Dual Citizenship and Driver's License

[LizzyB]

Hi, I looked around but couldn't find an answer to this question. If someone gets dual citizenship (Canada and USA) and plans to spend a variable amount of time in each country, where does the driver's license have to be from? What about the license plate on the car?

Also, if the person decides to declare themselves a Canadian resident, is there a limit on the amount of time they spend in the US, considering they are a US citizen?

Thanks for your help. I find this board very helpful.

Lizzy

[Reba]

That would depend on where your primary residence is. If your primary residence is in Canada, then your driver's license and plates will be Canadian. If your primary residence is the US, then your driver's license and plates will be American.

If you are a US citizen, there is no limit to the amount of time you spend in the US, OTHER than for the purpose of your Canadian provincial health care. If you intend to be able to keep that, then you must be physically resident in Canada, and in the province for whose health card you hold. Each province is a bit different, but I know for Ontario you have to be physically resident in Ontario for half the year (and calling Ontario "home") to keep your OHIP benefits.