You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office

Ontario lets you change your driver's license address without getting a new license card. The fastest way is online through the ServiceOntario website if your address change is within Ontario. If you're moving out of province, moving to a rural address, or prefer not to use the online system, you can mail in a form or visit a ServiceOntario office in person. The address on your license must match your current residence — it's not optional, and insurance companies check it.

Your license itself doesn't need to be replaced just for an address change, which saves you the cost and wait time of a full renewal. However, if your license is expiring soon anyway, ServiceOntario may ask you to renew it at the same time, which does involve a new card and photo.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address updates through ServiceOntario take a few business days and work only if you're staying in Ontario and have a valid Ontario health card.
  • Mailing a form (DL 82) takes two to four weeks and works for any address change, including moves out of province.
  • In-person visits at ServiceOntario offices are fastest for when ready confirmation but require an appointment in most regions.
  • Your insurance company must be told of your address change separately — updating your license does not automatically notify them.
  • If your license expires within six months, ServiceOntario may require you to renew it instead of just changing the address.

Online address updates through ServiceOntario

The online method is the quickest if you meet the requirements. You need a valid Ontario health card, a ServiceOntario account (which you can create during the process), and you must be moving to another address within Ontario. You'll enter your new address, confirm your identity, and pay a small fee — currently $10.50 for an address change only. The update usually takes three to five business days.

You won't receive a new physical license card. Your address will be updated in the system, and you can print a temporary confirmation document to carry until the change appears in police records. This temporary document is not a legal ID — it's proof you've requested the change. If you need to show ID before the update is complete, your old license with the old address is still valid for identification purposes, though the address mismatch may raise questions with insurance companies or employers.

Mailing your address change form

If you're moving out of Ontario, moving to a rural address without a street number, or prefer paper, you can mail form DL 82 (Change of Address) to ServiceOntario. You'll need to include your current license, a completed DL 82 form, and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or property tax notice dated within the last 90 days works. Mail everything to the address listed on the form, which varies by region.

Processing takes two to four weeks from the date ServiceOntario receives your envelope. There is no fee for a mailing address change. You'll get your license back in the mail with no changes to the card itself — the address is updated in the system only. If you're moving out of province, include a letter explaining your move, and ServiceOntario will update your status accordingly. Keep a copy of everything you send in case there are questions.

Updating your address in person at ServiceOntario

You can walk into any ServiceOntario office and request an address change on the spot. Most offices now require an appointment, which you can book through the ServiceOntario website. Bring your current license and proof of your new address (same documents as the mail method: utility bill, lease, or property tax notice from the last 90 days). The fee is $10.50 if you're updating online or in person; mailing is free.

In-person updates are confirmed when ready, and you'll receive a receipt showing your new address has been registered. Your physical license card is not changed. If you need a new card with your new address printed on it, you can request a renewal at the same visit, but that costs extra and takes longer. For most people, the receipt and system update are enough.

What happens if your license is expiring soon

If your license expires within six months of your address change request, ServiceOntario may require you to renew your license instead of just updating the address. A renewal means a new card with your photo, signature, and new address printed on it. This costs more than an address-only change and takes longer to process. If you're in this situation, you can still choose to do the address change now and renew later, or combine both at once — ask the ServiceOntario agent which option makes sense for your timeline.

Check your license expiry date before you start the process. If you're within six months of expiry, it may be worth renewing now rather than updating the address and then renewing a few months later.

Notifying your insurance company separately

Updating your driver's license address does not automatically tell your car insurance company. You must contact your insurer directly and provide your new address. Insurance rates and coverage can change based on where you live — urban areas, rural areas, and different postal codes have different risk profiles. Your insurer needs the correct address to calculate your premium accurately and to send you documents and renewal notices.

Call your insurance agent or log into your online account and update the address there. Do this as soon as you move, not after you've updated your license. If you're in an accident or file a claim and your address on file doesn't match your actual residence, the claim could be delayed or denied. Some insurers also check your license address against their records during renewal, and a mismatch may trigger a review.

Moving out of Ontario or Canada

If you're moving to another Canadian province or territory, use the mail method with form DL 82 and include a letter explaining your move. ServiceOntario will update your status, and you can keep your Ontario license or exchange it for a license in your new province — the rules vary by province. Some provinces recognize Ontario licenses for a grace period; others require you to get a new license within a set number of days.

If you're moving to the United States, the same process applies: mail form DL 82 with proof of your new U.S. address. You may also need to get a U.S. driver's license depending on your state of residence and how long you'll be there. Check the requirements of your destination state before you move. Keep your Ontario license as a backup form of ID if you plan to return to Ontario.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to update my address if I'm only moving temporarily?

If you're moving for more than a few months, update your address. Your license address should reflect where you actually live. If you're away for a short trip or temporary work, you don't need to change it, but if you're relocating for a job, school, or other long-term reason, update it within a reasonable time — there's no legal important date, but insurance companies expect current information.

What if I don't have proof of my new address yet?

You need a document dated within the last 90 days showing your name and new address. If you've just signed a lease or purchase agreement but haven't received a utility bill yet, a signed lease counts. If you're moving in with family or friends, ask them for a utility bill or property tax notice with your name added, or get a letter from the property owner on letterhead confirming your residence. ServiceOntario is flexible about what counts as proof.

Can I update my address if my license is suspended?

Yes. A suspended license can still have its address updated. The suspension status doesn't change, but your address in the system will be current. When your suspension ends and your license is reinstated, the new address will already be on file. Update your address through the mail or in person; the online system may block you if your license is suspended.

How long does it take to see the address change in police records?

Online updates take three to five business days. Mail takes two to four weeks. Once the change is processed, it appears in the police database used during traffic stops. If you're pulled over before the change is complete, your old address will show on the officer's screen, but you can explain that you've recently moved and provide your temporary confirmation document or receipt.

Will my insurance rates change if I update my address?

Possibly. Insurance rates depend on your postal code, neighborhood risk, and other location-based factors. Moving from a rural area to a city, or vice versa, can raise or lower your premium. Contact your insurer with your new address and ask for a rate quote before you finalize the move if cost is a concern. Some insurers offer discounts for certain neighborhoods or lower-risk areas.