Motor Vehicle Bureau
The Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce has operated the Driver and Vehicle License Issuing Office (on behalf of the provincial government) since its inception. Believed to be as early as 1908 by some local historians. Our office was housed on Vidal Street since 1952. There were renovations in the mid 1960's to expand the back half of the building, but parking and interior space continued to be a major problem. In May of 1999, we moved to a new larger location at 556 Christina St. N. to provide easier access, more parking and improved services. We presently process in excess of 78,000 transactions per annum on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation.
Our main transactions include:
- License plate renewals
- Vehicle transfers
- Address, colour and weight changes
- Registration of vehicles from out of province
- Plate attachments
- Used vehicle information packages (mandatory for private sales)
- Replacement permits
- Family gift affidavits for vehicle transfers
- Registration of motorcycles, snowmobiles, off-road vehicles and mopeds.
- Personalized plate orders
- Outstanding parking fine payments
- Driver's license renewals when no test is required
In the summer of 1998, Minister of Transportation, Tony Clement announced the introduction of some 16 new transactions for our offices. In an effort to enhance MTO customer service we are now able to process:
- Replacement driver's license
- Early renewal (up to 6 months) of a driver's license when no test is required
- Changes to name, date of birth and sex information
- Upgrading a driver's license when no test is required
- Downgrading a driver's license
- Reinstatement of a driver's license when no test is required
- Replacement and renewal of a driver instructors permit
- Temporary valid-without-photo license (exceptional circumstances only)
- Temporary driver's license (exceptional circumstances only)
- Driver abstracts with address
- Accepting an application for driver's license refund
- Accepting surrendered driver's license
- Graphic plates (issued and registered to your vehicle the same day)
- Temporary and visitor disabled person's parking permit
- Vehicle records with address
- Registering fleets of vehicles
There have been hints that these new transactions are the first of many changes the provincial government is looking at in an effort to provide "one stop shopping" and convenience for the driving public.
We currently accept cash, money order or credit cards and debit as payment.
Another initiative we have implemented is the certification of boaters. Groups or individuals can call and make a daytime appointment to challenge the test for an operators competency card. The study manuals are available for sale at our office. One day courses can also be arranged through us.
We look forward to providing even more services for your convenience at our office. Including the sale of driver's handbooks.
For further information please contact us at 344-7715. Thank you.
Hours 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. We've extended our Thursday hours to 9:00am-7:00pm
