Moving to New Brunswick (2026)
This page is the free New Brunswick guide. No sign-in. Read on, or take the checklist as a PDF.
Facts checked July 2026 · See what changed · How we check
What you need to do when you move to New Brunswick from another province: driver's licence, health card, vehicle re-registration, and address updates, with New Brunswick-specific deadlines.
Two questions about your move
Answer these and the checklist below drops the steps that do not apply to you. Every answer stays in your browser.
Do you drive?
Will you need provincial health coverage?
How your answers are used
Keep your old health coverage
Keep your old provincial health coverage active until your new coverage starts. Do not cancel it early.
1
Update address and notify agencies
Open this section ↓Update your address with Canada Post (mail forwarding), CRA, Service Canada, Elections Canada, your bank, employer, and provincial agencies including your health card and driver's licence address.
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Driver's licence
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionExchange deadline: as soon as you take up residence
New Brunswick requires you to exchange your out-of-province licence as soon as you take up residence; there is no stated day-count grace period on the official government page. Visit a ServiceNB centre promptly after arriving.
Testing is typically waived when exchanging a same-class Canadian licence.
Official source → https://www.gnb.ca/en/topic/driving-transportation/driving-licensing/driver-licences.htmlChanging your address too? New Brunswick change-of-address checklist →What happens if you miss the New Brunswick licence-exchange deadline
Deadline: as soon as you take up residence.
New Brunswick's official page sets this deadline but does not publish a dollar penalty for missing it.
Official source: New Brunswick driver's licence exchange page →3
Health card: NB Medicare
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionOfficial source → https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/health/DrugPlans/content/medicare/ApplyingforaCard.htmlPlan
NB Medicare
When to apply
after establishing residence
How to apply
Online Medicare application after you establish residence
Waiting period / coverage start
Coverage begins on the first day of the 3rd month after you establish residence (e.g. arrive Jul 20, coverage starts Oct 1).
4
Vehicle re-registration
Re-register your out-of-province vehicle in New Brunswick.Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionRe-register your out-of-province vehicle in New Brunswick. The deadline and whether a safety inspection is required varies by province.
New Brunswick vehicle re-registration guide →What will all of this cost? Moving Cost Calculator →5
What to bring to each appointment
Open this section ↓Before you go: what each New Brunswick office asks new residents to bring, from its own official page.
↑ Close this sectionDriver's licence exchange
New Brunswick asks you to bring:
- ✓at least one document from the acceptable identification list
- ✓at least two documents from the acceptable proof-of-NB-residency list
- ✓proof of name change if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce papers, or Certificate of Name Change)
The specific acceptable-ID and residency lists are on separate linked pages not captured this session; confirm the exact accepted documents with Service New Brunswick before you go.
Official source: gnb.ca: Driver licences →Health card: NB Medicare
New/returning residents bring:
- ✓proof of Canadian citizenship OR a copy of all Canadian Immigration identification records and the last entry stamp on passports
- ✓proof of identity
- ✓proof of residency in New Brunswick
Applicants 19+ who are not a dependent must provide a copy of Power of Attorney documents where relevant.
Official source: gnb.ca: Applying for a Medicare card →Vehicle re-registration
- ✓Out-of-province vehicle registration
- ✓New Brunswick auto insurance (required before registering)
- ✓Government-issued photo ID
6
Federal tasks
Open this section ↓- •CRA: update your mailing address via My Account at canada.ca or by calling 1-800-959-8281. Direct deposit details stay the same.
- •Elections Canada: update your voter registration at elections.ca or at your nearest Elections Canada office.
7
Local setup
Utilities, waste/recycling, transit passes, and school registration are set by your municipality: rules and providers vary by city.Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionUtilities, waste/recycling, transit passes, and school registration are set by your municipality: rules and providers vary by city. Check your city or municipal website for local services. (Per-city details are outside the scope of this guide.)
8
Replace or obtain documents
If you need a replacement birth certificate, SIN confirmation letter, or passport, see the replace-documents guide for New Brunswick-specific steps and agencies.Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionIf you need a replacement birth certificate, SIN confirmation letter, or passport, see the replace-documents guide for New Brunswick-specific steps and agencies.
New Brunswick replace-documents guide →9
Common questions
Is there a moving to New Brunswick checklist?Open this section ↓Is there a moving to New Brunswick checklist?
Yes: this page is a step-by-step New Brunswick new-resident checklist, and you can download it as a free printable PDF. It covers all seven steps: updating your address, exchanging your driver's licence within as soon as you take up residence, enrolling in NB Medicare, re-registering your vehicle, federal updates (CRA and Elections Canada), and local setup.
How do I move to New Brunswick from another province?
The steps are the same whichever province you're moving from: exchange your out-of-province driver's licence within as soon as you take up residence, enrol in NB Medicare (keep your previous province's coverage until the new coverage starts), re-register your vehicle, and update your address with the CRA and Elections Canada. Each step above has the New Brunswick-specific detail and official source.
Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer
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Official sources
Facts checked July 2026
Download your free New Brunswick new-resident checklist
Printable PDF covering all 7 steps with New Brunswick-specific deadlines.
Free. General information only, not legal or regulatory advice.
Keep it with the rest. This one files behind tab 3 of the Home File.
Moving to a different province?
Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.