Renewal Fee for Quebec Learner's Permits

The cost to renew a learner's permit in Quebec is $30 as of the current fee schedule. This is the base renewal fee charged by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), the provincial body that issues and manages all driving permits in the province.

The $30 fee covers the permit itself and the processing of your renewal request. If you are renewing by mail or in person at an SAAQ office, you pay this amount once. There are no additional hidden charges for standard renewals, though certain circumstances — such as replacing a lost or damaged permit before expiry — may carry different fees.

Payment methods vary depending on how you renew. If you renew in person at an SAAQ office, you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. If you renew by mail, you must include a cheque or money order payable to the SAAQ.

Key Takeaways

  • The renewal fee for a Quebec learner's permit is $30, paid directly to the SAAQ.
  • You can renew in person at any SAAQ office, by mail, or online through the SAAQ website if you meet the requirements.
  • Renewal by mail requires you to send a cheque or money order; in-person renewal accepts cash, debit, or credit cards.
  • Your renewed permit is valid for five years from the date of renewal, the same validity period as an original learner's permit.

How to Renew and When to Start

You can renew your learner's permit up to six months before it expires. The SAAQ recommends starting the process at least four weeks before your expiry date to avoid delays, especially if you are renewing by mail.

To renew in person, visit any SAAQ office with your current permit, proof of identity, and proof of residence. Bring your $30 fee in the form of cash, debit, or credit card. Processing usually takes a few minutes, and you receive your renewed permit on the same day.

To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the SAAQ website or by calling 1-800-361-7272. Complete the form, include a photocopy of your current permit, proof of identity, and a cheque or money order for $30. Mail the package to the address provided on the form. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks.

Online Renewal Option

The SAAQ offers online renewal for learner's permits through its official website. To renew online, you must have a valid SAAQ online account and access to a credit card for payment. The $30 fee applies whether you renew online or through other methods.

Online renewal is the fastest option and allows you to complete the entire process from home. Your renewed permit is mailed to you within one to two weeks. You will need your current permit number, date of birth, and postal code to log in and start the renewal.

What Happens If Your Permit Expires

If your learner's permit expires before you renew it, you cannot legally drive with a supervising driver. You must renew it before you can resume driving as a learner. The renewal fee remains $30 even if your permit has been expired for some time.

If your permit has been expired for more than three years, the SAAQ may require you to retake the knowledge test and pass a vision test before issuing a renewal. This adds time to the process but does not increase the $30 renewal fee itself. Contact the SAAQ directly to confirm whether a retest is required in your situation.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Permit

If you lose your learner's permit or it is damaged before expiry, you can request a replacement rather than waiting for renewal. A replacement permit costs $15, which is less than the full renewal fee. You must report a lost or stolen permit to the SAAQ and provide proof of identity.

If your permit is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it at an SAAQ office for $15. If you are close to your renewal date, you may choose to wait and renew instead, paying the full $30 fee for a permit valid for another five years.

Validity Period After Renewal

A renewed learner's permit is valid for five years from the date the SAAQ issues it. This is the same duration as an original learner's permit. The five-year clock starts from your renewal date, not from your previous expiry date.

Mark your calendar or set a reminder about six months before the new expiry date so you have time to renew again without your permit lapsing. The SAAQ does not send automatic renewal reminders, so tracking the date yourself is important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my learner's permit if it has been expired for over a year?

Yes, you can renew it at any time. However, if it has been expired for more than three years, the SAAQ may require you to retake the knowledge test and pass a vision test before issuing the renewal. Contact the SAAQ at 1-800-361-7272 to confirm whether a retest applies to your situation.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewed permit?

Not for mail or online renewal. If you renew in person at an SAAQ office, they will take a new photo as part of the process. The photo is included in the $30 renewal fee.

What if I move to a different province after renewing my Quebec learner's permit?

Your Quebec learner's permit remains valid in other provinces while you hold it. However, if you establish residency in another province, you will eventually need to exchange it for that province's learner's permit. Each province has its own rules about when an exchange is required.

Can someone else renew my permit on my behalf?

No. You must renew your own permit. If you renew by mail, you sign the form yourself. If you renew in person or online, you must be the one completing the transaction. The SAAQ does not accept third-party renewals.

Is there a fee if I renew early, more than six months before expiry?

No. The renewal fee is $30 regardless of when you renew, as long as your permit is still valid. Renewing early does not cost more or less.