Driving Tests

Moving to Saskatchewan: Driver's Licence Rules for New Residents (90 Days)

informational·how to guide·Published May 15, 2026

How long can I drive on my old licence after I move to Saskatchewan?

You may drive on a valid licence from another jurisdiction, such as another province or a U.S. state, for 90 days after you become a Saskatchewan resident. The 90 days also cover your vehicle plates. With a valid licence from another Canadian province or territory, you can get a Saskatchewan licence without tests. Once your Saskatchewan licence is validated, your old licence becomes invalid.

Where these rules come from

The 90-day rule is in section 3(2) of The Traffic Safety (Residency) Regulations. The SGI Driver's Handbook (2026-27) and its online driver's licence page give the same 90 days. The test and exchange rules come from the handbook's licence program page and test page. The rule for suspended licences is in section 146.4 of The Traffic Safety Act. SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) issues driver's licences. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with SGI (sgi.sk.ca) before you drive.

When do the 90 days start, and who counts as a resident?

The 90 days start when you become a resident. Under the residency regulations, you are a resident when all three are true:
1. You are lawfully entitled to remain in Canada.
2. You have a permanent residence in Saskatchewan: a place you own, rent or lease and normally live in. Housing from your employer, a hotel or motel, a work camp or a dormitory does not count.
3. You file your personal income tax return in Saskatchewan. If you have not lived here long enough to file, you can instead satisfy SGI that you normally live in the province.
As a general rule, you must be a resident to get a Saskatchewan driver's licence. The regulations have some exceptions, for example for some people who normally live in a temporary residence in Saskatchewan. Ask SGI if this applies to you.

Do I need tests? It depends on your old licence

Do I need tests? It depends on your old licence
Your old licence	What the SGI handbook says
Valid licence from another Canadian province or territory	You can apply for a Saskatchewan licence without being tested.
Licence from another province or territory that expired not more than five years ago	Also acceptable for a licence without tests.
Licence from the United States	Licences "may be honoured". Ask SGI about the steps for your state before you apply.
Licence from a country on SGI's exchange list	May be exchanged for a Class 5 licence. The 2026-27 handbook names 16 countries, and the online licence program page names more.
Licence from a country that the handbook does not list	Saskatchewan may also accept it. Ask SGI.
Licence from a place that Saskatchewan does not honour or recognize	A driver's examination is required.

What if I must take the tests?

If Saskatchewan does not honour or recognize your licence, you take a driver's examination. The knowledge tests have two parts: driving situations and the rules of the road, and sign identification. Passed results stay valid for one year. You may write once per day. If you fail one part, you rewrite only that part.
If you start with a Class 7 learner's licence, SGI may waive the nine-month learning period and the driver training requirement when you prove past driving experience. The proof is a valid licence in English or French, or one in another language with a translation document that SGI accepts, such as an International Driving Permit.

Valid, expired or novice: what to do with your old licence

Your licence from another province, territory or U.S. state is valid

Drive on it for up to 90 days after you become a resident. Get your Saskatchewan licence before the 90 days end.

Your licence from another Canadian province or territory expired not more than five years ago

It is acceptable for a Saskatchewan licence without tests. Do not drive on it: the 90 days and the law both need a valid licence.

You hold a novice licence from another province

Ask SGI how it applies here before you apply. Our guide to the Novice 1 and Novice 2 stages explains the Saskatchewan stages for comparison.

You are not sure if Saskatchewan honours your licence

Ask a motor licence issuer or a driver examination office, visit sgi.sk.ca/newresidents ("Moving to Saskatchewan") or call SGI toll free at 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744).

Documents to bring for your first Saskatchewan licence

Documents that prove your identity, your residency and your entitlement to be in Canada. SGI keeps the full list at sgi.sk.ca/identity-and-residency-verification.
Originals, not photocopies. Each document must come from an authority such as a federal or provincial government or a federal agency.
Your licence from your old province, state or country. From an honoured country outside Canada, SGI also needs a copy of your driving record from there and a translation document that SGI accepts, such as an International Driving Permit.
For a driver examination: proof of age (a birth certificate, a passport or another document that SGI accepts) and papers that support a name change, if your name changed because of marriage or another reason.
For more detail on licences from other countries, read our guide to exchanging a foreign driver's licence in Saskatchewan.

Show your licence when a peace officer asks

To drive in Saskatchewan, you must hold a valid driver's licence for the type of vehicle you drive. Our free question page on which document gives you the authority to drive a class of vehicle covers this rule. Carry your licence when you drive. If a peace officer asks for it and you do not have it, the officer may allow you up to 48 hours to produce it, as the question page on producing your licence shows.

Key Takeaways

You have 90 days after you become a resident to drive on a valid licence from another jurisdiction. The 90 days also cover your vehicle plates.
A valid licence from another Canadian province or territory, or one that expired not more than five years ago, can lead to a Saskatchewan licence without tests.
An expired licence does not let you drive during the 90 days.
Bring original documents that prove your identity, your residency and your entitlement to be in Canada.
Next step: if you must take the knowledge tests, practise Saskatchewan signs and rules of the road on the free Saskatchewan Class 7 practice test. It is in English only.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have 90 days to register my vehicle too?

Yes. As a new resident, you have up to 90 days to register your vehicle in Saskatchewan, and basic insurance coverage is required. Until then, the residency regulations let you drive on a valid registration or registration permit from another jurisdiction for 90 days after you become a resident.

I'm only visiting Saskatchewan. Do I need a Saskatchewan licence?

No. The 90-day rule is for new residents. A non-resident (someone who does not own, rent or lease a residence in Saskatchewan and, if required, does not pay Saskatchewan income tax) may drive here indefinitely while the out-of-province or out-of-country licence stays valid. As a visitor, you cannot apply for a Saskatchewan licence.

My spouse already lives in Saskatchewan. Do I count as a resident too?

You can. If you normally live with an immediate family member who is a resident, such as a spouse, parent, child, brother, sister or grandparent, you count as a resident too. You must also file your income tax return in Saskatchewan or, if you have not lived here long enough to file, satisfy SGI that you normally live here.

My licence is suspended in my old province. Can I still apply?

Yes, you can apply, but you must tell SGI if your driving privileges in another Canadian jurisdiction or a U.S. state are suspended, cancelled, denied or under conditions. This rule is in section 146.4 of The Traffic Safety Act. SGI may then issue your Saskatchewan licence with the terms and conditions it thinks necessary.