How to Change Your Address When You Move in Canada

When you move in Canada, you update your address in three places: the federal government, your provincial government (driver’s licence, health card and vehicle) and everyone else who sends you mail or bills. Start before moving day with mail forwarding and utilities, and finish the official updates in your first week. Some provinces let you update several government records in one online step.

What should I update with the federal government?

• Canada Revenue Agency: update your address in CRA My Account so tax slips, refunds and benefits reach you.
• Service Canada: if you receive Employment Insurance, CPP, OAS or other federal benefits.
• Canada Post: set up mail forwarding for a period after the move. Check Canada Post for current options and fees.
• Elections Canada: keep your voter registration current.

What do I update with my province?

Your driver’s licence, health card and vehicle registration are provincial. Each province handles them differently:

• Ontario: update your driver’s licence, health card and vehicle permit through ServiceOntario. Ontario requires you to report a new address for your licence within six days of moving.
• Quebec: the government’s change of address service updates several departments at once, including the SAAQ (licence and vehicle) and the RAMQ (health insurance). The SAAQ asks you to report a move within 30 days.
• British Columbia: Address Change BC lets you update records with several provincial and local government organizations in one online form.
• Alberta: update your driver’s licence and vehicle registration at a registry agent, and your Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan coverage separately.
• Manitoba: update your licence and vehicle with Manitoba Public Insurance, and your health card with Manitoba Health.
• Saskatchewan: update your licence and vehicle with SGI, and your health card with eHealth Saskatchewan.
• Nova Scotia: update your licence and vehicle through Access Nova Scotia, and your health card with MSI.

Deadlines and online options change, so check your province’s site for the current rules. If you are moving between provinces rather than within one, you will exchange your licence and apply for a new health card instead; see moving to another province.

Who else needs to know?

• Banks, credit cards and investment accounts
• Employer and payroll
• Home, tenant and car insurers
• Doctors, dentists, pharmacies and other health providers
• Schools and daycares
• Phone, internet, cable and streaming services
• Subscriptions and online shopping accounts
• Your provincial elections office
• Loyalty programs, memberships and gym

What about utilities?

Contact your electricity, gas, water and internet providers a few weeks before the move, and give them your move-out and move-in dates. Take final meter readings on moving day. Book internet installation early, since appointments can be weeks out, especially at month-end and, in Quebec, around July 1.

What is a good timeline?

• Four weeks before: arrange utilities and forwarding, and give notice if you rent. See giving notice to your landlord.
• One week before: notify banks, insurers and your employer.
• First week in the new home: provincial updates, CRA and the rest of your list.
• First month: check that mail is arriving and update stragglers.

What should I keep on hand?

Keep a list of every account you update, with the date, and a copy of your new lease or closing documents. They are useful as proof of address.

Let us handle the heavy lifting

You handle the paperwork and we handle the boxes. Get a free quote and see our moving day checklist for the big day.