The Essential DMV Document Checklist for Your New Brunswick Appointment

A trip to Service New Brunswick (SNB) for a driver's license appointment can be a smooth and efficient experience, but only if you arrive prepared. One of the most common reasons for delays or being turned away is having incomplete or incorrect documentation. To prevent a wasted trip and last-minute scrambling, this article provides a comprehensive checklist of all the documents you'll need for your New Brunswick driver's license appointment.

Why Your Documents Are So Important

Service New Brunswick is required by law to verify your identity, your legal status in Canada, and your residency in the province before issuing a driver's license. Having the correct, original documents is non-negotiable. Photocopies are generally not accepted unless they are certified by the issuing agency.

The Core Document Requirements

Whether you are applying for a new learner's permit, exchanging a license from another province, or renewing a long-expired license, you will need to provide the following:

One (1) piece of acceptable identification.
Two (2) documents as proof of New Brunswick residency.

Let's break down what's acceptable for each category.

Acceptable Identification (One Required)

Your identification document must contain your full legal name and your date of birth. If your name is different on any of your documents (for example, due to marriage), you must also provide a supporting document like a marriage certificate or a legal name change certificate.

Primary Identification Documents:

Canadian Provincial/Territorial Government-Issued Birth Certificate
Valid Canadian Passport
Permanent Resident Card from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Certificate of Indian Status
Citizenship Certificate with photo (issued before February 1, 2012)
Valid Immigration Document from IRCC (e.g., Work Permit, Study Permit, Visitor Record, with at least a three-month validity remaining)
Enhanced Driver's License or ID Card from another jurisdiction

Proof of New Brunswick Residency (Two Required)

You must provide two separate documents that show your current residential address in New Brunswick.

Acceptable Proof of Residency Documents:

Utility Bill: A recent bill for power, cable, or a landline phone in your name.
Rental/Lease Agreement: A signed agreement for your home or apartment.
Bank Statement or Credit Card Statement: A recent statement mailed to your New Brunswick address.
Property Tax Bill: A municipal property tax assessment for your home.
Employment Confirmation: A letter from your employer on company letterhead confirming your address.
Insurance Policy: A home, tenant, or auto insurance policy.

Specific Situations and Additional Documents

Your reason for visiting Service New Brunswick will determine if you need to bring any extra paperwork.

For First-Time Applicants (Learner's Permit):

Core Documents: One piece of ID and two proofs of residency.
Parental Consent Form: If you are under 18, you must have a completed consent form witnessed by a non-relative.

For Exchanging a License from Another Canadian Province or the U.S.:

Core Documents: One piece of ID and two proofs of residency.
Your Out-of-Province/State Driver's License: You will be required to surrender your old license.

For Exchanging a Foreign License (from a non-reciprocal country):

Core Documents: One piece of ID and two proofs of residency.
Your Original Foreign Driver's License.
Official Translation: If your license is not in English or French, you need a certified translation or an International Driving Permit.
Proof of passing the written knowledge test.
Proof of road test appointment (if applicable).

For Your Road Test Appointment:

Your Class 7 Learner's License.
Valid Vehicle Registration for the car you'll be using.
Valid Insurance Card for the vehicle.
Receipt for your road test payment.

For License Renewal:

Your Expiring Driver's License.
Two proofs of residency if your address has changed.
Payment for the renewal fee. The standard fee for a Class 5 license is $90 for four years.

By gathering all the necessary documents from this checklist before you head to your appointment, you'll ensure a smooth, quick, and successful visit to Service New Brunswick.