How to Authorize the Disclosure of a Driving Record from SAAQ

Understanding the Authorization for Disclosure of a Driving Record by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec

If you need to obtain a driving record from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), you will likely be required to complete the Authorization for the Disclosure of a Driving Record form, designated as form code 5981A. This official document is essential for sharing detailed information about a driver’s history, including suspensions, revocations, demerit points, offences, and involvement in accidents involving heavy vehicles. This article explains the purpose of this form, who should use it, the process for filling it out, and important considerations to keep in mind.

Purpose and Common Use Cases

The primary purpose of the 5981A form is to officially authorize the SAAQ to disclose a driver's driving record to a designated applicant. This is often necessary in contexts such as:

• Employers conducting background checks for commercial drivers or heavy vehicle operators.
• Insurance companies evaluating risk profiles based on driving history.
• Legal or administrative proceedings requiring proof of driving record.
• Organizations involved in licensing or regulatory compliance for transportation services.

The form ensures that the driver’s personal information and driving history are shared securely and legally, respecting privacy laws and regulations.

Eligibility and Conditions for Use

Anyone seeking to obtain a driver’s record must be authorized by the driver or be acting on behalf of a legitimate organization or company. The driver whose record is being requested must provide explicit consent by completing and signing the authorization section of the form. The authorization is valid for a period of 12 months from the date of signature, after which a new authorization must be obtained if further disclosures are needed.

It is important that the form is filled out accurately and completely. Any modifications, crossings out, or erasures may result in the refusal of the application. Additionally, the application should be submitted with the accompanying search form (4941A), which specifies the details of the record sought.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Completing the Form

1. Prepare the Form

Download or print the official form 5981A from the SAAQ website. To facilitate processing, it is recommended to complete the form electronically if possible, ensuring all entries are clear and legible.

2. Fill in the Applicant's Information

• Indicate the name of the company, organization, or individual authorized to receive the driver’s record.
• Provide the full name, address (including street, municipality, province, and postal code), and contact telephone number of the applicant.

3. Complete the Driver’s Details

• Enter the driver’s license number, last name, first name, date of birth, and the date of authorization.
• Ensure the driver’s personal information matches official records to avoid delays.

4. Sign and Submit

• The driver must sign the form to authorize disclosure. The signature confirms consent and the validity of the request.
• Include contact details for the driver (work and home telephone numbers) if available.
• Send the completed form along with the search form (4941A) to the specified address of the SAAQ.

Important Deadlines and Post-Submission Considerations

The authorization remains valid for a period of 12 months from the date of signature. After this period, a new authorization must be submitted to continue access to the driver’s record. It is recommended to verify the status of your application by contacting the SAAQ or checking the processing times, which can vary depending on the volume of requests.

Once the application is received and processed, the SAAQ will disclose the driving record to the authorized applicant. The record may include information about suspensions, revocations, offences, demerit points, and accident involvement, providing a comprehensive overview of the driver’s history on request.

Data Privacy and Confidentiality

The SAAQ emphasizes the confidentiality of personal information collected through this process. Personal data is handled securely and shared only with authorized entities in accordance with applicable laws, including the Act respecting Access to documents held by public bodies and the Protection of personal information. You have the right to access, correct, or request a copy of your personal information held by the SAAQ by consulting their privacy policy or contacting their call centre.

By carefully following these steps and respecting privacy regulations, you can efficiently obtain the necessary driving record information for legal, professional, or personal purposes.