Moving to Ontario from another province or country? This guide covers the essential government services you'll need to access, including health coverage, driver's licensing, and vehicle registration.
For New Ontario Residents
OHIP Health Card
Ontario's public health insurance plan (OHIP) covers most medical services. If you're eligible, apply as soon as possible.
No Waiting Period!
Good news: there is no longer a waiting period for OHIP coverage. If you're eligible, your coverage starts immediately when you apply.
How to Apply
- Where: Any ServiceOntario location
- When: Within 30 days of arriving in Ontario
- Cost: Free
Required Documents
You'll need to prove three things:
- Identity:
- Canadian passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate
- Permanent resident card
- Work or study permit (if applicable)
- Ontario Residency:
- Ontario driver's license
- Lease or rental agreement
- Utility bill with your name and address
- Bank statement showing Ontario address
- Immigration Status: (if not a Canadian citizen)
- Permanent resident card
- Work permit, study permit, or other immigration documents
Driver's License
If you're moving from another province or country, you'll need to exchange your license for an Ontario one.
Key Deadlines
- 60 days: You can use your out-of-province license for 60 days after moving
- After 60 days: You must have an Ontario driver's license to drive legally
Exchange Process
- Where: ServiceOntario or DriveTest centre
- Cost: $90 for a 5-year license
- Testing: Depending on where your license is from, you may need to take a knowledge test and/or road test
From another Canadian province: Usually a direct exchange with no testing required.
From the US or certain other countries: May require a vision test only, or direct exchange depending on the agreement.
From other countries: May require knowledge test and road test.
Vehicle Registration
If you're bringing a vehicle to Ontario:
- Where: ServiceOntario
- What you need:
- Proof of ownership (existing registration)
- Safety Standards Certificate (from an Ontario mechanic)
- Proof of insurance
- Valid Ontario driver's license
- Deadline: Within 6 days of bringing your vehicle to Ontario
ServiceOntario Locations in KW
Kitchener (Victoria Street)
Full-service location
Services: Health card, driver's license, vehicle registration, Ontario Photo Card
Phone: 519-578-3211
Kitchener (Duke Street)
30 Duke St W, 2nd Floor
Cross street: Queen St S and King St E
Services: Health card, driver's license, license plates, accessible parking permits
Find more locations: services.gov.on.ca
Online Services
Many services can be completed online:
- Renew driver's license: ontario.ca/page/renew-drivers-licence
- Update your address: ontario.ca/page/change-my-address-ontario-services
- Book appointments: services.gov.on.ca
Key Deadlines Summary
| Task | Deadline | Penalty for Missing |
|---|---|---|
| Apply for OHIP health card | Within 30 days | No health coverage until applied |
| Exchange driver's license | Within 60 days | Cannot legally drive |
| Update address (license) | Within 6 days | Fine up to $500 |
| Update address (health card) | Within 30 days | May miss important health notices |
| Register vehicle | Within 6 days | Cannot legally drive vehicle |
If You're Moving FROM Ontario
If you're leaving Ontario for another province:
- OHIP coverage continues for the last day of the second full month after you leave
- Apply for coverage in your new province immediately
- Contact ServiceOntario to update your address and expected move date
Other Useful Government Services
- Canada Revenue Agency: Update your address for tax purposes at canada.ca
- Canada Post mail forwarding: Set up mail forwarding at canadapost.ca
- Elections Ontario: Update your voter registration at elections.on.ca
New Resident Checklist
- Apply for OHIP health card (within 30 days)
- Exchange driver's license (within 60 days)
- Register vehicle (within 6 days)
- Update address on all documents
- Set up mail forwarding from old address
- Update address with banks and other accounts
- Register to vote at new address