Changing the address on your Ontario driver’s licence is an important step after moving. If you have moved to a new residential address in Ontario, you should update your driver’s licence record through ServiceOntario as soon as possible.
In Ontario, the official spelling used by the government is driver’s licence, although many people search online for “driver’s license.” Both terms refer to the same document in this guide.
The key rule is simple: you must update your Ontario driver’s licence and vehicle permit address within 6 days of your address changing. If you also have an Ontario health card, that address must be updated within 30 days.
Most eligible residents can complete the address change online through ServiceOntario. In some cases, you may need to visit a ServiceOntario centre, especially if you do not have the required documents, cannot complete the process online, or need help with a related record.
This guide explains how to change your address on an Ontario driver’s licence, what information you need, whether there is a fee, what other documents to update, and what mistakes to avoid.
Official source: ServiceOntario change my address page
Quick Answer: How Do You Change Address in Driver’s License Ontario?
To change the address on your Ontario driver’s licence, use the official ServiceOntario address-change service online or visit a ServiceOntario centre.
You need your driver’s licence information, new residential address, and possibly your Ontario health card or vehicle permit depending on which records you update. Ontario requires driver’s licence and vehicle permit addresses to be updated within 6 days of moving.
How Do You Change Your Address on an Ontario Driver’s Licence?
You can change the address on your Ontario driver’s licence in two main ways:
| Method | Best For |
| Online through ServiceOntario | Most eligible residents who have the required documents |
| In person at a ServiceOntario centre | People who cannot complete the online process or need assistance |
For most people, the online method is the fastest option. ServiceOntario’s address-change service is designed to update eligible Ontario government records after a move, including a driver’s licence, vehicle permit, Ontario Photo Card, and health card where applicable.
Before you start, make sure you are using the official Ontario government website. Avoid entering driver’s licence or health card details into unofficial third-party websites.
How Soon Do You Need to Update Your Driver’s Licence Address in Ontario?
Ontario requires drivers to update their driver’s licence and vehicle permit address within 6 days of an address change.
This is one of the most important details to include in your moving checklist. Many people assume they can wait until their next licence renewal, but that is not the safest approach. If your address is outdated, government notices, renewal reminders, vehicle documents, and other important correspondence may be sent to the wrong place.
If you have an Ontario health card, ServiceOntario states that the health card address should be updated within 30 days of the address change.
Why Is It Important to Update Your Ontario Driver’s Licence Address?
Updating your driver’s licence address is not just an administrative task. It helps keep your official driving record accurate and ensures important government communications are sent to the correct address.
Some key reasons to update your address include:
- Keeping your Ministry of Transportation records current
- Receiving driver’s licence renewal notices
- Receiving vehicle permit and registration-related communications
- Avoiding missed government mail
- Keeping identification records consistent
- Reducing issues when renewing or replacing documents
- Helping insurers, government agencies, and service providers match your records correctly
If your driver’s licence address is outdated, you may miss time-sensitive notices or create confusion when completing future driver, vehicle, or identification transactions.
Who Needs to Update Their Driver’s Licence Address?
You should update your Ontario driver’s licence address if your primary residential address has changed.
This includes:
- Moving to a new home within the same city
- Moving to another city or municipality in Ontario
- Moving from a rental property to another rental property
- Moving into a newly purchased home
- Moving after marriage, separation, school, or work relocation
- Moving to a different unit or apartment in the same building
Even if the move seems minor, such as changing apartment numbers, your official address should match your current residence.
Can You Change Your Ontario Driver’s Licence Address Online?
Yes. Most eligible Ontario residents can change their driver’s licence address online using ServiceOntario’s official address-change service.
The online system may allow you to update more than one eligible government record during the same process.
Depending on your situation, this may include:
- Ontario driver’s licence
- Vehicle permit
- Ontario health card
- Ontario Photo Card
- Accessible parking permit
- Outdoors Card, where applicable
If you are updating a driver’s licence, vehicle permit, or Ontario Photo Card online, ServiceOntario may require you to update your Ontario health card at the same time.
Official source: ServiceOntario online address change service
What Do You Need to Change Your Driver’s Licence Address Online?
Before starting the online address change, prepare the information you may need.
| Information Needed | Why It Matters |
| Ontario driver’s licence | Used to identify your driver record |
| Current address | Helps confirm your existing record |
| New residential address | Used to update government records |
| Postal code | Helps verify and process the address |
| Ontario health card, if required | May be needed when updating multiple documents |
| Vehicle permit, if applicable | Needed if updating vehicle records |
| Ontario Photo Card, if applicable | Needed if updating that record |
Enter your address carefully. Mistakes in the street number, unit number, postal code, or municipality can delay updates or send mail to the wrong address.
How to Change Address on Ontario Driver’s Licence Online?
Step 1: Go to the Official ServiceOntario Address Change Page
- Start by visiting the official ServiceOntario address-change page.
