Moving to Nunavut, out-of-province licences and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how long a new resident has to get a Nunavut licence.
• You can describe what happens to an expired out-of-territory licence.
• You can register a vehicle you bring with you.
• You can renew, replace or update your Nunavut licence.

What you need to know and understand

• The manual says a new resident with a licence from another province, territory or state must get a Nunavut licence within 30 days.
• A licence from elsewhere that expired more than a year ago is not accepted, and you will need to retest.
• Temporary driver's permits from elsewhere are not accepted for the exchange.
• Holders of a Class 5 or higher licence from another country may have the practice period set by the examiner.
• New residents have 30 days to register a vehicle in Nunavut, with proof of insurance.
• Licences can be renewed online or in person and usually last five years; adults can choose ten years.

Switching your licence

According to the Nunavut Driver's Manual, a new resident who holds a licence from another province, territory or state must obtain a Nunavut licence within 30 days of becoming a resident. The Registrar decides the conditions for accepting a licence from elsewhere. A licence that expired more than a year ago will not be accepted and you will need to pass the tests again. For a licence from another country, the Restricted to Nunavut Driver's Manual says the examiner sets any practice period for drivers who already hold a Class 5 or higher. Check exactly which tests apply to you with Motor Vehicles before you visit.

1. Contact Motor Vehicles or your government liaison officer and ask what documents you need.
2. Bring your current licence and two pieces of acceptable identification.
3. Complete the vision check and any tests the Registrar requires.
4. Pay the licence fee and surrender your old licence if asked.

Bringing a vehicle

You have 30 days to change to Nunavut registration. Bring the previous registration from your old jurisdiction and proof of insurance, complete the form and pay the fee. Nunavut issues its distinctive polar-bear-shaped plate when a vehicle is first registered. Keep your liability insurance active at all times while the vehicle is registered.

Renewals and changes

• Renew online or in person, from 90 days before the expiry date; licences expire on your birthday.
• Five-year licence $70; adults may choose ten years for $140 (2021 fee schedule).
• A licence expired for more than 12 months cannot be renewed: you must apply in person and be re-examined. Do not drive on an expired licence.
• Lost licence: report the loss as directed (the restricted manual mentions a Declaration of Lost Licence to the RCMP) and apply for a replacement with two pieces of ID; the fee is $15.
• Change of name or address: tell the issuing office within 15 days.
• Drivers 60 or older pay half the licence and examination fees.

Common mistakes

• Driving for months on an out-of-territory licence after moving. Switch within the time limit.
• Letting your old licence lapse past a year before exchanging it, which means retesting.
• Forgetting to update the address on your licence and registration within 15 days.
• Assuming another province's rules apply in Nunavut. Learn local rules such as Iqaluit's 30 km/h limit.

Test yourself: Moving to Nunavut, out-of-province licences and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• How to Get a Driver’s Licence in Nunavut
• Nunavut Restricted Driver’s Licence
• Driving in Iqaluit and Nunavut