Open ProvincesDriving and vehicles in Northwest Territories: switching your licence and what is required
The published deadline to switch an out-of-province driver's licence in Northwest Territories, who handles it, the usual steps and documents.
If you are moving to Northwest Territories
Driver's licences in Northwest Territories are handled by Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (Infrastructure).
Published deadline to switch your licence : 30 days after moving (as published when we checked, 2026-11-14)
Transfers are done in person at a driver and vehicle office with a completed form, supporting documents and proof of NWT residency; you surrender your existing licence. Professional classes need an NWT medical examination.
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 Northwest Territories (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 Northwest Territories: rights, rent increases and average rents
- Working in Northwest Territories: minimum wage, standards and wages
- Moving to Northwest Territories: health card, driver's licence and taxes
- Cost of living in Northwest Territories: prices, rent, wages and taxes
- Buying a home in Northwest Territories: land transfer tax, rebates and first-time buyer help
- Health care in Northwest Territories: health card, drug plans and dental help
- Studying in Northwest Territories: tuition, student aid and grants
- Seniors in Northwest Territories: pensions, supplements and programs
- Taxes in Northwest Territories: income tax rates, sales tax and take-home pay (2026)
- Families in Northwest Territories: child benefits and family programs
- Documents and ID in Northwest Territories: birth certificate and change of name
- Starting a business in Northwest Territories: register a name, GST/HST and licences
- Problems and disputes in Northwest Territories: consumer complaints, small claims, workplace injury and legal aid
- Driving and vehicles in Northwest Territories: switching your licence and what is required
- Photo ID card in Northwest Territories without a driver's licence: who can apply, documents and fee
- Getting married in Northwest Territories: marriage licence, fees and documents
- Health card in Northwest Territories: who qualifies, waiting period and how to register
- When someone dies in Northwest Territories: death certificate, estate and probate
- Registering a child for school in Northwest Territories: age, documents and where to sign up
- Child care in Northwest Territories: fees, finding a space and subsidies
- Immigrating to Northwest Territories: nominee program, steps and processing times
- Accessible parking permit in Northwest Territories: how to apply
- Alcohol rules in Northwest Territories: legal age and where to buy
- Car insurance in Northwest Territories: what is compulsory and where to buy it
- Cannabis rules in Northwest Territories: legal age, where to buy and where to use
- Disability income and supports in Northwest Territories: how to apply
- Prescription drug coverage in Northwest Territories: public plans and how to enrol
- Emergency preparedness in Northwest Territories: alerts, evacuation and your 72-hour kit
- Separation, parenting and child support in Northwest Territories: free help and enforcement
- Help for family violence and victims of crime in Northwest Territories
- Fishing and hunting licences in Northwest Territories: where to buy and what you need
- Health advice line (811) in Northwest Territories: speak to a nurse any time
- Indigenous relations and services in Northwest Territories: who does what
- Marriage licence fee in Northwest Territories
- New drivers in Northwest Territories: graduated licensing stages and minimum ages
- Provincial parks and camping reservations in Northwest Territories
- Probate fees in Northwest Territories: what an estate pays
- Social assistance in Northwest Territories: how to apply for income support
- Social housing and rent help in Northwest Territories: how to apply
- Student loans and grants in Northwest Territories: where to apply
- Voting in Northwest Territories: register, check your status and find your election office
- Wills, powers of attorney and health care directives in Northwest Territories