Free new-resident guide — PE
Moving to Prince Edward Island (2026)
What you need to do when you move to Prince Edward Island from another province — driver's licence, health card, vehicle re-registration, and address updates, with Prince Edward Island-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: 4 months
Exchange your out-of-province licence within 4 months of becoming a PEI resident at Access PEI.
Testing is typically waived when exchanging a same-class Canadian licence.
Official source → https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/transportation-infrastructure-and-energy/getting-a-pei-drivers-licenseHealth card — PEI Health Card
Plan
PEI Health Card
When to apply
on arrival
How to apply
Online or at Access PEI (same-day approval possible)
Waiting period / coverage start
Coverage begins on the first day of the 3rd month after you arrive (e.g. arrive Jul 4 -- coverage starts Oct 1). Your prior province covers you during the first 3 months.
Vehicle re-registration
Re-register your out-of-province vehicle in Prince Edward Island. The deadline and whether a safety inspection is required varies by province.
Prince Edward Island 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 Prince Edward Island-specific steps and agencies.
Prince Edward Island replace-documents guide →Official sources
Last updated: June 2026
Download your free Prince Edward Island new-resident checklist
Printable PDF covering all 7 steps with Prince Edward Island-specific deadlines.
Free. General information only -- not legal or regulatory advice.
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