What a Canadian driving record is and why you need one

A driving record is an official document that shows your complete history as a driver in Canada. It lists every traffic conviction, demerit point, suspension, and accident you've been involved in — or confirms that your record is clean. Each province and territory keeps its own records, so the document you request depends on where you hold your license.

You'll need a copy of your driving record for insurance quotes, job applications (especially for positions involving driving), court cases, or to check what's actually on file about you. Insurance companies use it to set your rates. Employers in transportation, delivery, or commercial driving industries almost always request it. You may also want one straightforward to verify that old tickets or incidents have been removed after the required time has passed.

The record you receive is official and can be used anywhere in Canada or internationally. It comes directly from the government body that issued your license — not from a third-party service — so it carries legal weight.

Key Takeaways

  • Each Canadian province and territory maintains its own driving records, so you request from the body that issued your license, not a national office.
  • You can request your record in person, by mail, online, or by phone depending on your province, and most requests take one to two weeks.
  • You will need to provide your driver's license number, full legal name, and date of birth, and may need to pay a small fee (usually $10 to $30).
  • Some provinces offer a certified copy (for legal use) and an uncertified copy (for personal reference), and the certified version costs more.
  • You can request records for yourself or, with proper authorization, on behalf of someone else such as a family member or employee.

How to request your record by province

Because each province and territory runs its own licensing system, the process and office you contact differ. Below are the main routes for Canada's largest provinces; if you live elsewhere, your provincial or territorial government website will have the same information under "driver's record" or "driving history."

Ontario: ServiceOntario handles driving records. You can request online through their website, visit a ServiceOntario office in person, call 1-800-387-3556, or mail a request form. Online requests are fastest and typically arrive within five business days. A certified copy costs $15.

British Columbia: ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) issues records. You can request online, by phone at 1-800-663-3051, in person at an ICBC office, or by mail. Online requests take about one week. A certified copy costs $25.

Alberta: Alberta Transportation issues records through Service Alberta. Request online, by phone at 780-427-8724, in person at a Service Alberta office, or by mail. Online requests typically take five to ten business days. A certified copy costs $20.

Quebec: The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) handles records. You can request online, by phone at 1-800-361-7222, in person at an SAAQ office, or by mail. Online requests are processed within one week. A certified copy costs $30.

Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and other provinces: Each has its own licensing authority. Search "[Your Province] driving record request" on the provincial government website to find the correct office, phone number, and online portal.

What information you'll need to provide

Regardless of province, you will always need your driver's license number, full legal name (exactly as it appears on your license), and date of birth. Some provinces also ask for your current address or the address where you held your license at a specific time.

If you're requesting someone else's record, you will need their permission in writing, and some provinces require a power of attorney or a signed consent form. Employers requesting records on behalf of employees typically need the employee's written consent and sometimes a copy of the employment contract or job offer letter.

Have your license in front of you when you make the request so you can provide the exact spelling of your name and your license number without delay.

Certified versus uncertified copies

Most provinces offer two versions: a certified copy and an uncertified copy. A certified copy bears an official seal or signature from the government body and can be used as legal proof in court, for insurance claims, or for official purposes. An uncertified copy is a printout of your record and is suitable for personal reference, checking what's on file, or informal requests like a job interview.

Certified copies cost more — typically $5 to $15 more than uncertified — but are required if you need the record for a legal proceeding, a formal insurance claim, or any situation where the document must be verified as authentic. If you're unsure which you need, ask the person or organization requesting it; they will usually specify.

When you request online or by mail, you can usually choose which type you want. In-person requests at a government office can often be fulfilled on the spot, though certified copies may take a few extra minutes to process.

Fees and processing times

Fees vary by province and by whether you request a certified or uncertified copy. Uncertified copies typically cost $10 to $20, while certified copies range from $15 to $30. Some provinces charge extra for rush processing or for mailing the record to you.

Processing times also differ. Online requests are usually the fastest, taking five to ten business days in most provinces. Mail requests take longer — typically two to four weeks depending on postal delays. In-person requests at a government office are often completed the same day or within a few business days, though certified copies may require a short wait.

Payment methods vary: online requests usually accept credit or debit card; mail requests may require a cheque or money order; in-person requests accept cash, card, or cheque depending on the office. Check your provincial website for the exact payment method before you submit your request.

What appears on your driving record

Your record shows traffic convictions (speeding, dangerous driving, impaired driving, etc.), demerit points assigned for each conviction, any license suspensions or revocations, and major accidents you were involved in. It does not include minor accidents where no ticket was issued, parking violations, or incidents that occurred outside Canada.

Most provinces keep convictions on your record for a set period — typically three to ten years depending on the severity of the offense — after which they are removed. Once removed, they will not appear on future records you request. If you see something on your record that you believe is incorrect or has expired, contact the licensing authority in your province; they can investigate and correct errors.

Your record is confidential and is released only to you, to someone you authorize in writing, or to organizations with a legal right to request it (such as your insurance company or an employer with your consent).

Requesting a record if you've moved provinces

If you moved to a new province and transferred your license, your new province's licensing authority will have your current record. However, your driving history from the previous province is usually included in the transfer, so a record from your current province will show your complete driving history across both provinces.

If you moved but have not yet transferred your license, you can still request a record from the province where you originally licensed. That record will show only the history from that province up to the date you left. Once you transfer your license to a new province, future records will be issued by the new province and will include your full history.

If you need records from multiple provinces for a specific reason, you can request them separately from each province's licensing authority. This is rare but may be necessary for certain legal or insurance matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a traffic conviction stay on my driving record?

Most provinces keep convictions for three to ten years depending on the offense. Minor violations like speeding typically stay for three to five years, while serious offenses like impaired driving may remain for ten years or longer. Once the time period expires, the conviction is removed and will not appear on future records. Contact your provincial licensing authority if you're unsure when a specific conviction will be removed.

Can I request my driving record online in every province?

Most provinces offer online requests, but not all. Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec all have online portals. Smaller provinces may require you to request by phone, mail, or in person. Check your provincial government website under "driving record" or "driver history" to see what methods are available where you live.

What if my name has changed since I got my license?

Provide your current legal name and your driver's license number. The licensing authority will match you to your record using your license number and date of birth. If you've changed your name legally (through marriage, court order, or other means), update your license first, then request your record under your new name. Your record will reflect the name change.

Can my employer request my driving record without my permission?

No. Your driving record is confidential. Your employer can request it only with your written consent. Most employers ask you to sign a consent form before they request the record. You have the right to refuse, though some driving-related positions may require it as a condition of employment.

What if I find an error on my driving record?

Contact the licensing authority in the province where the error appears. Provide your license number, the error you found, and any supporting documents (such as a court document showing the conviction was withdrawn). The authority will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed. This process typically takes two to four weeks.