SASKATCHEWAN ADOPTING ONE-PART DRIVER’S LICENCE

Beginning in 2011, Saskatchewan will move to a one-part, five-year driver's licence and identification card.

"Switching to a one-part licence will make Saskatchewan's driver's licence consistent with other jurisdictions in North America," Minister responsible for SGI June Draude said. "This will ensure that our driver's licence continues to be accepted as valid identification by law enforcement and other agencies outside of the province. In addition, the one-part licence will have added security features that reduce the chance of identity theft."

The one-part, five-year driver's licence will replace the existing two-part licence (photo identification card and paper certificate). Customers can choose to pay $100 for the licence at the time of renewal - saving $25 from today's cost to renew the two-part licence for the same five-year period - or they can opt to pay $25 per year for five years for a cost of $125.

Saskatchewan last changed its driver's licence in 2001, when the photo identification card was added.

Starting Jan. 1, 2011, customers will receive their new one-part licence when they renew their expired two-part licence.

In the implementation year, drivers will receive their licence with renewal terms ranging from one to five years based on the expiry year on their current photo ID card. Licence fees will be pro-rated based on the length of the term. Every subsequent renewal, however, will be for a five-year term.

"This change is another example of how we're making it easier than ever to do business with SGI," Draude said. "SGI recognizes that its customers are busy and increasing the length of the renewal term to five years is certainly more convenient for them."

About SGI

Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is the province's self-sustaining auto insurance fund. SGI operates 21 claims centres and five salvage centres across Saskatchewan and a head office in Regina. SGI also works with a network of almost 300 independent insurance brokers and over 400 motor licence issuers across the province.

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For more information, contact:

Tony Playter
Saskatchewan Government Insurance
Regina
Phone: 306-751-1837
Email: tplayter@sgi.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-6207