What a Service Driver License is and how renewal works
A Service Driver License in Ontario is issued to people who work in the transportation industry — typically taxi drivers, limousine operators, and other commercial passenger vehicle drivers. It is not the same as a regular Class G or Class D license. The Service license shows that you have passed additional medical and background checks beyond what a standard driver needs.
Renewal works differently than a regular license. You cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a ServiceOntario office in person, bring specific documents, and pay the renewal fee. The process typically takes one visit, though you may need to book an appointment depending on your local office's availability.
Your Service license expires on your birthday, just like a regular Ontario license. The government sends you a renewal notice about two months before the expiry date. You can renew up to 12 months before your license expires, but you cannot drive as a service driver after the expiry date — even if you have applied and are waiting for your new license.
Key Takeaways
- Service Driver License renewal must be done in person at a ServiceOntario office; online and mail renewal are not available for this license type.
- You need your current Service license, proof of Ontario residency, and a completed renewal form (DL 44) to renew.
- The renewal fee varies but is typically higher than a standard license renewal because of the additional medical and background checks required.
- You can renew up to 12 months before your license expires, but you cannot legally drive passengers for hire after the expiry date.
- Some ServiceOntario offices require appointments; check the office locator on the ServiceOntario website before you go.
Documents you need to bring to ServiceOntario
Bring your current Service Driver License. This is your primary identification for the renewal process. If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to explore for a replacement first before you can renew.
Bring one piece of proof of Ontario residency. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, property tax assessment, lease agreement, or mortgage statement. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last three months. A driver license alone does not count as proof of residency for renewal purposes.
Bring the completed process for Renewal of a Driver License form, also called the DL 44. You can read this form from the ServiceOntario website or pick one up at the office. Filling it out before you arrive speeds up your visit. The form asks for your personal information, driving history, and medical history.
Bring your Service Driver License medical certificate if it has expired or is expiring soon. Service drivers must have a valid medical certificate signed by a physician. If your certificate expires before your license does, you will need to renew the certificate at the same time. Your doctor completes the medical form (DL 180), and you bring the signed original to ServiceOntario.
The medical certificate requirement for Service drivers
Every Service Driver License holder must have a current medical certificate on file with ServiceOntario. This certificate confirms that you are medically fit to drive passengers for hire. The certificate is valid for five years from the date your doctor signs it.
You obtain the medical certificate by visiting your family doctor or a physician of your choice. Ask them to complete the Medical Report for Driver License Applicants form (DL 180). Your doctor will assess your vision, hearing, and overall fitness to drive. There is a fee for this medical assessment, which the doctor's office charges — ServiceOntario does not cover it.
If your medical certificate expires before your license does, you must renew it before you can continue driving passengers. You cannot renew your Service license without a valid medical certificate. If you let both expire, you will need to obtain a new medical certificate and then renew your license in person at ServiceOntario.
Fees and payment methods at ServiceOntario
The renewal fee for a Service Driver License is higher than a standard license renewal because of the additional medical and background checks. The exact amount varies depending on how many years you are renewing for — typically three or five years. Check the ServiceOntario website or call your local office for the current fee, as amounts change periodically.
ServiceOntario accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices. Some offices may have different payment options, so confirm with your local office when you book your appointment. You pay the fee at the time of renewal; there is no option to pay later or online.
If you are renewing your license and your medical certificate at the same time, you pay one combined fee to ServiceOntario for the license renewal. The medical certificate fee is separate and paid directly to your doctor's office.
How to find your nearest ServiceOntario office and book an appointment
Use the ServiceOntario office locator on the ServiceOntario website to find the office nearest you. Enter your postal code or city name, and the tool shows all nearby locations, hours, and whether appointments are required.
Many ServiceOntario offices now require appointments for driver license renewals. You can book an appointment online through the ServiceOntario website, by phone at 1-800-387-3556, or in person at the office. If you show up without an appointment at an office that requires them, you may be turned away or face a long wait.
Appointment availability varies by location and season. If your preferred office is fully booked, you can either wait for cancellations or visit a different ServiceOntario location. All ServiceOntario offices in Ontario can process your Service license renewal, so you are not limited to a specific branch.
What happens during your renewal visit
Arrive at your appointment with all required documents. A ServiceOntario agent will review your process form, check your proof of residency, and verify that your medical certificate is current and valid. They will ask you to confirm your personal information and check whether your driving record has changed since your last renewal.
The agent will take a new photo for your license unless you have a valid exemption. You will be asked to sign your process. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is and whether there are any issues with your documents.
Once everything is processed, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your new plastic Service Driver License will arrive by mail within two to four weeks. Do not drive passengers for hire using only the temporary license after the 30 days expire — you must have the plastic card or a valid renewal receipt to continue working legally.
What to do if your Service license is expiring soon and you have not renewed yet
Book your ServiceOntario appointment when ready. If your license expires within the next two weeks and you have not yet renewed, call 1-800-387-3556 to see if there are any same-day or next-day appointments available. Some offices hold slots for urgent renewals.
If you cannot get an appointment before your license expires, you cannot legally drive passengers for hire. You can still renew your license after it expires, but you will not be able to work in the interim. Renewing early — up to 12 months before expiry — prevents this situation.
If your medical certificate is also expiring, schedule your doctor's appointment first. Your doctor's office may take several days to complete the form, so do not wait until the last minute. Once you have the signed medical certificate, book your ServiceOntario renewal appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Service Driver License online or by mail?
No. Service Driver License renewals must be done in person at a ServiceOntario office. This is because the renewal process includes verification of your medical certificate and background checks that require face-to-face confirmation.
What if my medical certificate expired before my license did?
You cannot legally drive passengers for hire with an expired medical certificate, even if your license is still valid. You must renew your medical certificate with your doctor first, then renew your Service license at ServiceOntario. Both must be current to work.
How long does it take to get my new Service license after I renew?
You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day of your renewal. Your new plastic Service Driver License arrives by mail within two to four weeks. Do not rely on the temporary license for work after the 30 days expire.
What if I moved to a different address since my last renewal?
Bring proof of your new Ontario address to your renewal appointment. The agent will update your address on file. You still need one piece of proof of residency dated within the last three months showing your current address.
Can I renew my Service license if my driving record has violations or suspensions?
A clean driving record is not required to renew, but ServiceOntario will review your record as part of the renewal process. If you have an active suspension or serious violations, ServiceOntario may deny your renewal or require additional documentation. Contact your local ServiceOntario office to discuss your specific situation before your appointment.