Closing on a home in Ontario is one of the most paperwork-intensive events in a person's life. Then the moving truck leaves — and there's another wave of paperwork waiting. Here is everything you need to update, in the right order, after you take possession.
Ontario has some specific rules that differ from other provinces — including mandatory timeframes for driver's licence and insurance updates. Get these wrong and there are real consequences.
Ontario-Specific Rules You Need to Know
Driver's Licence Address
Under Ontario's Highway Traffic Act, you must update the address on your driver's licence within 6 days of moving. This can be done online at serviceontario.ca or at any ServiceOntario location. The fine for non-compliance can exceed $200.
Home Insurance
Your new home must be insured from the moment you take possession. Your mortgage lender requires proof of insurance before releasing funds. Arrange new home insurance at least 1–2 weeks before closing and confirm the effective date matches your possession date exactly.
Auto Insurance
Notify your auto insurer within a reasonable time — most policies specify 30 days. Your address is a primary rating factor in Ontario; your premium will likely change and a new policy endorsement will be issued.
Health Card (OHIP)
OHIP coverage is tied to your Ontario residency, not your specific address. However, you should update your address with OHIP to ensure correspondence reaches you. Do this at serviceontario.ca or a ServiceOntario office.
Your Complete Ontario Homebuyer Address Checklist
ServiceOntario — Driver's Licence and Health Card
Go to serviceontario.ca to update both in one visit. You can update your driver's licence online. OHIP and health card updates can also be done online or in person. Bring photo ID and proof of your new address (utility bill, bank statement, or mortgage document).
Vehicle Registration
Update your vehicle permit address at ServiceOntario. Your permit does not need to be re-issued, but your address should match your driver's licence. This is especially important for plate renewals and any law enforcement interactions.
CRA (Canada Revenue Agency)
Log in to My Account at canada.ca and update your address under Personal Information. If your home purchase changes your first-time homebuyer status or eligible credits, your accountant will need the correct address on file. See our CRA address change guide for the step-by-step process.
Your Mortgage Lender
Your lender already has your new address from the mortgage application, but confirm they have updated your contact records — particularly if your mailing address differs from the property address (e.g., if you are renting out a unit).
Banks, Credit Cards, and Investment Accounts
Update through each institution's own secure online banking portal or by calling them directly. Year-end T5 and T3 slips are mailed to the address on file — make sure it's correct before January, or they'll go to your old address.
For your security, never share financial account numbers with any third-party service. Always update banks, credit cards, and investment accounts directly with each institution.
Utilities — Hydro, Gas, Water
Set up accounts at your new address with Hydro One (or your local LDC), Enbridge Gas, and your municipal water utility before possession day. In Ontario, hydro and gas accounts are tied to the address — ensure there is no gap in service at closing.
MPAC — Property Assessment
MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) updates its records automatically from land transfer data. You do not need to contact them. However, review your property assessment notice at mpac.ca within 90 days of purchase — errors are more common on newly sold properties and can affect your property taxes.
Land Transfer Tax Refund (First-Time Buyers)
If you claimed the Ontario First-Time Home Buyer's Land Transfer Tax Refund, your lawyer handles the paperwork at closing. Ensure your lawyer has your correct contact information so any correspondence or adjustments reach you.
Don't Forget the Non-Ontario Pieces
Ontario-specific updates are only part of the picture. A full address change also covers federal records, every financial institution, insurance policies, subscriptions, and your employer. The average homebuyer has over 60 records to update across all categories.
See our complete Canadian address change checklist for every provider you need to update.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I change my address after buying a house in Ontario?
You should begin updating your address as soon as you receive your closing date confirmation — ideally 2–3 weeks before possession. Start with high-stakes accounts (insurance, CRA, employer) on closing day, and complete all remaining updates within 30 days. Ontario law requires certain updates (home insurance, vehicle registration) within specific timeframes.
Do I need to update my address with MPAC after buying a home?
MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) updates their records from the land transfer data registered at closing — you do not need to notify them separately. However, you should verify your property assessment is correct at mpac.ca within a few months of purchase.
How do I change my address with ServiceOntario after buying a house?
Visit serviceontario.ca or any ServiceOntario location to update your Ontario driver's licence and health card (OHIP). Bring your new address proof and photo ID. The address on your driver's licence must be updated within 6 days of moving under the Highway Traffic Act.
Does my home insurance automatically update when I buy a new house?
No. Your old home insurance policy does not transfer to a new property. You need to arrange new home insurance before closing day — your mortgage lender will require proof. Once insured at the new address, your old policy (if you were renting or owned previously) should be cancelled or updated.
Does buying a house affect my car insurance rates in Ontario?
Yes, potentially. Your address is one of the primary rating factors for auto insurance in Ontario. Moving to a different postal code — even within the same city — can change your premium significantly. Notify your auto insurer of your new address immediately after moving; failing to do so within a reasonable period can affect coverage validity.
Ontario taken care of. Now for everything else.
Relocasa handles your address change across banks, insurers, utilities, and 50+ more providers — so your new home is officially yours in every system that matters.
Start Your Address Change