If your plasticized driver’s licence is set to expire, the SAAQ will reuse the most recent photo it has on file to issue your new licence. This will spare you a trip to a service outlet.
Renewing or replacing your health insurance card/having your photo taken
if you are 14 or older and your photo currently appears on your health insurance card
You must complete and sign the renewal notice and mail it to the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). You don’t have to go to an SAAQ service outlet or provide a photo. The RAMQ will use the photo it already has on file.
If you are 14 or older and your photo does not currently appear on your health insurance card
You must go to an SAAQ service outlet or a local community health centre (CLSC) to renew your card. If you go to an SAAQ service outlet, you must make an appointment. Be sure to bring the duly completed renewal notice you received from the RAMQ, along with two pieces of identification, including one with a photo.
You may choose from among the following pieces of identification:
health insurance card;
proof of known legal presence in Canada;
permanent resident card;
Canadian Citizenship Certificate with photo;
Québec birth certificate issued by the Directeur de l’état civil;
birth certificate issued by another Canadian province or territory;
valid passport (in the case of a Canadian passport, the passport does not have to be valid, but it must have been issued within the past 10 years);
passport card;
driver’s licence issued by the SAAQ (other than a probationary licence).
A Certificate of Indian Status can be used as the second piece of identification.
Your health insurance card is valid until the last day of the month in which it expires
For example, if you have “2025-08” as the expiry month that appears on your card, your card is valid until August 31, 2025.
Payment of the annual driver's licence fees
Every year before your birthday, you will receive a payment notice by mail.
The payment notice:
indicates the total amount payable for annual fees (which include the fees payable to keep your driving privilege, the insurance contribution that is based on your driving record, and administrative fees. Before receiving your payment notice, you can use the calculation tool to get an estimate of the amount you will have to pay to renew your motorcycle registration)
indicates the deadline to renew your driver's licence, which is actually your birthday
includes a section entitled “Declaration of Illness or Functional Impairment” regarding your state of health
includes a section to notify us of a change of address or to justify non-payment of your driver's licence fees
By cheque mailed to the following address: Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec Case postale 19300, succursale Terminus Québec (Québec) G1K 8J6
Payment deadline and bimonthly pre-authorized debits
Pay by the deadline indicated on the notice.
Avoid paying the following additional fees
For late payment (minimum fee, may vary according to the situation): $13.20
For each NSF cheque: $35
For each rejected pre-authorized debit: $35 (if you are charged twice for the same pre-authorized debit, contact the SAAQ to receive a reimbursement)
Change: If you previously chose bimonthly pre-authorized debits (6 instalments per year), please note that this option is no longer available. Instalments will instead be withdrawn 12 times per year. Smaller amounts for less hassle!
If your driver's licence has expired
Driving without a valid licence is an offence punishable by a fine of $300 to $600, in addition to other fees. Also, the vehicle may be seized immediately and impounded for 30 days.
If you have not paid the required annual fees and insurance contribution to maintain your driving privilege for 3 consecutive years or more, you will have to pass the knowledge and road tests again to obtain a new driver's licence
If you choose to not renew your driver’s licence
You must inform us before the payment due date. Otherwise, you will be required to pay a portion of the licence fees and insurance contribution. In addition, late fees may apply.
Last update: February 6, 2025
Contact us
Québec area: 418-643-7620
Montréal area: 514-873-7620
Elsewhere: 1-800-361-7620 (Québec, Canada, United States)
