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

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain how long a new resident can drive on an outside licence.
• You can tell whether your licence can be exchanged without testing.
• You can explain when tests or the learning period may apply.
• You can keep your licence valid and your details up to date.

What you need to know and understand

• New residents may drive on their valid out-of-province licence and plates for 90 days.
• Former residents of other Canadian provinces and territories can exchange a valid licence, or one expired less than five years.
• Licences from certain countries may be exchanged for a Class 5 licence. U.S. licences may be honoured.
• Once your Saskatchewan licence is validated, your old licence becomes invalid.
• If you have not held a Saskatchewan licence in the past five years and do not qualify for an exchange, you must take the driver examination.
• Your licence expires on the last day of your birth month, or the month your immigration documents expire.
• Report a change of name or address to SGI within 15 days.

Exchanging your licence

If you must test, the nine-month learning period and driver education may be waived if you prove past driving experience with a valid licence in English or French, or with an acceptable translation.

• From another Canadian province or territory: bring your valid licence, or one that expired less than five years ago.
• From the United States: licences may be honoured. Check with SGI.
• From countries SGI lists for exchange, such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan: bring a valid licence, a copy of your driving record and an acceptable translation, such as an International Driving Permit.
• From other countries: SGI may still accept your licence, so contact a motor licence issuer or driver exam office.

Students, visitors and non-residents

Visitors and temporary foreign workers keep the privileges of their home licence, except for semi-trucks, and visitors cannot apply for a Saskatchewan licence. Full-time students at approved institutions, and their immediate families, do not need to exchange their licence while studying here. A non-resident who does not own, rent or lease a home in the province may drive on a valid outside licence indefinitely.

Registering your vehicle

New residents have up to 90 days to register their vehicle. Registration includes compulsory basic plate insurance from SGI.

Keeping your licence current

Carry your licence when driving. If a peace officer asks and you do not have it, you may get up to 48 hours to produce it.

1. Note your expiry date: the last day of your birth month, or of the month your immigration documents expire.
2. Renew before it expires. Check with SGI or a motor licence issuer for the current renewal options, fees and photo requirements.
3. Tell SGI within 15 days about any change of name or address. Online changes can be made through MySGI.
4. Report any medical condition that may affect your driving when you apply or renew.

Common mistakes

• Driving on an out-of-province licence for more than 90 days after moving.
• Assuming every foreign licence can be exchanged. Check SGI's list first.
• Forgetting your driving record and translation when exchanging a foreign licence.
• Not reporting a new address within 15 days.

Test yourself: Moving to Saskatchewan, 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 Saskatchewan
• Saskatchewan Novice 1 and Novice 2 Rules
• Saskatchewan Roundabout Rules, Diverging Diamonds and RCUTs