do they check for driver's license when we do landing?

[Diaboluce]

My driver license is about to expire in a week but I am also expecting to get my passport back in about a week as well..

I went to registry and they recommended not to pay twice for getting license if I am getting PR status at least in 2 weeks :-[..

if they don't check for the license, I think it shouldn't matter but if they ever check, can I just explain my situations?

 

[ragluf]

My driver license is about to expire in a week but I am also expecting to get my passport back in about a week as well..

I went to registry and they recommended not to pay twice for getting license if I am getting PR status at least in 2 weeks :-[..

if they don't check for the license, I think it shouldn't matter but if they ever check, can I just explain my situations?

The main ID presented during Landing is the PP. It is not very often that they ask another piece of ID, especially to those coming from other countries into Canada and doing their landing - if they do, any other government-issued picture ID can be used - DL or in some cases, a national ID.

If you are already in Canada, a Canadian DL or province ID serves as another form of ID and to provide your current residence address in Canada, when you are asked where the PR cards should be sent. It just facilitates the process as presentation of this removes the verification questions on where the PR cards should be mailed to.

Don't you need your DL to drive around in Canada? The PR card does not replace the DL - you can't drive without a DL.

../atb

 

[kelbc]

My driver license is about to expire in a week but I am also expecting to get my passport back in about a week as well..

I went to registry and they recommended not to pay twice for getting license if I am getting PR status at least in 2 weeks :-[..

if they don't check for the license, I think it shouldn't matter but if they ever check, can I just explain my situations?

Why would you pay twice? Your driver's license does not change because you become a permanent resident..

Not sure if that is any different in Alberta, but in BC PR has no effect on your driver's license. Plus when you go to change, they give you a temporary paper to use as a substitute to your driver's license until your new one arrives.

But to answer your question, they didn't check for my driver's license when I landed. May be if you're asked for a second ID it would come in handy but otherwise not generally no.

On the other hand, I would not be comfortable being caught with an expired license at the border lol.. Just take a friend who can drive with you/for you!

 

[Diaboluce]

The main ID presented during Landing is the PP. It is not very often that they ask another piece of ID, especially to those coming from other countries into Canada and doing their landing - if they do, any other government-issued picture ID can be used - DL or in some cases, a national ID.

If you are already in Canada, a Canadian DL or province ID serves as another form of ID and to provide your current residence address in Canada, when you are asked where the PR cards should be sent. It just facilitates the process as presentation of this removes the verification questions on where the PR cards should be mailed to.

Don't you need your DL to drive around in Canada? The PR card does not replace the DL - you can't drive without a DL.

../atb

Thanks for the info ragluf!
Yes I do need DL but just wondering if I really have to pay money for maintaining my driver license for an extra week but your info helps

 

[Diaboluce]

Why would you pay twice? Your driver's license does not change because you become a permanent resident..

Not sure if that is any different in Alberta, but in BC PR has no effect on your driver's license. Plus when you go to change, they give you a temporary paper to use as a substitute to your driver's license until your new one arrives.

But to answer your question, they didn't check for my driver's license when I landed. May be if you're asked for a second ID it would come in handy but otherwise not generally no.

On the other hand, I would not be comfortable being caught with an expired license at the border lol.. Just take a friend who can drive with you/for you!

Hi Kelbc!

thanks for the info
Yes my driver's license has expiry date since I am not PR yet..I guess it applies to AB only?! I used to extend every year so far since I extended based on my work permit
but once I become PR I guess I don't have to extend every year maybe? (so as the healthcare card).
but it's really good to know that they didn't check for your driver's license when you landed.

thank you again for the info!!