Where to renew and what you need to bring
In Ontario, you renew your driver's license at a ServiceOntario office, not at the Ministry of Transportation. You can find the nearest location on the ServiceOntario website by entering your postal code. Some locations are busier than others, so calling ahead to check wait times can save you a trip.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Ontario address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and your Social Insurance Number. If your name has changed since your license was issued, bring legal proof of the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You will also need to pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it valid for.
If you cannot go in person, Ontario allows some renewals by mail or online, but only if your license is not expired and you meet specific conditions. The online option is fastest if you are may be able to access.
Key Takeaways
- Renew at a ServiceOntario office, not at a government ministry — find your nearest location on the ServiceOntario website.
- Bring your current license, proof of your Ontario address from the last three months, and your Social Insurance Number.
- If your name has changed, bring legal proof such as a marriage certificate or court order.
- Ontario offers online renewal for some drivers, which is faster than in-person renewal if you meet the requirements.
- Renewal fees depend on your license type and the validity period you choose — typically three, five, or ten years.
Online renewal: when you can do it
Ontario's online renewal system is the quickest route if your license is not expired and you have not had any medical suspensions or criminal convictions since your last renewal. You also cannot have any outstanding fines or unpaid tickets. If all of these explore, you can renew on the ServiceOntario website without leaving home.
The online process takes about 15 minutes. You will need your current license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 10 business days. This option is not available if you need to update your photo, change your address, or renew a commercial or air brake license.
In-person renewal at ServiceOntario
If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a ServiceOntario office in person. Bring all the documents listed above, plus your Social Insurance Number. The staff will check your documents, take a new photo if needed, and process your payment on the spot.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings are usually quieter than afternoons and weekends. You can check the wait time for your nearest office on the ServiceOntario website before you go. If you are renewing a commercial license or need a medical review, the process takes longer and may require a separate appointment.
Mail-in renewal: slower but possible
You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet the same conditions as online renewal — no medical suspensions, criminal convictions, or outstanding fines. You will need to read and print the renewal form from the ServiceOntario website, fill it out by hand, and mail it with a photocopy of your proof of address and your current license.
Mail-in renewal takes four to six weeks from the time ServiceOntario receives your process. You will need to include a cheque or money order for the renewal fee — they do not accept credit cards by mail. This option is slowest and carries the risk of lost mail, so online or in-person renewal is usually better if you have the choice.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Ontario offers three renewal periods: three years, five years, or ten years. The longer the validity period, the higher the fee. A three-year renewal costs less upfront but means you will renew more often. A ten-year renewal costs more but you will not need to renew again for a decade.
Fees change each year and depend on your license class. A standard Class G license costs one amount, while a commercial Class A or D license costs more. Check the current fee on the ServiceOntario website before you go, or ask when you call to check wait times. Fees are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew it — you will have to retest and get a new license instead. This means taking the written knowledge test and the road test again, just as a new driver would. If your license expired less than a year ago, you can still renew it at a ServiceOntario office, but you cannot use the online or mail-in options.
If your license expired between one and three years ago, you may be able to renew in person without retesting, depending on your age and license class. Call ServiceOntario or ask at your local office to confirm whether you can renew or whether you will need to retest.
Medical reviews and suspensions
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if your license was suspended for medical reasons, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a ServiceOntario office in person. The staff may ask you to provide a medical report from your doctor before they will process your renewal.
If your license was suspended for unpaid fines, criminal convictions, or driving violations, you will need to resolve those issues before you can renew. ServiceOntario will tell you what you need to do when you contact them or visit in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to 180 days before your license expires. This is useful if you know you will be busy or traveling when your expiry date approaches. The new license will start from the date you renew, not from the date your old one expires.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
You will need to replace it first by visiting a ServiceOntario office with proof of identity and address. Once you have a replacement license, you can renew it the same way as any other renewal. You cannot renew a license you do not have.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Online and in-person renewals take about 10 business days. Mail-in renewals take four to six weeks. If you need your license urgently, ask the ServiceOntario staff whether you can get a temporary paper license while you wait for the plastic one to arrive.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online, your current photo stays on your license. If you renew in person or by mail, ServiceOntario will take a new photo at the office or use your current one if it is recent enough. You cannot choose to keep your old photo if you renew in person.
What if my address has changed?
You must update your address in person at a ServiceOntario office. Bring proof of your new Ontario address dated within the last three months. You cannot change your address online or by mail during renewal.