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 how much time is left before your license expires and what type of license you hold. Most people can renew online if their license is still valid and they meet a few basic requirements — no medical conditions, no criminal charges, and no changes to your name or address since your last renewal.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about two months before your license expires. This notice tells you which renewal method you can use and includes a renewal code you'll need if you renew online. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew, but you'll need to know your driver's license number and other personal details.
The cost of renewal varies depending on your license type and how long you're renewing it for. A standard five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal. You pay when you submit your renewal, whether online, by mail, or in person.
Key Takeaways
- Ontario residents can renew online through the ServiceOntario website if their license is valid and they have no medical or legal changes since the last renewal.
- Your renewal notice arrives about two months before expiry and includes a renewal code needed for online renewal.
- You can renew for five or ten years, and the cost depends on which option you choose and your license type.
- If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or visit a ServiceOntario office in person.
- Processing times vary: online renewals are fastest, while mail and in-person renewals take longer.
Renewing online through ServiceOntario
Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access. Go to the ServiceOntario website and select "Renew your driver's license." You'll need your driver's license number, your renewal code (from your notice), your date of birth, and a valid payment method. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.
When you renew online, you confirm that your personal information hasn't changed — your name, address, and signature remain the same. You also declare that you have no new medical conditions and no criminal charges since your last renewal. If any of these things have changed, you cannot use the online method and must renew in person or by mail.
Once you submit your online renewal and payment, ServiceOntario mails your new license to the address on file. Most people receive their renewed license within two to three weeks. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue driving.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, you need your renewal notice. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, include a cheque or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash through the mail.
Include only what the notice asks for — usually just the completed form and payment. Do not send your old license or other documents unless the notice specifically requests them. Mail your package early enough that it arrives before your license expires, as processing takes three to four weeks from the date ServiceOntario receives it.
If you lost your renewal notice, you can read the renewal form from the ServiceOntario website or pick one up at a ServiceOntario office. You'll need to include your driver's license number and other identifying information on the form.
Renewing in person at a ServiceOntario office
Visit any ServiceOntario office with your driver's license, proof of your current address, and payment. Proof of address can be a utility bill, mortgage statement, or lease agreement dated within the last three months. Bring the original document or a certified copy.
If your name or address has changed since your last renewal, you'll need to bring proof of the change. For a name change, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For an address change, bring the proof of address document mentioned above.
ServiceOntario offices are located across Ontario. You can find the nearest one and check its hours on the ServiceOntario website. Walk-ins are welcome, but wait times vary. Some offices accept online booking, which can save you time. Your new license is mailed to you after your in-person visit, usually within two to three weeks.
When you cannot renew online or by mail
You must renew in person if your license has a medical restriction, if you've been charged with a criminal offence since your last renewal, if your name or address has changed, or if your license has been suspended or cancelled. You also must renew in person if you're renewing for the first time after turning 80, or if you're over 80 and renewing again.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, ServiceOntario may ask you to provide a medical report from your doctor. The doctor fills out a form confirming that you're safe to drive. This process takes longer than a standard renewal, so plan ahead if you know a medical report will be needed.
If you've had any criminal charges, even if they were withdrawn or you were found not guilty, you must renew in person. ServiceOntario will review your record and determine whether you can renew.
Choosing between a five-year and ten-year renewal
When you renew, you choose how long your new license will be valid: five years or ten years. A five-year renewal costs less upfront, but you'll need to renew again sooner. A ten-year renewal costs more but lasts longer, so you won't have to renew as often.
Most people choose based on their situation. If you're not sure whether you'll stay in Ontario, a five-year renewal might make sense. If you plan to stay and want to avoid the hassle of renewing again soon, a ten-year renewal is worth the extra cost.
The exact fees depend on your license type and the renewal period. Check the ServiceOntario website or your renewal notice for the current cost of each option.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
If your license expires before your renewal is processed, you cannot legally drive. However, if you've already submitted your renewal process — online, by mail, or in person — you can continue driving while you wait for your new license to arrive. Keep a copy of your renewal confirmation or receipt with you as proof that you've renewed.
If your license has already expired and you haven't renewed yet, stop driving when ready and renew right away. You can renew online if you're may be able to access, or visit a ServiceOntario office in person. Driving with an expired license can result in a fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before the renewal notice arrives?
Yes. You don't need to wait for the notice. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at any time as long as your current license is still valid. If you renew online without the notice, you'll need your driver's license number and other personal information instead of the renewal code.
What if my address has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person or by mail if your address has changed. You'll need to provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last three months. Online renewal is not available when your address has changed.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license?
Online and in-person renewals usually take two to three weeks. Mail renewals take three to four weeks from the date ServiceOntario receives your process. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can keep driving.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
No. If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your previous license is used. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken at the ServiceOntario office as part of the renewal process.
What if I lost my driver's license?
If your license is lost, you need to report it and get a replacement before you can renew. Visit a ServiceOntario office to report the loss and request a replacement license. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it using any of the three methods.