Buy Newfoundland and Labrador Driver License

How to Get, Renew, or Transfer a Newfoundland and Labrador Driver’s Licence (Official Guide)

Obtaining or renewing a driver’s licence in Newfoundland and Labrador doesn’t need to be stressful. The official process, managed by Motor Registration Division (MRD) under Service NL, makes it possible to apply, renew, or replace your licence efficiently and securely. This guide explains how to complete each step legally and conveniently.

Applying for a Newfoundland and Labrador Driver’s Licence

If you’re a first-time driver, you’ll start with the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program. This program helps new drivers build experience safely before earning full driving privileges.

Steps:

Apply for a Learner’s Permit (Level I):
- You must be at least 16 years old.
- Pass a vision test and a written knowledge test on road rules and traffic signs.
- Bring valid identification and proof of residency.
- Pay the standard application fee.
Level II – Novice Licence:
- After holding your Level I licence for at least 12 months (or 8 months with approved driver education), you can take your road test.
- Upon passing, you’ll receive your Level II licence, which carries some restrictions (like passenger and alcohol limits).
Full Driver’s Licence:
- After holding a Level II licence for at least 12 months with a clean record, you can apply for your full Class 5 licence.

Renewing Your Driver’s Licence

Your Newfoundland and Labrador driver’s licence must be renewed every five years (or sooner if specified). You’ll receive a renewal notice before your licence expires.

How to renew:

Online: Many drivers can renew online via the official Service NL portal.
In person: Visit any Motor Registration Division (MRD) office or Government Service Centre with your current licence, renewal notice, and payment.
By mail: Some renewals can be done by mail—check your renewal notice for eligibility.

If your photo or signature needs updating, you’ll have to renew in person.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Licence

If your driver’s licence is lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement:

Visit a Motor Registration Division office or Government Service Centre.
Bring two pieces of identification (one must be photo ID).
Report a stolen licence to the police before applying.
Pay the replacement fee.

Your new licence will typically arrive by mail within a few weeks.

Transferring a Driver’s Licence from Another Province

If you’ve moved to Newfoundland and Labrador from another Canadian province or territory:

You can exchange your valid out-of-province licence for an equivalent Newfoundland and Labrador licence.
You must do this within 90 days of taking up residency.
Bring your current licence, proof of identity, and proof of local address to an MRD office.
In most cases, you won’t need to retake a road or knowledge test.

For international drivers, eligibility for exchange depends on reciprocal agreements between Newfoundland and Labrador and your country of origin.

Driving Licence Reciprocity

Newfoundland and Labrador has agreements with other provinces and several countries that allow straightforward licence exchanges. Drivers from approved jurisdictions (like the UK, Ireland, Australia, or the U.S.) can exchange their foreign licence for a local one without retesting, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

If your country isn’t on the reciprocity list, you’ll need to take both the written and practical driving tests.

Avoiding Scams and Fraudulent Services

Be cautious of any website or individual offering to “sell” you a driver’s licence or help you “skip tests or paperwork.”
These offers are illegal, and using or purchasing a fraudulent licence can lead to: