SAAQclic: Frequently asked questions

On February 20, 2023, SAAQclic became the quickest way to securely access the SAAQ’s services. However, the new system requires adjustments, which means that service may at times be slower.

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

Last update: March 17, 2023

New measures: driver's licence, vehicle registration and health insurance card renewal and validity periods

The SAAQ has implemented measures to reduce wait times in SAAQ service outlets and avoid penalties for clients.

Can I go to a service outlet to carry out my operations?

Acquaint yourself with the new measures in effect before you go to a service outlet.

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.

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. Can I 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.

What should I do if I was unable to renew my licence before it expired?

If your driver’s licence expired between January 25 and March 9, 2023 and you were unable to renew it, you now have until June 8, 2023 to renew your licence.

If you are pulled over, you will not receive a penalty in connection with your expired licence. You will, however, remain subject to all other Highway Safety Code provisions that usually apply.

Note that this measure only applies in Québec and that probationary, restricted, and learner’s licences are not affected.

What must I do if my plasticized licence expires soon but I am unable to make an appointment to have my photo taken?

If your driver’s licence is set to expire between March 9 and June 1, 2023, you have a 90 day grace period following your birthday to have your photo taken and pay the required fees.

You will remain authorized to drive during that period and will remain subject to all other Highway Safety Code provisions that usually apply.

Note that this measure only applies in Québec and that probationary, restricted, and learner’s licences are not affected.

What should I do if I hold a driver’s licence issued outside Québec and must exchange it for a Québec licence but am unable to make an appointment?

If you hold a valid driver’s licence issued outside Québec, you will remain authorized to drive until August 29, 2023. This will give you longer than the usual six months to exchange your driver’s licence.

If your driver’s licence issued outside Québec is set to expire before August 29, 2023, you must obtain a Québec driver’s licence before it expires.

This measure only applies to passenger vehicle driver’s licences.

If you have any questions about exchanging your driver’s licence, please speak to one of our representatives at 514-954-7771.

What should I do if I have paid my annual renewal fees, but SAAQclic indicates that the fees have not been paid?

If you paid your annual driver’s licence or vehicle registration renewal fees on or after January 26, 2023, your payment may not appear right away in your SAAQclic account.

Your driver’s licence and registration certificate remain valid. Your payment should appear in your SAAQclic account by early April. If you have been served a ticket because of this situation, call us at 1-800-361-7620. Thank you for your understanding.

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

Temporary registration certificates issued between March 9 and April 8, 2023 are now valid for 60 days instead of the usual 10 days.

As a result, anyone who buys a car from a dealer now has more time to register their new vehicle. This measure aims to prevent penalties for new owners if they are pulled over by a peace officer.

Note that the temporary registration certificate is only valid in Québec.

I am a heavy vehicle driver. What should I do if I am unable to make an appointment to renew my vehicle’s IRP registration certificate (cab card)?

You only have to go to a service centre if you need to make changes and wish to pay by cheque. In that case, you must make an appointment at one of the SAAQ’s 9 service centres that offer IRP services. Time slots are available in the last week of March. If needed, additional time slots (evenings and weekends) will be offered.

You do not need to go to a service centre in the following two cases:

  • If you have no changes to make, you can pay by cheque by mailing it to the SAAQ’s Service aux entreprises. Your registration certificate(s) will then be mailed to you.
  • If you are registered for pre-authorized debits, you can notify us of any changes you need to make by completing and mailing us the form Demande de transaction – Immatriculation IRP (PDF, 630.0 ko) (in French only). Your registration certificate(s) will then be mailed to you.

If you have difficulty renewing your IRP registration before it expires, note that the validity period of the IRP registration of a road vehicle has been extended by 90 days. During this period, you remain subject to all other Highway Safety Code provisions that usually apply.

If you have any questions concerning the IRP, call us at 1-800-361-7620.

Can I drive a heavy vehicle outside Québec during the extended International Registration Plan (IRP) validity period?

Even though the validity period of the IRP registration has been extended by 90 days and the SAAQ has informed member jurisdictions of this extension, we recommend renewing your registration as soon as possible before March 31. The SAAQ has opened additional time slots for appointments to accommodate you.

Although the other IRP member jurisdictions have been informed, you could nonetheless be exposed to potential police intervention outside the province if your certificate is not renewed. Also note that you will remain subject to all other Highway Safety Code provisions that usually apply.

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 is set to expire before June 2023 or has expired in the last six months, and you have received your health insurance card renewal notice, you can simply fill out and sign your notice 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.

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

You can read the explanations and watch a tutorial providing you with step-by-step guidance on the Government Authentication Service page.

If you still need help, call the Government Authentication Service’s customer assistance:

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

What if I forgot my username or password?

Click on the link on the Government Authentication Service’s login page to reset your password, or call their customer assistance number:

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

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.

Driver’s licence and vehicle registration

Knowledge or road test and driving record

What do I need to do to make an appointment for a knowledge or road test?

To make, modify, cancel or check a knowledge or road test, 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.

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.

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 a 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 a paper copy of your temporary 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 in the top left corner of the vehicle’s rear window. If the vehicle does not have a rear window, in order to be visible, the temporary plate must be affixed:

  • on the vehicle (motorcycles, ATVs and snowmobiles)
    or
  • on the windshield of the vehicle (trailer)

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.

Transferring registration, coownership

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

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, you can go to a service outlet to designate the registrant. For more information about registering co-owned vehicles and designating a registrant, consult the Registering a Co-Owned Vehicle Fact Sheet (PDF, 134.3 ko).

Under what circumstances is it possible to transfer ownership of a vehicle between individuals via SAAQclic?

To transfer ownership via SAAQclic, the seller and the purchaser must:

  • have each created their own SAAQclic account
  • have the right to operate the vehicle

The vehicle must:

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

Consult the “Selling a Vehicle: Transfer of Ownership” service on SAAQclic to make sure you are eligible. 

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 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.