SAAQclic : Frequently asked questions

Since February 20, SAAQclic has been the quickest way to access the SAAQ’s services. However, the new system requires adjustments, which means that service delivery in person or by telephone may at times be slower.

Before calling us or heading to a service outlet, please refer to the questions and answers below.

Last update: August 21, 2023

Although we urge you to use our online services to avoid having to go out and wait in line, our service outlet staff is still available to help clients who have specific needs.

If you need to pay your driver’s licence or vehicle registration renewal fees, we encourage you to make your payment through your financial institution.

If you must go to a service outlet, we recommend that you make an appointment.

Temporary measures

What must I do if my plasticized driver’s licence has expired or is set to expire and I need to have a new photo taken?

  • If your licence expired between March 9 and May 31, 2023 inclusive: The validity period of your licence has been extended* and you now have a 90-day grace period following your birthday to have your photo taken and pay the required fees. Note that you must go to a service outlet to have your photo taken. 
  • If the expiry date that appears on your licence falls between June 1 and August 31, 2023 inclusive: The validity period of your licence has been extended* and you now have a 90-day grace period following your birthday to pay the required fees. Note that you do not have to go to a service outlet to have a new photo taken because we will use the photo and signature we currently have on file.
  • If the expiry date that appears on your licence falls between September 1 and December 31, 2023 inclusive: You do not have to go to a service outlet to have a new photo taken because we will use the photo and signature we currently have on file. You have until your birthday to pay the required fees. You can make your payment via your financial institution (online or at the counter).

Please refer to the table below to find out when your new driver’s licence and payment notice will be mailed to you.

Expiry date indicated on your plasticized licence  Mailing date
Between June 1 and 30, 2023 Completed
Between September 1 and 15, 2023 Completed
Between July 1 and 31, 2023 Completed
Between September 16 and 30, 2023 Completed
Between October 1 and 31, 2023 Completed
Between August 1 and 31, 2023 Completed
Between November 1 and 30, 2023 Completed
Between December 1 and 31, 2023 Completed

* During this grace period, you will remain authorized to drive and subject to the provisions of the Highway Safety Code that generally apply.

Please note, however, that this measure only applies in Québec (your licence will not be valid outside Québec) and does not apply to probationary licences, restricted licences or learner’s licences.

If you intend to drive outside Québec and your plasticized licence has expired or will expire while you are gone, we recommend that you go to a service outlet to have a new photo taken and pay the required fees. You will receive your new licence within 10 to 20 business days.

I have recently settled in Québec. May I drive with my licence issued by another jurisdiction?

Yes, you may drive an automobile, motorcycle or moped/motorized scooter for a period of time that is based on the date you settled in Québec if your licence:

  • is valid
  • authorizes you to drive the type of vehicle you wish to drive among those mentioned above

Normally, during the first 6 months after settling in Québec, you are allowed to drive with your licence issued by another jurisdiction. However, if the date of your settlement in Québec is before August 29, 2023, a temporary measure will allow you to drive with your current licence beyond the usual six-month grace period:

  • If you settled in Québec before January 1, 2023, you may drive with your current licence until November 30, 2023
  • If your settlement date is between January 1, 2023 and August 28, 2023 inclusive, you may drive with your current licence during the first 9 months after settling in Québec

If you intend to settle in Québec after August 28, 2023, you may drive with your current licence during the first 6 months after settling in Québec, which is the usual six-month period.

After the grace period, you will have to hold a Québec driver’s licence to remain authorized to drive. You can begin the application process as soon as you arrive in Québec. To do so, fill out the online form on the Appointment to Have Driving Experience Acquired Outside Québec Recognized webpage. Once we have received your form, we will contact you to inform you of the next steps.

Do I have to go to an SAAQ service outlet to renew my Québec health insurance card?

The Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) has implemented a temporary measure that will enable you to renew your health insurance card without requiring you to go to an SAAQ service outlet.

