Newcomers

Having Your Driver’s Licence Recognized

You can continue to drive with a licence issued outside Québec

If you hold a valid driver’s licence issued outside Québec, you will remain authorized to drive beyond the usual 6-month period, under certain conditions.

New residents who have settled in Québec:

  • before January 1, 2023 have until November 30, 2023 to exchange their current driver’s licence for a Québec licence if they wish to remain authorized to drive
  • during the period from January 1, 2023 to August 28, 2023 inclusive have 9 months as of the date they settled in Québec to take the necessary steps if they wish to remain authorized to drive beyond this period

This measure applies to passenger vehicle (Class 5) driver’s licences only.

If you hold a valid foreign driver's licence issued outside Québec, you are allowed to drive on Québec roads for 6 months. After 6 months, if you decide to settle in Québec, you will be required to hold a Québec licence.

 

What you should know…

If you hold a valid foreign driver's licence issued outside Québec, you are allowed to drive on Québec roads for 6 consecutive months.

After 6 months, you must hold a valid international driver's permit to continue to drive.

If you decide to settle in the province, you must obtain a Québec driver's licence. You can exchange your driver's licence issued outside Québec as soon as you arrive in Québec. Certain conditions apply.

Last update: July 14, 2023