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Renewing Your Health Card: What You Need to Know. Most provincial health cards expire every five years and must be renewed before the expiry date printed on the front to avoid a gap in coverage. Renewal can be completed online, by mail, or in person at a service centre, though first-time renewals for new residents typically require an in-person visit. Applicants need to provide proof of identity, such as a driver's license or passport, and proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last three months. Photos are no longer required for online renewals, as the card will use the photo already on file unless the applicant's appearance has changed significantly. Processing usually takes two to three weeks, and a temporary paper confirmation is mailed immediately so that residents are not left without coverage while waiting for the new card. Residents who move to a new address must update their information within thirty days, even if their card is not yet due for renewal, since outdated addresses can delay future mail-in renewals and other government correspondence.