If your health insurance card has expired in the last six months and you have received your renewal form, you can simply fill out and sign the form and mail it to the RAMQ. The most recent photo on file at the RAMQ will be used to produce your new health insurance card. You will receive your new card in the mail.

See the RAMQ News page for more details on this temporary measure.

SAAQclic

What services are available through SAAQclic?

SAAQclic gives you access to many online services related to your driver’s licence, vehicle registration, driving record, medical information and knowledge and road test appointments. See the services available through SAAQclic.

Do I have to log in to SAAQclic to have access to all online services?

No. Some of our online services are accessible with no login required: for example, services in connection with traffic accidents, payment and change of address. See our online services.

Is SAAQclic secure?

Yes. We are committed to providing an online environment that is as secure as possible, enabling you to safely carry out operations with the SAAQ. Protecting our clients’ data is a priority, and our SAAQclic platform meets the latest standards in data security. SAAQclic is protected by an SSLSecure Socket Layer certificate and two-factor authentication, requiring users to enter a security code sent by email every time they log in.

How do I log in to SAAQclic?

Before logging in to SAAQclic for the first time, you will have to create an account with the Government Authentication Service provided by the Ministère de la Cybersécurité et du Numérique.

For security reasons, you need to follow these steps the first time you log in to SAAQclic:

  • Go to the SAAQ’s online services page and click on “Log in”.
    • You will automatically be redirected to the Government Authentication Service.
  • Create your account with the Government Authentication Service by completing the identification process.
    • Note that the English version of the Government Authentication Service will be available at a later date. If you need help creating your account in French, please refer to the English language tutorial.
  • Return to SAAQclic and confirm the SAAQ identification number indicated on your driver’s licence or vehicle registration certificate.
  • Read and accept the terms of use.
  • Select your preferred mode of communications (online or by mail).

After that, you will be able to access SAAQclic directly by entering your Government Authentication Service username and password.

What information do I need to have to create my Government Authentication Service account?

To create your account, make sure you have the following information:

  • your social insurance number
  • your health insurance card number
  • your notice of assessment number from either of the two most recent taxation years (Québec income tax)
  • one of the following two reference numbers:
    • your driver’s licence reference number
    • your health insurance card reference number

It will take 5 to 15 minutes to create your account.
In the event that you are unable to provide your notice of assessment number or one of the two reference numbers, you can request to receive a validation code by mail. As soon as you receive it (usually within 10 business days), you can resume the account creation process.

If you do not have all the necessary pieces of identification, you can go to one of our service centres that provide help with creating a Government Authentication Service account.

What should I do if I do not have the necessary pieces of identification to create my Government Authentication Service account?

I received a notice of assessment, but I do not have it with me.

Log in to My Account for individuals on the Revenu Québec website to obtain a digital copy.

I do not have the notice of assessment number or either of the two reference numbers.

You have two options:

What should I do if I am having difficulty creating my Government Authentication Service account?

Visit the webpage and watch the video tutorial.

If you still need help, visit the webpage “How to create a Government Authentication Service account”, in the “Getting help” section. 

You can also go to one of our service centres that provide help with creating a Government Authentication Service account.

What should I do if I want to change the email address or password for my government authentication service account?

On the Government Authentication Service’s login page (currently in French only), click on “Gérer votre compte” to change your email address or password or on “Mot de passe oublié?” to reset your password. You can also call their customer assistance number:

  • toll-free: 1-877-644-4545
  • TDD/TTY for the hearing impaired: 1-800-361-9596 

Please note that when you change your email address for your Government Authentication Service account, it does not get changed in your SAAQclic account at the same time. If you want to change the email address the SAAQ uses to contact you, please log in to SAAQclic and make the necessary changes in the “My Profile” section.

Why use the Government Authentication Service to log in to SAAQclic?

This solution provides greater access to online services offered by the Government of Québec, with enhanced security requirements designed to protect the digital identity of citizens.

