Montreal driver's license and registration fees are about to skyrocket in 2025

As 2025 approaches, Montreal drivers may want to consider adding "save more money" to their New Year’s resolutions. Why? The cost of driver's licenses in Quebec is set to rise significantly next year—by over 75%.

For the past few years, Quebec drivers have benefited from a "payment holiday" between 2022 and 2024, which kept renewal fees unusually low. This was a result of fewer drivers on the road during the pandemic, leading to a reduction in accidents and insurance claims. During this period, drivers only paid minimal charges to the Ministry of Finance—$25.50 in 2024, for those with no demerit points and who kept the same license card.

However, this break is now over. According to the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) Insurance Contributions Report for 2025 to 2027, fees are set to rise. In 2025, drivers with a Class 5 license and no demerit points will pay $84.55. For those with one to three demerit points, the cost will increase to $154.39, with higher fees for more points or different license classes, including for motorcycle drivers.

In addition to these contributions, drivers will still need to pay fees to the Ministry of Finance, which are expected to increase by 3%, reaching $26.25 in 2025. This brings the total cost for a driver with a clean record to $110.80—an increase of $85.30 compared to 2024. This will be the first time in years that fees exceed $100. Official fees are expected to be announced by the SAAQ early in the new year.

The SAAQ highlighted in its press release that without the payment holiday, this increase would have been a 6.3% reduction from 2024, but this is little comfort for drivers facing such a steep hike after years of relief.

It doesn't stop there for car owners. Earlier this year, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM) announced that starting in January 2025, car registration taxes for Greater Montreal will more than double, rising from $59 to $150—an increase of 154%.

The CMM explained in a release that this hike is necessary to fund public transportation and maintain current services, requiring motorists to contribute more to the metropolitan network's financing.

So, while Quebec drivers face higher costs, at least the roads are in good condition—though traffic might make that feel like a distant benefit.