How To Exchange Your US Driver’s License for Canadian License (Ontario)?

Did you know that if you have a US Driving License, you can simply get it exchanged for a Canadian Driving License (Ontario)! If you meet all the requirements, you would not have to give a driving test either (just vision test).

Steps For Exchanging License

  • Go to Service Ontario
  • Take the vision test
  • Provide the required documents
  • Get picture taken
  • Pay the applicable fees
  • Fill the application form

You would get a temporary license document and your Ontario Driver’s License will be mailed to you.

Documents Required

You will be asked to provide the following documents –

  • Unexpired US Driving License
  • US Driving History – You can get this from your state’s DMV
  • Proof that you completed more than two years of driving in the US
  • Valid Photo ID – Could be passport, green card, photo card.

Exchanging License at Service Ontario

Just go into any Service Ontario office with your US license and let them know you would like to exchange it for an Ontario Driving License.

No appointment in advance is required at Service Ontario

Sometimes the Service Ontario office is quite busy and it can take 1-2 hours before your turn comes, so make sure to plan your day accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the website for Service Ontario?

The website for Service Ontario is https://www.ontario.ca/page/serviceontario.

What if you don’t have more than 2 years of Driving Experience?

Depending on how many years you have driven in the United States, they will issue you either a G2 License or a G License.

A Full Driving License (Commonly known as G License) can be only obtained if you have completed more than 2 years of driving in the United States.

What if my US Driving License expired?

Yes, you can use expired US License to get Canadian license. It must not have been expired more than one year and also must not be cancelled or suspended.

It would be up-to the discretion of the officer to issue you an Ontario Driving License.

Make sure to carry your driving history with you which you would need to obtain from DMV.

What if I have lost my most recent US Driving License?

Your application can still be processed if you have your prior US driving license (expired) and would be required to fill in a form that you lost your US Driving License at Service Ontario.

How long can I drive in Ontario with my US license?

As per official guidelines, new residents can use their license from prior US state for 60 days.

Would demerit points transfer from US driving license to Ontario?

Demerit points usually do not get transferred from your US driving license to your new Ontario License.

When you submit your documents, your driving history will be reviewed and if Ontario has a treaty recognizing points from a US state only then they will get transferred.

A Service Ontario officer would be able to advise you if your demerit points will get transferred from your State or not.

Which countries driving license can be exchanged in Canada?

You can exchange the license of the following countries for a Canadian Driver’s License

  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • France
  • Germany
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • New Zealand
  • Northern Ireland
  • Republic of Ireland
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan

How can I exchange Ontario License for Quebec?

Please follow our guide for exchanging out-of-province license for Quebec’s.

2 thoughts on “How To Exchange Your US Driver’s License for Canadian License (Ontario)?

  1. My U.S license expired 2022. but, because of the pandemic, What is the time limit to change my license?

    1. You can still go in and get it changed to an Ontario or Quebec license.
      For Quebec usually you need to call them in advance and book an appointment.

      If you are caught with an expired license while driving you can get penalties now; so you should exchange it as soon as possible.

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