the official body before making a decision.

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
• Immigrating to Newfoundland and Labrador: nominee program, steps and processing times