What you need to do to renew in Ontario
In Ontario, you renew your driver's license through ServiceOntario, either online, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people can renew online if their license hasn't been suspended and they don't need a new photo.
Your Ontario license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. You can start the renewal process up to nine months before your expiry date. If you wait until after your license expires, you can still renew it, but you may face a late fee and will need to renew in person rather than online.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the ServiceOntario website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you don't need a new photo.
- You can renew by mail by requesting a renewal package from ServiceOntario, which takes longer but works if you can't visit an office.
- In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office is required if your license has expired, you need a new photo, or you're updating your address.
- You'll need your current license number, a valid payment method, and proof of Ontario residency if you're renewing after your license expires.
- Renewal fees vary depending on the type of license and whether you're renewing before or after expiry, so check the current fee on the ServiceOntario website.
Online renewal through ServiceOntario
Online renewal is available through the ServiceOntario website if your license is still valid and you meet certain conditions. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, if you need a new photo, or if you're renewing a commercial or air brake license. The online process takes about 10 minutes and you'll receive your renewed license by mail within two to three weeks.
To renew online, you'll need your current Ontario driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. You'll also confirm that your address and personal information haven't changed. If any of your information has changed, you'll need to renew in person or by mail instead.
After you complete the online renewal, ServiceOntario will mail your new license to the address on file. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives. Keep your old license until you receive the new one, then destroy it.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is an option if you prefer not to visit an office or use the online system. You can request a renewal package by calling ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 or by visiting a ServiceOntario office in person. The package will include a form, instructions, and an envelope to return your current license and payment.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically four to six weeks from the time ServiceOntario receives your package. You'll need to include your current license, a completed renewal form, and payment by cheque or money order. Do not send cash through the mail. Make sure your cheque or money order is made payable to the Minister of Finance.
Mail renewal is not available if your license has expired or if you need a new photo. If either of those applies to you, you'll need to renew in person at a ServiceOntario office.
In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, or if you're renewing a commercial or air brake license. You'll also need to renew in person if you're updating your address or if you're renewing after your license has been suspended. Bring your current license, proof of Ontario residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid payment method.
ServiceOntario offices are located throughout Ontario. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the ServiceOntario website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require you to book an appointment in advance. Booking an appointment online or by phone usually means a shorter wait time.
When you renew in person, you'll have a new photo taken for your license. The office will process your renewal on the spot, and you'll receive a temporary paper license that's valid for 30 days while your plastic license is being printed and mailed to you. Your new license will arrive within two to three weeks.
What happens if your license has expired
If your Ontario license has expired, you can still renew it, but you cannot use the online or mail renewal methods. You must visit a ServiceOntario office in person. There is a late fee added to your renewal fee if you're renewing after expiry, and the amount of the late fee depends on how long your license has been expired.
You cannot legally drive in Ontario with an expired license. If you're stopped by police, you can be charged with driving without a valid license. If your license expired more than a year ago, you may need to pass a vision test or a written knowledge test in addition to renewing, depending on how long it has been expired. ServiceOntario will tell you what's required when you visit.
Bring your expired license, proof of Ontario residency, and a valid payment method when you go to renew in person. If you've lost your license or it's been damaged, bring proof of your identity instead, such as a passport or birth certificate.
Fees and payment methods
Renewal fees for an Ontario driver's license depend on the type of license and whether you're renewing before or after expiry. Standard passenger vehicle licenses cost less to renew than commercial licenses. Late fees explore if you renew after your license expires. Check the ServiceOntario website for the current fee amounts, as they can change.
You can pay by credit card or debit card when renewing online or in person. If you're renewing by mail, you must pay by cheque or money order made payable to the Minister of Finance. ServiceOntario does not accept cash by mail or in person for renewals.
Updating your address during renewal
If you've moved to a new address in Ontario, you can update your address when you renew your license. If you're renewing online, you'll confirm or update your address as part of the online process. If you're renewing by mail or in person, you'll provide your new address on the renewal form or to the ServiceOntario staff member.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide during renewal. Make sure the address you give is correct and that you'll be able to receive mail there. If you move again before your license arrives, you can contact ServiceOntario to update your address, and they'll redirect your license to your new address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's been suspended?
No. You cannot renew your license while it's under suspension. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension — this might mean paying a fine, completing a driver improvement course, or meeting other conditions set by the Ministry of Transportation. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license through the normal process.
What if I need a new photo but my license hasn't expired yet?
You can request a new photo by visiting a ServiceOntario office in person. You'll pay a fee for the photo update, which is separate from the renewal fee. The office will take your new photo and issue you a temporary paper license while your new plastic license is printed and mailed to you.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license?
Online and in-person renewals typically result in your new license arriving within two to three weeks by mail. Mail renewal takes longer — usually four to six weeks from the time ServiceOntario receives your package. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days if you renewed in person.
What if I've changed my name since my last license?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or another legal reason, you'll need to renew in person at a ServiceOntario office. Bring your current license and legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. You'll have a new photo taken and your license will reflect your new name.
Can I renew my license if I'm not currently living in Ontario?
If you're temporarily outside Ontario, you can renew online if your license is still valid and you meet the other conditions for online renewal. If you need to renew in person or by mail, you'll need to arrange to do so when you return to Ontario or have someone help you with the mail renewal process.