If you are moving from Quebec to Ontario, three government jobs are waiting for you: a new health card, a new driver's licence and Ontario plates. The deadlines are short (30 days for your vehicle, 60 days for your licence), so the order matters. This checklist covers all three, whether you are crossing the river from Gatineau to Ottawa or relocating from Montreal to Toronto.
Which Mover Are You?
Your First 90 Days: Deadlines at a Glance
Counting from your first day living in Ontario, here is how the deadlines line up. The RAMQ end date depends on which day of the month you arrive.
Step 1: Health Card (RAMQ to OHIP)
Ontario states there is "no longer a waiting period for OHIP coverage." If you are eligible, coverage starts immediately, so apply as soon as you have proof of Ontario residency. Meanwhile, RAMQ keeps covering you until the 1st day of the 3rd month after you arrive. Do not assume that gap lets you wait: book your ServiceOntario visit in your first week.
What to bring to ServiceOntario
The general OHIP rule on ontario.ca also asks you to make Ontario your primary residence and to be physically in Ontario for 153 days in any 12-month period. Check the OHIP page for your own situation.
Step 2: Exchange Your Quebec Driver's Licence
You may drive on a valid out-of-province licence for 60 days after moving to Ontario. After that you need an Ontario licence. Exchanges are done in person at a DriveTest centre (or the ServiceOntario Bay and College location in Toronto).
| Item | What Ontario says |
|---|---|
| Where | In person at a DriveTest centre |
| Documents | Original ID showing legal name and date of birth, your original valid licence, and original proof of driving experience in English or French |
| Test | Vision test; a knowledge or road test may be needed depending on your circumstances |
| Form | Application stating how long you have been driving |
| Class G or M | Declaration that Ontario is your primary residence and that you are legally in Canada (effective May 11, 2026) |
| Fees | Not listed on the page; check DriveTest |
The Ontario page has no Quebec-specific section, so ask DriveTest whether your licence class needs any test. I could not confirm what happens to your old licence after the exchange.
Step 3: Register Your Car and Get Ontario Plates
New Ontario residents have 30 days to register their vehicle, according to the MTO Driver's Handbook. Because you need an Ontario driver's licence to register, do your licence exchange first or in the same week.
The Ontario.ca vehicle page was not available when I checked, so the document list and fees come from the MTO handbook and an insurance-broker guide.
A Simple Order of Operations
| When | Do this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Before the move | Get proof of Ontario residency; get insurance quotes | Needed for OHIP and registration |
| Week 1 | Apply for OHIP; start insurance | No waiting period; avoid relying on RAMQ |
| Weeks 1–2 | Exchange driver's licence at DriveTest | Needed to register the car |
| By day 30 | Safety certificate, then register vehicle and get plates | 30-day vehicle deadline |
| Before day 60 | Last chance for licence exchange | 60-day rule |
| After | Notify RAMQ, send the SAAQ cancellation form | Close out Quebec |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a waiting period for OHIP when I move from Quebec?
No. Ontario says there is no longer a waiting period. You still need to meet eligibility rules and bring the required documents.
When does my RAMQ coverage end after I move?
On the 1st day of the 3rd month following your arrival date. Tell RAMQ and return your health card.
How long can I drive in Ontario on a Quebec licence?
60 days after moving to Ontario. After that you need an Ontario licence.
Do I need to take a driving test to exchange my Quebec licence?
You must pass a vision test. A knowledge or road test may be needed depending on your circumstances, so confirm with DriveTest.
How long do I have to get Ontario plates?
New residents have 30 days to register their vehicle, per the MTO Driver's Handbook.
Do I need a safety inspection to register my car?
Yes. You need a Safety Standards Certificate, proof of Ontario insurance and your previous permit.
Can I get money back from the SAAQ?
In most cases, yes. The refund depends on your registration date, the date of any sale and the date SAAQ receives your cancellation request.
Quick Recap
OHIP has no waiting period.
Bring 3 original documents.
RAMQ ends on the 1st of the 3rd month.
Exchange licence within 60 days.
Register your car within 30 days.
Get Ontario insurance first.
Safety certificate is required.
Cancel with SAAQ and notify RAMQ.
Moving soon or just arrived? Tell me in the comments which step is confusing and I will try to answer.
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