Renewing Your Yukon Driver's License: A Simple Guide to the Process

Renewing your driver's license is a routine but essential task for every driver in the Yukon. It ensures your photo and personal information remain current and that you stay legally able to drive on the territory's roads. While it's a process that only comes around every few years, understanding the requirements can make it quick and painless.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about renewing your Yukon driver's license, including when to do it, where to go, what it costs, and what to expect.

When Do You Need to Renew Your License?

In the Yukon, a standard Class 5 driver's license is valid for a period of five years. To make it easy to remember, your license expires on your birthday in the fifth year.

The Government of Yukon will typically mail you a renewal notice to the address they have on file for you. However, it is ultimately your responsibility as the driver to know your expiry date and renew your license on time. Driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in fines and other complications.

How to Renew Your Yukon Driver's License

All driver's license renewals in the Yukon must be completed in person at a Motor Vehicles office or a local territorial agent. There is currently no option to renew your driver's license online.

Step 1: Visit a Motor Vehicles Office or Territorial Agent

You can renew your license at the main Motor Vehicles office in Whitehorse or at a territorial agent in communities like Watson Lake, Dawson City, and others.

Step 2: What to Bring With You

To ensure your visit is quick and efficient, make sure you bring the following:

Your Expiring Driver's License: This is the primary piece of identification you will need to present.
Renewal Notice (if you have it): This can help speed up the process.
Payment for the Fee: Be prepared to pay the renewal fee. Offices accept various forms of payment. The fee for a 5-year renewal is currently $50 (subject to change).
Proof of Address Change (if applicable): If you have moved, you will need to provide proof of your new residential address, such as a bank statement, utility bill, or signed lease agreement.
Completed Medical Report (if required): Drivers with certain medical conditions, commercial drivers, and senior drivers (at age 70, 75, 80, and every two years after) must submit a medical report from a physician.
Corrective Lenses (if needed): If you wear glasses or contact lenses for driving, bring them with you as a vision test is required.

Step 3: The Renewal Process

The in-person renewal process is simple and usually takes just a few minutes.

Present Your Documents: Hand your renewal notice (if you have it) and your expiring license to the customer service representative.
Vision Test: You will be required to take a simple vision screening test to ensure your eyesight still meets the minimum standard for safe driving.
New Photograph: A new photo will be taken for your updated license card. This is required at every renewal.
Confirm Information: You will be asked to confirm that your name, address, and other personal details are correct.
Pay the Fee: You will need to pay the renewal fee.
Receive Your Temporary License: Once the process is complete, you will be given a temporary license document. Your new, updated driver's license card will be mailed to your address on file.

What if Your License Has Already Expired?

Do not drive! It is illegal to operate a vehicle with an expired license.

Expired for less than 1 year: You can typically renew your license following the standard process outlined above, without needing to retake any tests.
Expired for more than 1 year: Your license is cancelled. You may be required to re-apply for a license from the beginning, which includes passing the written knowledge test and a road test.

Special Considerations for Seniors

To ensure continued road safety, senior drivers have slightly different renewal requirements.

A medical report from a physician is required for drivers at age 70, 75, 80, and every two years thereafter. This report confirms they are medically fit to drive.

By staying on top of your expiry date and understanding the simple in-person renewal process, you can ensure you remain a legally licensed driver in the Yukon without any unnecessary stress or interruption.