If you do not already have an account with the Government Authentication Service, you must create one even if you already have a clicSÉQUR account since these two solutions are distinct.

Businesses will continue to log in to SAAQclic Entreprises (in French only) through their clicSÉQUR account. For more information, see the SAAQclic Entreprises page.

Can I receive communications from the SAAQ electronically?

Yes. You can choose how you would like the SAAQ to contact you in the “My Profile” section of SAAQclic. You can choose to be contacted online instead of by mail. You will have access to all your electronic correspondence in the “My Messages” section. You will receive an email notification whenever a new communication is posted.

What methods of payment are available on SAAQclic?

In line with other major Québec government bodies like Hydro-Québec and Revenu Québec, payment must be made by direct debit (single annual payment or pre-authorized monthly payments). Credit cards are no longer accepted.

The payment options at service outlets have not changed: debit card, cash, cheque or pre-authorized debit.

Knowledge or road test and driving record

How do I make an appointment for a knowledge or road test?

To make, modify, cancel or check an appointment for a knowledge or road test (except for Class 6D), you must log in to SAAQclic. For more information about creating your Government Authentication Service account and logging in to SAAQclic, please refer to the section of the FAQ that deals with SAAQclic.

To request an appointment for a Class 6D (mopeds and motorized scooters) knowledge test, please refer to the Knowledge or road test appointment - SAAQ (gouv.qc.ca) webpage and complete the Knowledge Test Appointment – Mopeds and Motorized Scooters form.

Can I request a copy of another person’s driving record online?

No. You can only access your own driving record in SAAQclic. To obtain a copy of someone else’s driving record, you must obtain that person’s authorization, using the form provided for that purpose. You must then mail us the duly signed authorization form, the Driving Record Search form and, if applicable, the required payment. For more information, refer to the Driving Record Request page.

Why is my heavy vehicle driver conduct record not available via SAAQclic?

The conduct record lists all events related to driving a heavy vehicle. However, when no events have been entered in a heavy vehicle driver’s conduct record, that record is not available via SAAQclic. If you would like to receive a copy of your conduct record all the same, you must ask the SAAQ for a copy. You will then have access to your conduct record via SAAQclic.

To find out how to request a copy of your conduct record, please refer to the Heavy Vehicle Driver Conduct Record webpage.

Driver's licence, vehicle registration and health insurance card renewal and validity periods

I have not yet received a payment notice for the renewal of my driver’s licence. What should I do?

Your payment notice will soon be available in your SAAQclic file and will also be mailed to you shortly. Please refer to the Driver’s Licence Renewal and Fee Payment page for more information on when your notice will be available.

Can I pay my annual driver’s licence and vehicle registration renewal fees via SAAQclic?

In most cases, online payment of annual renewal fees for driver’s licences, vehicle registration and accessible parking permits must be made through a financial institution. If you are unable to make your payment online, you must go to a service outlet.

If you use certain SAAQclic services related to your driver’s licence or vehicle registration during your renewal period, any applicable fees will be included in the total amount owing.

If you wish, you can register for pre-authorized debits at the time of your next renewal at a service outlet using the detachable portion of your notice. You can also register for pre-authorized debits when carrying out certain operations on SAAQclic.

I have to leave québec for a little while and my plasticized licence will expire while I am outside the province. Do I have to go to a service outlet to renew my licence before leaving?

Yes, you must make an appointment in one of our service outlets to have your photo taken and pay your licence renewal fees. Note that if you are unable to obtain an appointment, you can go to the service outlet without an appointment and you will be given priority service.

You will receive your new licence within 10 to 20 business days.

Driver’s licence and registration certificate format

How will I receive my registration certificate and payment and renewal notices?

Your documents will automatically be sent to you by mail. But you can save time by activating the online communications mode to receive your payment notices and registration certificates in your SAAQclic account. Note that you will have to print and sign your registration certificate.

Will changes be made to driver’s licences?

Yes. Condition S (a generic condition) will be replaced by more specific licence conditions (D, E, F and G).

