New to Toronto or the GTA? First steps: SIN, OHIP health card and your driver's licence

Updated: 2026-10-29

By Farshad Fazaeli · Last checked against Government of Canada and Ontario sources: October 29, 2026

Many Toronto Daily readers are newcomers, and the first weeks in Ontario come with three tasks that unlock almost everything else: a Social Insurance Number, an OHIP health card, and an Ontario driver's licence if you drive. This guide summarizes the official rules and the order we suggest doing them in. It is general information, not immigration or legal advice.

Step 1: Get your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A SIN is the 9-digit number you need to work in Canada or access government programs and benefits.

• Who: anyone 12 or older can apply for themselves; parents or guardians apply for younger children.
• How: online, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada Centre. If your documents are in order, you get your SIN during an in-person visit.
• Cost: free.
• Documents: a primary document that proves status (for example a PR card, a Confirmation of Permanent Residence used within a year of landing, or a work permit, or a study permit that says you may work), plus, for adults, a secondary ID such as a passport. Documents must be valid, and in English or French or translated.
• Service Canada no longer issues plastic SIN cards. You can view your SIN in My Service Canada Account.
• A SIN starting with 9 is temporary and expires with your permit. When IRCC extends your status, apply to update the expiry date.

Step 2: Apply for OHIP right away

Ontario has no waiting period for OHIP. If you're eligible, coverage starts immediately, so apply soon after you arrive.

Minimum qualifications: you must make Ontario your primary residence and be physically in Ontario for 153 days in any 12-month period, and for at least 153 of your first 183 days after you start living here.

Plus one of these, for example: Canadian citizen, permanent resident, certain PR applicants confirmed by IRCC, or a valid work permit with full-time work for an Ontario employer for at least six months (your spouse and dependants may also qualify). There are other categories too; check the official list.

How to apply: in person at a ServiceOntario centre, bringing:

1. a completed Registration for Ontario Health Insurance Coverage form
2. three original documents (photocopies not accepted): one proving citizenship or OHIP-eligible status, one proving Ontario residency, and one proving identity

If you are later away from Ontario for more than 212 days in a 12-month period, you may need to reapply.

Tip: visitors don't qualify for OHIP. Ontario recommends private insurance, which is also worth considering for any gap before your status is confirmed.

Step 3: Switch your driver's licence within 60 days

You can drive in Ontario on a valid licence from another province, state or country for 60 days. After that, you need an Ontario licence.

Direct exchange is possible if you're licensed in another Canadian province or territory, a U.S. state, the Canadian Armed Forces, or one of the countries Ontario has agreements with: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Isle of Man, Japan, Kosovo, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and Ukraine.

From any other country, you'll need to pass the vision test, knowledge test and G2 road test, then wait at least 12 months before the G road test. Since July 1, 2026, you can get credit for up to one year of driving experience by showing your valid original foreign licence plus an official authentication letter from the issuing government, in English or French.

Where: in person at a DriveTest centre or the ServiceOntario Bay and College location in downtown Toronto. Bring your original documents and licence. A licence not in English or French needs a certified translation dated within six months. Since May 11, 2026, applicants for a Class G or M licence must declare that Ontario is their primary residence and that their presence in Canada is legal.

Suggested order

1. SIN first. Employers and banks will ask for it.
2. OHIP next. Start with a document proving your Ontario address, such as a lease.
3. Driver's licence within 60 days. Book the DriveTest appointment early.
4. Get around: see our guides to TTC fares and YRT fares.

Sources

• Government of Canada, Apply for a SIN, accessed October 29, 2026.
• Government of Ontario, Apply for OHIP and get a health card, updated July 21, 2025, accessed October 29, 2026.
• Government of Ontario, Exchange an out-of-province driver's licence, updated September 23, 2026, accessed October 29, 2026.

Related: Community news · All guides

Views: 0