A driving record is the official document showing your complete driving history in Canada. Unlike a driver’s abstract, which only covers 3–5 years, a full driving record provides lifetime details about your license status, suspensions, convictions, and collisions.
This guide explains what’s included in a full driving record, when you need one, how to order it, costs, and province-specific rules.
A driving record is your full licensing history.
A driver’s abstract = snapshot (3–5 years).
A driving record = your entire driving history.
$25–$50
5–15 business days
$30–$60
10–20 business days
Varies
Depends on arrangement
Certified records are required for legal, immigration, and interprovincial transfers.
– Abstract = summary (3–5 years)
– Driving record = full lifetime history
Yes, in some provinces if reported to the licensing authority.
You, or a third party with your signed consent (e.g., employer, insurer, lawyer).
Yes, in some provinces (Ontario, Alberta, Quebec), but certified copies often require mail or in-person requests.
5–15 business days for standard copies, longer for certified legal records.
A driving record is the most complete proof of your driving history in Canada.
Updated: 2026 | Verify requirements with your provincial licensing office.