- Use only the official Ontario government website. Because driver’s licence and health card information is sensitive, avoid websites that imitate government services or ask for unnecessary personal details.
Step 2: Select the Documents You Need to Update
- Choose the Ontario documents that apply to your situation. This may include your driver’s licence, vehicle permit, health card, Ontario Photo Card, or other eligible records.
- If you own a vehicle, do not forget to update your vehicle permit address as well. Ontario treats the driver’s licence and vehicle permit address update as time-sensitive after a move.
Step 3: Enter Your Identification Details
- You may be asked for information from your driver’s licence, health card, vehicle permit, or other selected document.
- This step helps verify your identity and connect the address change to the correct government record.
Step 4: Enter Your New Residential Address
- Type your new residential address exactly and completely.
Check the following carefully:
- Street number
- Street name
- Apartment, suite, or unit number
- City or municipality
- Province
- Postal code
Use your actual residential address. A mailing address and residential address may not always be treated the same way for government records.
Step 5: Review Everything Before Submitting
- Before you submit, review the information one more time.
Pay special attention to:
- Spelling errors
- Wrong postal code
- Missing apartment or unit number
- Incorrect city or municipality
- Old address accidentally entered as the new address
This small review can prevent problems later.
Step 6: Submit the Address Change
- Submit the request once all information is correct. Keep any confirmation number, receipt, or message shown after submission.
- If the system tells you that another step is required, follow the instructions provided by ServiceOntario.
Can You Change Your Driver’s Licence Address in Person?
Yes. You can visit a ServiceOntario centre if you cannot complete the address change online or need help with your records.
In-person service may be useful if:
- You do not have an Ontario health card required for the online update
- The online system cannot verify your information
- You need help updating multiple documents
- You have a name change or another personal information change
- Your situation involves special documentation
- You prefer face-to-face assistance
Bring your current Ontario driver’s licence and any other relevant identification or vehicle documents. If you are unsure what to bring, check the ServiceOntario page before visiting.
Official source: Find a ServiceOntario location
Is There a Fee to Change Your Address on an Ontario Driver’s Licence?
Changing your address online is generally treated as a routine ServiceOntario update. However, fees can depend on the type of transaction, whether a replacement document is required, and whether you need another service at the same time.
For example, changing an address is different from replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged driver’s licence. Replacement transactions can involve a fee.
Because fees can change, the safest approach is to confirm the latest cost information on the official ServiceOntario page before completing your update.
Do You Get a New Driver’s Licence Card After Changing Your Address?
This may depend on the type of update and ServiceOntario’s current process.
Some driver’s licence information changes can involve a new photo card being mailed. In other cases, the government record may be updated without the same type of replacement process. Follow the instructions shown during the online transaction or provided by ServiceOntario staff.
If you receive a new card, follow the instructions about what to do with the old one.
Do You Need to Update Your Vehicle Permit Too?
Yes, if you own a vehicle, you should update your vehicle permit address as part of the move.
Ontario requires the vehicle permit address to be updated within 6 days of an address change. ServiceOntario guidance also notes that even if you update your address online, you may still need to visit a ServiceOntario location to exchange your existing vehicle permit for one showing your new address.
This is an important point because many people update their driver’s licence online and assume everything related to their vehicle is finished. Always confirm whether your vehicle permit has been fully updated and whether you need to exchange the physical permit.
Official source: Ontario vehicle permit address change guidance
What Other Ontario Documents Should You Update After Moving?
Changing your driver’s licence address is only one part of a complete moving checklist.
You may also need to update:
| Document or Account | Why You Should Update It |
| Ontario health card | Keeps Ministry of Health records current |
| Vehicle permit | Required for vehicle ownership records |
| Ontario Photo Card | Keeps identification records accurate |
| Car insurance | Your address can affect rating, coverage, and documents |
| Banking and credit cards | Ensures statements and notices reach you |
| Canada Revenue Agency | Helps avoid missed tax and benefit mail |
| Employer records | Important for payroll, tax slips, and benefits |
| School or college records | Important for student communications |
| Utilities | Prevents billing and service issues |
| Internet and mobile providers | Keeps billing and service addresses accurate |
| Subscriptions and deliveries | Prevents items going to your old home |
Updating related records at the same time helps reduce confusion and missed mail after a move.
Ontario Address Change Checklist After Moving
Use this checklist after moving in Ontario:
- Update Ontario driver’s licence address within 6 days
- Update vehicle permit address within 6 days, if you own a vehicle
- Update Ontario health card address within 30 days
- Update Ontario Photo Card, if applicable
- Notify your vehicle insurance provider
- Update your bank and credit card accounts
- Update Canada Revenue Agency records
- Notify your employer
- Update school, college, or university records
- Update utilities, internet, and phone providers
- Update subscriptions, deliveries, and online shopping accounts
- Set up mail forwarding if needed
This checklist is especially useful for renters, students, new homeowners, newcomers, and families moving between Ontario cities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Your Driver’s Licence Address
- Waiting Too Long: The biggest mistake is waiting too long after moving. Ontario’s rule for driver’s licence and vehicle permit address changes is 6 days.
