Free new-resident guide — NS
Moving to Nova Scotia (2026)
What you need to do when you move to Nova Scotia from another province — driver's licence, health card, vehicle re-registration, and address updates, with Nova Scotia-specific deadlines.
Keep your old health coverage
Keep your old provincial health coverage active until your new coverage starts -- do not cancel it early.
Update address & notify agencies
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.
Driver's licence
Exchange deadline: 180 days
Exchange your out-of-province licence within 180 days of becoming a Nova Scotia resident at Access Nova Scotia / Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Testing is typically waived when exchanging a same-class Canadian licence.
Official source → https://novascotia.ca/just-moved-here/exchange-your-out-of-province-drivers-licence/Health card — MSI (Medical Services Insurance)
Plan
MSI (Medical Services Insurance)
When to apply
on arrival (you can apply up to 90 days before coverage starts)
How to apply
Online at novascotia.ca; you may apply up to 90 days before your eligibility date
Waiting period / coverage start
Coverage begins on the first day of the 3rd month after you establish residency (e.g. arrive Sep 27 -- coverage starts Dec 1).
Vehicle re-registration
Re-register your out-of-province vehicle in Nova Scotia. The deadline and whether a safety inspection is required varies by province.
Nova Scotia vehicle re-registration guide →Federal tasks
- •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.
Local setup
Utilities, 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.)
Replace or obtain documents
If you need a replacement birth certificate, SIN confirmation letter, or passport, see the replace-documents guide for Nova Scotia-specific steps and agencies.
Nova Scotia replace-documents guide →Official sources
Last updated: June 2026
Download your free Nova Scotia new-resident checklist
Printable PDF covering all 7 steps with Nova Scotia-specific deadlines.
Free. General information only -- not legal or regulatory advice.
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