Moving within Ontario? Here’s What ID you'll need to update

Summary: A change of address in Ontario means updating each piece of ID and account on its own, because no single form does it all. Update your driver's licence within six days of moving and your health card within 30 days, then work through the rest: vehicle permit, passport, traveller cards, and the services tied to your home.

Moving means telling a long list of organizations where you now live, and the pieces of government ID you carry are the ones with real deadlines attached. This guide covers who to notify, in what order, and what to have ready for each, starting with a quick checklist you can work through the week you move.

Who do I need to notify of a change of address in Ontario?

A change of address in Ontario touches three groups: government-issued ID, accounts tied to your old home, and personal services bound to a location. Start with the ID that carries legal deadlines, then work outward. Here's the checklist:

• Driver's licence. Update with ServiceOntario within six days of your move.

• Health card (OHIP). Update within 30 days of your move.

• Vehicle permit. Update your car registration address at the same time as your licence.

• Passport. Update the address page; not required by law, but it keeps your travel documents consistent.

• Traveller cards (NEXUS). Update through the Trusted Traveler Program portal.

• Utilities and connectivity. Hydro, gas, water, internet, and cable at both the old and new address.

• Personal services. Family doctor, dentist, vet, and any care tied to your old neighbourhood.

• Your real estate closing. If the move involves buying or selling, your closing lawyer needs the correct address on file.

Not every item applies to everyone, since you only update ID you actually hold. The simplest approach is to start a list the day you know you're moving, write down every card and account you can think of, and keep adding to it over the following weeks as others come to mind.

Which ID has a deadline, and where do I update it?

The two pieces with firm deadlines are your driver's licence (six days) and health card (30 days), both handled through ServiceOntario. The table below shows the deadline, where to go, and what to bring for the most common Ontario ID.

To update online, you'll need the full details of your new address, including street, city, province, and postal code, for verification. For a photo health card you'll also need your card number, version code, the postal code on your current licence, and the nine characters on the back of the card. If your health card still shows a printed address, you'll need to update it in person at ServiceOntario.

How do I change my address on my driver's licence in Ontario?

You can change your driver's licence address online through ServiceOntario or in person at a licence office, and there's no fee. Online is faster if you'd rather not visit in person. You'll need your new address and the details printed on your current licence.

1. Gather your details. Have your current driver's licence and your full new address, including postal code, on hand.

2. Choose online or in person. Use the ServiceOntario address change service or visit a licence office.

3. Update your vehicle permit too. While you're at it, change the registration address on your vehicle permit so your car records match.

4. Mind the deadline. Notify ServiceOntario within six days of your move, as required by Ontario's driver licensing regulation under the Highway Traffic Act.

What other ID should Ontarians update after moving?

Beyond provincial ID, update the documents managed federally or across borders, chiefly your passport and any traveller card. These don't carry the same provincial deadlines, but keeping them current avoids surprises when you travel.

• Passport. Your Canadian passport has a space to record your address. You can update it yourself by changing the address on the appropriate page; it isn't mandatory, but it keeps your documents consistent. Confirm the current method on the Government of Canada passport help centre before you travel.

• NEXUS and other traveller cards. Trusted traveller programs expect you to keep your address current. For NEXUS, log into the Trusted Traveler Program portal and update your information from the dashboard.

What else needs my new address when I move?

Once your ID is sorted, notify every service connected to your old home: utilities, internet, cable, and any subscriptions delivered to your door. If you've moved far enough, you may also need a new family doctor, dentist, or vet near your new home. Our companion guide on who needs to know when you've changed your address walks through the full list of services to contact.

If your move involves buying or selling a home, your real estate closing is one more place your address matters. A closing service takes your purchase or sale the final stretch to completion, and your lawyer needs your correct details on file to do it.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to change my address after moving in Ontario?

You have six days to update your driver's licence and 30 days to update your health card after moving. Other documents, such as your passport and NEXUS card, don't have a fixed provincial deadline but should be updated promptly.

Do I need proof of address to change my driver's licence in Ontario?

You need your full new address, including postal code, for verification, plus the details on your current driver's licence. ServiceOntario uses these to confirm your identity and update your record online or in person.

Is there one form to change my address for everything in Ontario?

No. Each piece of ID and each account is updated separately with the organization that issues it. ServiceOntario can update your driver's licence, health card, and vehicle permit together, but passports, traveller cards, utilities, and personal services are each handled on their own.

Do I need a new driver's licence if I move within Ontario?

No. You keep the same licence and simply update the address on your record with ServiceOntario. Your licence number does not change when you move within the province.

How do I change my health card address in Ontario?

Update a photo health card online through ServiceOntario using your card number, version code, the postal code on your licence, and the nine characters on the back of the card. If your card shows a printed address, update it in person.

About the author

Joel Fox is a co-founder and COO at Ownright. He helps run the firm's day-to-day work on Ontario residential closings, refinances, and sales, and writes regularly to demystify the parts of a transaction that most homeowners only encounter once or twice in their lives.

At Ownright, we focus entirely on Ontario residential real estate law. We help homeowners with purchase closings, refinancing, and sales through a digital platform backed by a licensed in-house legal team that keeps every file moving and answers your questions along the way. You can start your closing online or get in touch with any questions.

Legal references: Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, and O. Reg. 340/94 (Drivers' Licences), s. 33 (driver's licence and vehicle permit address-change requirements).

Important note: This article is not legal advice. No one should act, or refrain from acting, based solely on the information in this post or any linked materials without first seeking appropriate legal or professional advice.