What You Need to Know Before You Start
Ontario driver's license renewal works differently depending on whether you renew in person at a ServiceOntario office or online through the DriveTest portal. Most people can renew online if their license is not suspended, expired for more than five years, or issued outside Canada. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $90 for a five-year license or $158 for an eight-year license. If you cannot renew online, you must visit a ServiceOntario office in person.
Your current license must not be expired by more than five years to renew it. If it has been expired longer than that, you will need to take a written test and vision test at a ServiceOntario office. Renewal does not require a road test unless your license was suspended or revoked, or unless ServiceOntario asks you to take one.
The renewal process itself is straightforward once you know which route applies to you. This guide walks you through both the online and in-person paths, what documents you need, and what happens after you submit your renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through DriveTest is available if your license is current or expired less than five years, and costs $90 for five years or $158 for eight years.
- You will need your driver's license number, Ontario health card number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- In-person renewal at ServiceOntario requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license, and takes about 30 minutes.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it and must reapply as a new driver, which includes written and vision tests.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days of approval, whether you renew online or in person.
Renewing Online Through DriveTest
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to the DriveTest website (drivetest.ca), select "Renew Your Licence Online", and log in or create an account. You will need your driver's license number, Ontario health card number, and date of birth. The system will pull your record and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online. If you see a message that you cannot renew online, note the reason — it will tell you whether you need to visit an office or take a test.
Once you confirm your may be able to access, review your personal information on screen. Update your address if you have moved. You will then choose your license validity period: five years ($90) or eight years ($158). Pay by debit card, credit card, or online banking. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed within 10 business days.
Keep your confirmation number. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, you can use this number to check the status on the DriveTest website or call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3556.
Renewing In Person at ServiceOntario
Visit a ServiceOntario office if you cannot renew online, if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you prefer to renew in person. You can find your nearest office and book an appointment on the ServiceOntario website (ontario.ca/serviceontario). Walk-ins are accepted but appointments are faster and reduce wait times. Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months).
At the office, staff will verify your information, take a new photo, and conduct a vision test. The vision test checks that you can read a standard eye chart at 20 feet. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You will pay the renewal fee ($90 for five years or $158 for eight years) by cash, debit, or credit card. The entire process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the ServiceOntario staff for a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license is not valid outside Ontario.
Documents You Need for Each Renewal Route
| Renewal Route | Documents Required | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (DriveTest) | Driver's license number, Ontario health card number, date of birth | $90 (5 years) or $158 (8 years) | 10 business days by mail |
| In Person (ServiceOntario) | Current driver's license, proof of identity, proof of residency | $90 (5 years) or $158 (8 years) | 10 business days by mail; temporary license issued same day |
When Your License Expires and What Happens If You Miss the important date
Your license expiration date is printed on the front. You can renew up to six months before it expires. If you renew early, your new license validity period starts from your current expiration date, not from the day you renew. This means you do not lose time by renewing early.
If your license expires and you have not renewed it, you cannot legally drive in Ontario. Driving with an expired license can result in a fine of up to $1,000. If your license has been expired for less than five years, you can still renew it using the same process. If it has been expired for more than five years, you must reapply as a new driver, which requires taking a written knowledge test and a vision test at a ServiceOntario office. You may also need to take a road test depending on your circumstances.
If you are unsure whether your license can be renewed or must be reapplied for, call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3556 before visiting an office. Staff can check your record over the phone and tell you exactly what you need to do.
What to Do If You Cannot Renew Online
The DriveTest system will tell you if you are not may be able to access to renew online. Common reasons include a suspended or revoked license, a license issued outside Canada, or a license expired for more than five years. If your license is suspended, you must contact the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to find out why and what steps are needed to lift the suspension before you can renew. Suspensions can be due to unpaid fines, unpaid child support, or medical reasons.
If your license was issued outside Canada and you now live in Ontario, you must visit a ServiceOntario office with your foreign license, proof of Ontario residency, and proof of identity. Staff will assess whether your foreign license can be converted to an Ontario license or whether you need to take tests. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew — you must reapply, which includes a written test, vision test, and possibly a road test depending on your driving record and the time elapsed.
After Your Renewal Is Approved
Once your renewal is processed, your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 10 business days from approval. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite the mail, but you can request a temporary paper license at a ServiceOntario office that is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive in Ontario only.
Check your new license when it arrives. Verify that your photo, name, address, and license number are correct. If anything is wrong, return to a ServiceOntario office with your new license and ask for a correction. Corrections are usually made on the spot at no charge if the error was made by ServiceOntario.
If your license does not arrive within 14 days, contact ServiceOntario. Have your confirmation number ready. Staff can check whether the license was mailed and provide a tracking reference if needed. In rare cases, a license may be lost in the mail and will need to be reissued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic fines?
Unpaid fines do not automatically block renewal, but if a fine is referred to a collection agency or if you have a court order related to the fine, your license may be suspended. Check your suspension status on the MTO website or call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3556 before attempting to renew. If suspended, you must resolve the fine first.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Update your address during the renewal process. Online, you can change it on the DriveTest form before payment. In person, tell the ServiceOntario staff your new address and bring proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within three months). Your new license will be mailed to the updated address.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. In-person renewal includes a new photo taken at the ServiceOntario office. If you want a new photo for an online renewal, you must renew in person instead.
What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?
Report the loss to a ServiceOntario office and request a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. You will pay a replacement fee (usually $20 to $30) and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your replacement license will be mailed within 10 business days. If you have already submitted a renewal, contact ServiceOntario to confirm whether the new license or replacement should be issued.
Can I renew my license if I am outside Ontario?
Yes, you can renew online from anywhere as long as you have your driver's license number and Ontario health card number. If you need to renew in person and are outside Ontario, you must visit a ServiceOntario office when you return to the province. You cannot renew at a Canadian consulate or embassy outside Canada.