The automated telephone service (1-900 number) to check the validity of a licence has also been replaced by our general information number. To avoid wait times, check whether the driver’s licence is valid through SAAQclic.

What is the format of the registration certificate and the learner’s licence?

The format of the registration certificate and the learner’s licence (for Classes 1, 2, 3, and 6R, a one-day learner’s licence and Condition S) has changed. From now on, they must be printed on white letter size paper (8 ½ x 11 inches).

Since clients will be able to print these official documents themselves, white paper was chosen to make the documents easier to read and print.

Can I present the digital version of my driver’s licence or registration certificate on my phone?

No. Only printed and signed documents are considered official. A printed and signed registration certificate, driver’s licence, probationary licence, or learner’s licence are official documents authorizing you to drive or to operate a particular vehicle on the road network.

Why is the registration certificate printed on white paper now?

Since clients can now print their registration certificates issued after February 20, 2023 themselves, white paper makes the certificate easier to read and print.

Can I download and print my registration certificate, temporary licence plate or provisional driver’s licence through SAAQclic?

If these documents were issued after February 20, 2023, they can be downloaded through SAAQclic at any time during their validity period.

If you have lost your registration certificate and it was issued before this date, you must go to a service outlet to receive a new certificate.

Downloading IRP registration certificates (cab cards) through SAAQclic Entreprises (in French only) will be possible at a later date.

Driver’s licence or licence plate replacement

Can I reuse my photo and signature when replacing my driver’s licence through SAAQclic?

Yes, if you meet certain criteria, namely if your photo is still valid (taken within the last 8 years).

If not, a message will be displayed notifying you that you need to go to a service outlet. If you are outside Québec, you can request a replacement licence by mail or fax.

Can a defective plate (reflective film peeling off) be replaced through SAAQclic?

Yes. You can replace a defective plate (reflective film peeling off) via SAAQclic by selecting “Damaged” as the reason for the replacement. You will have to pay a fee for this service.

Can I drive on the road network while waiting to receive my plasticized driver’s licence or metal licence plate?

Yes. If you are waiting for your plasticized licence, make sure you have your provisional driver’s licence with you whenever you drive. Note that your provisional driver’s licence must be signed in order to be valid.

If you are waiting to receive your metal licence plate for a particular vehicle, make sure you have your temporary paper licence plate when driving the vehicle in question. Note that your temporary licence plate must be signed in order to be valid.

The temporary licence plate will have the same character combination as your metal plate. You must affix the temporary plate to the vehicle's rear window in the top left corner. If the vehicle does not have a rear window, the temporary plate must be affixed to the vehicle:

  • in the top left corner of the windshield
    or
  • in another visible place

This video (MP4, 29.8 Mo) shows how.

What is the format of the temporary licence plate and provisional driver’s licence?

Temporary licence plates and provisional driver’s licences must be printed on white letter size paper (8 ½ x 11 inches).

Since clients will be able to print these documents themselves, white paper was chosen to make the documents easier to read and print.

How long is a temporary licence plate or a provisional driver’s licence valid?

  • A provisional driver’s licence is valid for 20 days.
  • A temporary licence plate is valid for 45 days.

Are temporary licence plates recognized outside Québec?

Yes. A temporary paper licence plate is an official document, just like the metal licence plate that will be mailed to clients. It has the same character combination as the metal plate and will be associated with the client’s file in our systems.

If necessary, you can also have this letter of explanation (PDF, 317.3 ko)This file does not meet the Web accessibility standard. on hand when driving outside Québec.

Where will my driver’s licence or my licence plate be sent?

  • Your driver’s licence will be sent to you at the address that appears in your file. It can also be sent to you at a temporary address or a Canadian post office box, such as in the event that you lose it during a trip outside Québec, for example.
  • Your licence plate will be sent to you at the address that appears in your file.

When will my driver’s licence or my licence plate be delivered?

Official documents will be delivered by mail within 10 to 20 business days.

