How to renew your Ontario driver's license online or in person

You can renew your Ontario driver's license online through ServiceOntario, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if your licence is not expired and you have not had any suspensions or medical changes. If your licence has been expired for more than one year, or if you have had a suspension or conviction, you must renew in person or by mail.

The cost is $90 for a five-year renewal or $158 for an eight-year renewal. You will need a valid email address and a credit or debit card to pay online. If you renew by mail, you will need to include a cheque or money order. In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office costs the same and takes about 30 minutes, including the photo.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through ServiceOntario is available if your licence is not expired, you have had no suspensions, and there are no medical changes to report.
  • If your licence expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person or by mail, not online.
  • A five-year renewal costs $90; an eight-year renewal costs $158.
  • You will need your driver's licence number, SIN, and a valid payment method to renew online.
  • Your new licence will arrive by mail within 10 business days of online renewal, or you can pick it up in person at a ServiceOntario office the same day.

Renewing online through ServiceOntario

Go to ontario.ca/driversLicense and select "Renew your licence" from the menu. You will need your current driver's licence number, your Social Insurance Number (SIN), and your date of birth. Answer the questions about any medical conditions, suspensions, or convictions since your last renewal. If you answer yes to any of these, the system will direct you to renew in person instead.

Once you confirm your information is correct, you will upload a digital photo or use one from a previous renewal. The photo must show your face clearly, be taken within the last six months, and meet the same rules as a passport photo — no hats, sunglasses, or filters. If you do not have a digital photo ready, you can choose to use a photo from a previous renewal if one is on file.

Pay with a credit or debit card. Your new licence will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current licence until the new one arrives. If you need your licence sooner, you can pick it up in person at a ServiceOntario office instead of waiting for mail delivery.

Renewing in person at a ServiceOntario office

Bring your current driver's licence, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and a valid payment method. You do not need to book an appointment at most ServiceOntario offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the ServiceOntario website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times.

A staff member will take your photo on the spot and process your renewal. The whole visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes. You can pick up your new licence the same day at the office, or it will be mailed to you within 10 business days if you prefer. In-person renewal is required if your licence has been expired for more than one year, if you have had a suspension or conviction, or if you have medical conditions to report.

Renewing by mail

read the renewal form from ontario.ca/driversLicense or pick one up at a ServiceOntario office. Fill it out completely, including your name, licence number, date of birth, and SIN. Answer all questions about medical conditions, suspensions, and convictions. Include a cheque or money order for $90 (five-year) or $158 (eight-year) made payable to the Minister of Finance.

Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form. Include a colour photocopy of both sides of your current licence and proof of your current address. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time ServiceOntario receives your form. Your new licence will be mailed to the address on file. Mail renewal is an option if your licence is not expired or has been expired for less than one year, and you have no suspensions or medical changes to report.

What happens if your licence has been expired for more than one year

You cannot renew online or by mail if your licence has been expired for more than one year. You must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office. Bring your expired licence, proof of your current address, and a valid payment method. You will need to take a new photo and answer questions about any medical conditions or driving record changes since your licence expired.

If you have been driving with an expired licence, you are driving without a valid licence, which is against the law in Ontario. If you are stopped by police, you can be fined. Renewing as soon as possible protects you from penalties and ensures your insurance is valid — most insurers will not cover a claim if your licence was expired at the time of an accident.

Reporting medical conditions or changes

When you renew, you will be asked whether you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive safely. These include vision problems, hearing loss, epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, sleep disorders, and certain medications. If you answer yes, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person or by mail and may be asked to provide a medical report from your doctor.

If you develop a medical condition after you renew, you are required by law to report it to ServiceOntario. You can do this by calling 1-888-570-6999 or visiting a ServiceOntario office. Failing to report a condition that affects your driving can result in your licence being suspended and can affect your insurance coverage if you are in an accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Ontario licence if I live outside Ontario?

Yes. If you live outside Ontario but your licence is still valid, you can renew online through ServiceOntario. If you live outside Canada, you must renew by mail or return to Ontario to renew in person. Mail your renewal form to the address on ontario.ca/driversLicense.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal change, you must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office. Bring your current licence, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. You will need to provide the new name you want on your licence.

How long does it take to get my new licence after I renew online?

Your new licence will arrive by mail within 10 business days. You can drive on your current licence until the new one arrives. If you need your licence sooner, you can pick it up in person at a ServiceOntario office the same day you renew online.

What if I lose my licence before my renewal date?

You can replace a lost licence at any ServiceOntario office. Bring proof of your identity and current address. The replacement costs $20 and takes about 30 minutes. You can pick it up the same day or have it mailed to you. You do not have to wait until your renewal date.

Do I need to pass a test to renew my licence?

No. Licence renewal in Ontario does not require a written test, vision test, or road test unless you are renewing after a suspension or medical condition. If you are renewing after a suspension, ServiceOntario will tell you what steps you need to take before you can renew.