- Forgetting the Vehicle Permit: If you own a vehicle, update the vehicle permit too. Your driver’s licence and vehicle permit are separate records, even if the online service helps update them together.
- Entering the Wrong Unit Number: Apartment and unit numbers are often missed. This can cause mail delivery problems.
- Using an Unofficial Website: Only use the official ServiceOntario website. Avoid third-party sites that ask for unnecessary personal information or charge for services that may be available directly through the government.
- Assuming a Health Card Update Is Automatic: If you select multiple records, confirm which records were actually updated. Your Ontario health card address may have a different deadline and process from your driver’s licence.
- Not Keeping Confirmation: Keep the confirmation number or proof of submission, especially if you are completing the update close to the deadline.
Common Myths About Changing Your Driver’s Licence Address in Ontario
| Myth | Reality |
| “I can wait until my licence renewal.” | You should update your address after moving, not wait for renewal. |
| “A small move in the same city does not count.” | If your residential address changes, update the record. |
| “Changing my driver’s licence automatically fixes every record.” | Some records may be updated together, but you should confirm each one. |
| “I always need to visit ServiceOntario.” | Many eligible residents can complete the driver’s licence address change online. |
| “A P.O. box is always enough.” | Driver records may require a residential address, not just a mailing address. |
| “There is no consequence for not updating it.” | Ontario set fines include a fine for failing to notify a change of address. |
What Happens If You Do Not Update Your Address?
If you do not update your driver’s licence address, your official record may become outdated. That can create practical problems, including missed notices, renewal issues, and incorrect government correspondence.
Ontario’s set fine schedule under the Highway Traffic Act includes a fine for failing to notify a change of address. This is why the 6-day rule should be treated seriously.
This article is not legal advice. If you have received a ticket, fine, or notice related to an address issue, check the document carefully and consider getting legal guidance if needed.
Can Newcomers to Ontario Use This Process?
This guide is mainly for people who already have an Ontario driver’s licence and have moved to a new address.
If you are new to Ontario and need to exchange an out-of-province or foreign licence, that is a different process. You may need to visit DriveTest or ServiceOntario depending on your licence type and situation.
Once you have an Ontario driver’s licence, you should keep your address current whenever you move.
Conclusion
Changing your address on an Ontario driver’s licence is a simple but important step after moving.
Most residents can complete the update online through ServiceOntario. The most important rule to remember is that your driver’s licence and vehicle permit address should be updated within 6 days of the address change. If you have an Ontario health card, update that address within 30 days.
After submitting the change, confirm which records were updated, keep your confirmation details, and review whether your vehicle permit, insurance, CRA account, employer records, and other important accounts also need your new address.
Keeping your address current helps ensure government notices, renewal reminders, and important documents reach you at the right place.
FAQs
How quickly should I update my driver’s licence address after moving in Ontario?
You should update your Ontario driver’s licence address within 6 days of your address changing.
Can I change my Ontario driver’s licence address online?
Yes. Most eligible residents can update their driver’s licence address online through ServiceOntario’s official address-change service.
Do I need my health card to change my driver’s licence address online?
ServiceOntario may require your Ontario health card when updating a driver’s licence, vehicle permit, or Ontario Photo Card online. If you do not have an Ontario health card, you may need to visit a ServiceOntario centre.
Do I also need to update my vehicle permit?
Yes, if you own a vehicle. Ontario requires your vehicle permit address to be updated within 6 days of your address changing.
Do I need to visit ServiceOntario after updating my vehicle permit address online?
You may need to visit a ServiceOntario location to exchange your existing vehicle permit for one showing your new address. Check the latest ServiceOntario instructions after completing the online update.
Is there a fee to change my driver’s licence address?
A routine online address update may not be the same as a paid replacement transaction, but fees can vary depending on the service. Check the current ServiceOntario fee information before submitting your request.
Will I receive a new driver’s licence card?
It depends on the type of update and current ServiceOntario process. Follow the instructions provided during the online transaction or by ServiceOntario staff.
Can I use a P.O. box as my driver’s licence address?
A driver’s licence record generally needs your current residential address. Mailing addresses and residential addresses may be treated differently, so check ServiceOntario’s current requirements if you use a P.O. box.
What happens if I forget to update my address?
You may miss important government notices or renewal information. Ontario’s set fine schedule also includes a fine for failing to notify a change of address.
Can I update multiple Ontario documents at the same time?
Yes, ServiceOntario’s address-change service may allow you to update multiple eligible records, such as your driver’s licence, vehicle permit, health card, Ontario Photo Card, and some other Ontario services. Confirm which records were selected and updated before finishing.
