From now on, you have to renew the plasticized document that is your driver's licence every 4 or 8 years. You must also pay the fees and insurance contributions every year to keep your driving privilege.
Renewal of the plasticized driver's licence
COVID-19: automatic renewal of your driver’s licence
To avoid having you go out, the SAAQ will reuse your photo currently on file to issue your new driver’s licence. Your new licence will be mailed to you. You will then receive a payment notice. You should make your payment through your financial institution or by mail.
Keep your old licence until you receive the new one, even if it has expired.
Once you receive your driver's licence renewal notice, you must go to one of our service outlets prior to the payment due date to:
have your photo taken
pay the cost of the photo, the insurance contribution and the annual licence fees (visit the Cost of Renewing a Licence page)
You will receive your new plasticized driver's licence in the mail.
To take this opportunity to renew your Health Insurance Card
You must bring:
your Health Insurance Card
your driver's licence
your renewal notice from the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec
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
The amount includes fees to keep your driving privilege, the insurance contribution (which is based on your driving record) and administrative fees.
the deadline to renew your driver's licence, which is actually your birthday
the Declaration of Illness or Functional Impairment regarding your state of health
a section to notify us of a change of address or to justify non-payment of your driver's licence fees
By one or more pre-authorized debits. Use our tool to simulate the number of instalments and estimate their amount.
By a cheque mailed to the following address: Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec Case postale 19300, succursale Terminus Québec (Québec) G1K 8J6
Payment deadline
Pay by the deadline indicated on the notice.
Avoid paying these additional fees
For late payment (minimum fee, may vary according to situation): $11.70
For each NSF cheque: $35.00
For each rejected pre-authorized debit: $35.00 (if you are charged twice for the same pre-authorized debit, contact the SAAQ to receive a reimbursement)
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 could immediately be seized and impounded for 30 days.
If your licence has been expired for 3 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.