What should I do if I have not received my driver’s licence or my licence plate within the period specified?

  • Driver’s licence: If you do not receive your driver’s licence within the period specified (20 business days), file a new request for a replacement licence via SAAQclic and select “Not received (further to a request for a replacement)” as the reason.
  • Licence plate: If you do not receive your licence plate within the period specified (20 business days), contact us.

I have not yet received a payment notice for the renewal of my driver’s licence. What should I do?

Your payment notice will soon be available in your SAAQclic file and will also be mailed to you shortly. Please refer to the Driver’s Licence Renewal and Fee Payment page for more information on when your notice will be available.

Note that if your birthday is in April, the deadline for paying your renewal fees has been extended.

I have not yet received a payment notice for my vehicle registration renewal fees. What should I do?

Your payment notice will soon be available in your SAAQclic file and will also be mailed to you shortly. Please refer to the Renewing Registration page for more information on when your notice will be available.

Transferring and registering a vehicle

What should I do if I am unable to make an appointment to register my vehicle before my temporary registration certificate expires?

If you are still unable to obtain an appointment before your temporary registration certificate or certificates expire, you can go to one of our service outlets where you will be given priority service.

Note that the temporary registration certificates are only valid in Québec.

Can a licence plate be reused or transferred to a new owner through SAAQclic?

Yes, both options are possible. We encourage you to reuse licence plates that are in good condition. Note that:

  • a licence plate can be transferred from a seller (transferor) to a buyer
  • buyers can reuse a licence plate they already had

Under what circumstances can a vehicle be transferred between individuals via SAAQclic?

The vehicle can be transferred and registered online through SAAQclic when the following conditions are met:

The seller must:

  • be the owner of the vehicle or the registrant if the vehicle is owned by more than one person
  • be aged 14 or older

The buyer must:

  • be aged 18 or older

The seller and the purchaser must:

  • carry out the transfer using their respective SAAQclic accounts, and, therefore, have each created their own SAAQclic account
  • have the right to sell and buy a vehicle

The vehicle must:

  • be registered in Québec
  • be less than 25 years old
  • be classified as a passenger vehicle, in other words:
    • be an automobile, sport utility vehicle or minivan
    • have a maximum capacity of nine occupants
    • be used for personal purposes

See the additional information regarding the “Transferring a vehicle to a buyer” service on SAAQclic to make sure the vehicle can be transferred and registered online. 

Co-ownership

Can operations related to a co-owned vehicle be carried out via SAAQclic by any of the vehicle’s co-owners?

No. Only the registrant can carry out online operations regarding the vehicle. A co-owned vehicle only appears in the registrant’s file.

The registrant is designated when a vehicle acquired by more than one person is registered.

If your vehicle was registered before January 27, 2023, yyou can designate the registrant by filling out the Designating a Registrant (Co-Owned Vehicles) form or by going to a service outlet. For more information about registering co-owned vehicles and designating a registrant, consult the Registering a Co-Owned Vehicle Fact Sheet. (PDF, 137.2 ko)This file does not meet the Web accessibility standard.

How do I go about taking my recreational vehicle out of storage if I am outside Québec?

  • If your recreational vehicle is registered in your name only, you can take it out of storage using  SAAQclic.
  • If your recreational vehicle is owned by more than one person and a registrant has been designated, the vehicle will appear in the registrant’s file, enabling the registrant to take the vehicle out of storage via SAAQclic.
  • If no registrant has been designated for your co-owned recreational vehicle and the vehicle has been in storage for less than 12 months, you can send us an email This link opens your default email software. to have the vehicle taken out of storage. You must enter “Taking a co-owned recreational vehicle out of storage” in the subject line. In the body of the email, you must list the names of all the co-owners appearing on the registration certificate, as well as a telephone number where you can be reached outside Québec at any time. We will mail you your new registration certificate, at your expense.

Email requests to have a vehicle taken out of storage will only be processed for co-owners who are outside Québec.