Quebec’s 2026 Driver’s Licence Costs: Still a Break, But Not as Big
So, here’s what’s happening with driver’s licence renewals in Quebec, and it’s been creating quite a bit of buzz. The province has confirmed that renewing a Class 5 licence in 2026 will cost about $50 , instead of the originally expected $121 . On the surface, that feels like good news, but there’s a twist — it’s still more expensive than the renewal fee in 2025, which sits at just $26.25 . So yes, a discount is being offered again, but it won’t be quite as generous as what drivers have been enjoying in the last few years.
The reason behind this shift has been explained by the SAAQ. The reduction linked to the insurance contribution — the part that goes into the Fonds d’assurance automobile — is dropping from 100% in 2025 to 75% in 2026 . That’s why the price goes up compared to this year but remains much lower than what would normally be charged. This partial break applies to holders of Class 5 and Class 6 licences, meaning car and motorcycle drivers will still see meaningful savings.
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When you look at it over several years, the numbers are pretty striking. With the payment holidays offered in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 , plus the 75% reduction coming in 2026, it adds up to major relief for drivers. The total savings through this entire period reach about $2.4 billion , and in 2026 alone, it represents $462 million handed back to Quebec motorists. On an individual level, that means more than $450 saved for someone with a Class 5 licence and over $850 for those who carry both Class 5 and 6 without any demerit points.
According to the SAAQ’s interim CEO, Annie Lafond, this ongoing ability to give back to Quebecers has been made possible because road safety has improved and the insurance fund is in strong financial shape. Fewer accidents and fewer severe injuries have helped lighten the load on the system. However, the decision to scale back the reduction from 100% to 75% in 2026 comes from a place of caution. With economic uncertainty on the horizon, a more prudent approach is being taken until conditions become clearer.
The SAAQ also highlighted that all pricing rules are based on a three-year cycle. The next full evaluation of what drivers should really be paying will happen in 2028 , when a new cycle begins. And it’s worth noting that the insurance fund is separate from the SAAQ’s operational budget. It exists to compensate road-accident victims and support prevention efforts — both of which depend on stable long-term funding.
So, while the 2026 reduction may not match the generosity of previous years, Quebec drivers are still getting a significant break for the fifth year in a row. And considering the broader economic context, it’s being framed as a balanced compromise between financial relief and long-term sustainability.
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