Your driver’s license can help you in your everyday life and when travelling. In Quebec, there are over 2 million licensed drivers. It is an administrative right offering several advantages but also certain obligations. This includes payment for a driver’s license.
But how do you pay for your license in Quebec? How much does it cost to renew a driver’s licence? Here are a few questions we’ll be addressing in the following few lines.
For several years now, paying for your driver’s license online has been possible. However, if this is your first driving license, the process is different. In this case, you’ll have to go to one of the SAAQ branches near you. At the same time, we will take your photo and some personal information to proceed with its creation.
If you already have a permit and wish to renew it, online payment is available. This will only take a few minutes of your time. There are several options available to help you get there. We will come back to this later.
First of all, you need a payment advice number. This number is clearly indicated on the payment notice sent to your driver’s license address. Once you’ve located this 16-digit number, you can choose one of the various driver’s license renewal options.
Do you have everything you need to pay for your driver’s license online? You’re just a few clicks away from completing your transaction. Here are the steps to follow on the SAAQ website.
1. Connect to your online transaction platform. However, it must be included in the list of participating institutions, as follows:
2. In the Pay a Supplier tab, look for Société de l’assurance automobile or SAAQ. Select the line entitled “license or registration.”
3. Enter the payment advice number in the appropriate box.
Depending on your financial institution, you may only be able to enter 15 of the 16 available digits of your notification number. In this case, enter only the first 15 digits.
Once your plastic permit has been issued, it will be valid for 4 or 8 years. You will be given the privilege of driving for one year from the date of your birthday. You will have to pay your insurance fees and contributions each year to renew this privilege.
Depending on the licensee’s situation and class, the total cost may vary. In 2022, the cost was $24.00, rising to $24.75 in 2023 for all classes.
In principle, the cost of a driver’s license (classes 1 to 5) is determined by the class of the license. Demerit points increase this price. Here’s a table of the latest data on the price of a driver’s license in Quebec:
It is important to mention that SAAQ fees of $5.05 are charged and fees of $19.70 are paid to the Ministère des Finances.
For a probationary licence (your first driver’s licence), you must pay $72.58.
Your Canadian driver’s license may not be sufficient if you wish to drive abroad. You’ll need an Intercountry Driving Permit (IDP), accepted in countries that have signed the Convention on Road Traffic. You may be asked for it by rental agencies, for example. After application to CAA-Quebec and issue, it will be valid for one year. In all cases, your Quebec driver’s license must be valid in order to be requested.
If you’re travelling, having a driver’s license can help you rent a car, whether in Canada or abroad. So it’s essential to renew your laminated licence and keep your driving privileges.
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