If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you’ve been asked to provide someone with a copy of your driver’s abstract. If so, you’re in the right place to learn more.

In this article, we’ll explain what a driver’s abstract is, what it includes, its purpose, and how it can affect the price you pay for car insurance. Plus, we’ve compiled a helpful list of where and how to get your driver’s abstract in Canada, with links to the relevant provincial and territorial websites.

Key takeaways

A driver’s abstract is a snapshot of your driving history, commonly required for job and license applications, insurance, and court proceedings. Here’s where to get your driver’s abstract in each province or territory in Canada:

• Ontario: ServiceOntario
• Québec: The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)
• Alberta: Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
• Manitoba: Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)
• Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI)
• British Columbia: Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)
• New Brunswick: Justice and Public Safety Department
• Prince Edward Island: Highway Safety Division
• Nova Scotia: Department of Service Nova Scotia
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Motor Registration Division 
• Northwest Territories: Driver and Vehicle Services
• Yukon: Driving and Transportation Services
• Nunavut: Economic Development and Transportation

What is a drivers abstract?

A driver’s abstract, also known as a driving record, is an official document that summarizes a licensed person’s driving history. It usually costs between $10-20 for a copy and is issued by the licensing authority in each province or territory in Canada. They are commonly required for:

• Job applications: Especially for roles involving driving, such as delivery drivers or commercial vehicle operators.
• Insurance: When applying for or renewing vehicle insurance.
• Licence applications: To apply for a driver’s licence in another province, territory, or country.
• Court proceedings: To confirm a driver’s address or driving history.

Channelle Cote, AMF- and RIBO-licensed insurance broker at YouSet, says, “A driver’s abstract gives insurers a standardized snapshot of your driving history. It helps them assess risk more accurately, which is why it often plays a role in both pricing and eligibility for coverage.”  

What shows up on a drivers abstract?

Depending on where in Canada you live, what shows up on your driver’s abstract or record may vary slightly. However, a driver’s abstract typically includes:

• Drivers name
• Drivers home address
• Licence number
• Licence class and status (valid, cancelled, suspended, or revoked)
• Demerit points accumulated over a set period (typically between 3-5 years)
• History of driving violations and convictions 
• History of suspensions, cancellations, or revocations
• Records of collisions over a set period (typically between 3-5 years)
• Medical conditions or restrictions that impact driving eligibility

Since its purpose is to verify your driving qualifications and history, it does not include information about car insurance claims, parking tickets, or your personal driving habits.

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How to get a drivers abstract in Canada by province

The licensing authority in each province or territory in Canada is where you will need to go to get a copy of your driver’s abstract. However, how you get it depends on where you live – some provinces offer online portals, while others require a phone call or an in-person visit. Use the table below to find out where and how to get a driver’s abstract by province or territory, along with the cost of a driver’s abstract in each location.

Province	Where to get	How to get	Price*
Ontario	ServiceOntario (part of the Ministry of Government Services)	Online or in person at a ServiceOntario location	$12-18
Quebec	The Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)	Online, by phone, by mail	$15
Alberta	Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction	Online or in person at a Registry agent	$23.10
Manitoba	Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)	By mail or in person at Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre  location	$10
Saskatchewan	Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI)	Online, by email, by mail, or in person at SGI Customer Service Centre	$15
British Columbia	Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)	Online, by phone, or in person at ICBC driver licensing office	Free
New Brunswick	Justice and Public Safety Department	Online, by phone, or in person at a Service New Brunswick service centre	$20
Prince Edward Island	Highway Safety Division	Online or in person at an Access PEI location	$25
Nova Scotia	Department of Service Nova Scotia	By mail or in person at an Access Nova Scotia location	$18.65
Newfoundland and Labrador	Motor Registration Division	Online or in person at a Motor Registration location	$15
Northwest Territories	Driver and Vehicle Services	Online or in person at a Motor Vehicle Office	$19
Yukon	Driving and Transportation Services	Online, by email, or in person at a Motor Vehicle Office	$10
Nunavut	Economic Development and Transportation	By phone or in person at a Motor Vehicles Office	$12.60

* All prices are based on information from provincial websites as of January 2025. For the latest pricing details, please visit your province’s official page.  

Does insurance look at your driving record?

When insurers calculate your car insurance premium, your driving record usually gets factored into the equation to some extent. That’s because insurers are always trying to assess the amount of risk you pose to them as a customer. 

If your record shows a pattern of violations or accidents, insurers may see you as a higher-risk client. Since accidents often lead to claims, which cost insurers money, they offset that risk by charging higher premiums to protect themselves.

On the other hand, a clean driving record can send the signal to insurers that you pose less of a risk. This could lead to cheaper car insurance premiums, as insurers see you as less likely to file a claim, reducing the financial risk they take on by insuring you. Many even offer discounts the longer you go without making a claim, typically called a “claims-free” or “safe driver” discount.

Driving record FAQs

What do you need to get a Canadian driver’s abstract?

You typically need your driver’s license number, name, address, date of birth, and a payment method for the fees. You can request an abstract online, by mail, or in person at provincial registries. 

How long does it take to get a driver’s abstract?

You can sometimes get a driver’s abstract instantly or within minutes if you request one online; however, it depends on your province or territory. You can typically get it within the same day if you go in person, or within 7-15 business days by mail. 

How much does a driver’s abstract cost?

A driver’s abstract is free in BC, but in all other provinces, it costs between $10 and $25.