Free new-resident guide — ON
Moving to Ontario (2026)
What you need to do when you move to Ontario from another province — driver's licence, health card, vehicle re-registration, and address updates, with Ontario-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: 60 days
You may drive on your existing out-of-province licence for up to 60 days after becoming an Ontario resident; after that you must exchange it for an Ontario licence.
Testing is typically waived when exchanging a same-class Canadian licence.
Official source → https://www.ontario.ca/page/exchange-out-province-drivers-licenceHealth card — OHIP
Plan
OHIP
When to apply
as soon as you arrive
How to apply
ServiceOntario (in person or online)
Waiting period / coverage start
No waiting period -- OHIP coverage is immediate (the 3-month wait was removed in 2020). You must be physically present in Ontario for at least 153 of the first 183 days of your coverage period.
Vehicle re-registration
Re-register your out-of-province vehicle in Ontario. The deadline and whether a safety inspection is required varies by province.
Ontario 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 Ontario-specific steps and agencies.
Ontario replace-documents guide →Download your free Ontario new-resident checklist
Printable PDF covering all 7 steps with Ontario-specific deadlines.
Free. General information only -- not legal or regulatory advice.
Moving to a different province?
Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer