The fastest way to renew in Ontario

You can renew your Ontario driver's license online through ServiceOntario, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $90 for a five-year license or $158 for an eight-year license (as of 2024). You must renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than two years; in-person renewal is only available if your license expired within the last two years.

The online route is fastest because you get your renewed license in the mail within two to three weeks. You'll need your current Ontario driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method. You cannot renew online if your address has changed, if you need to update your name, or if you have medical conditions that require a doctor's form.

If you fall into any of those categories, you must renew by mail or in person. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office takes about 30 minutes and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through ServiceOntario costs $90 for five years or $158 for eight years and takes 10 minutes, with your new license arriving in two to three weeks.
  • You cannot renew online if your address has changed, your name has changed, or you have medical conditions requiring a doctor's form — you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.
  • In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office takes about 30 minutes and gives you a temporary license on the spot, but only works if your license expired within the last two years.
  • Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and works for any renewal situation, including expired licenses and address or name changes.
  • You need your current license number and a payment method for online renewal, or your current license plus supporting documents for mail or in-person renewal.

What documents you need for each renewal method

For online renewal, you need only your current Ontario driver's license number and a valid email address. The system will verify your identity using information already on file with ServiceOntario.

For mail renewal, send your current license, a completed Form DL 44 (available on the ServiceOntario website), and a cheque or money order made payable to the Minister of Finance. If your address or name has changed, include proof of the change — a utility bill dated within the last three months for an address change, or a marriage certificate or court order for a name change. Mail everything to the address shown on the form.

For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months). If your address or name has changed, bring the same supporting documents as you would for mail renewal. If you have medical conditions that affect your driving, bring a completed medical form signed by your doctor.

When you need a medical form from your doctor

Ontario requires a medical report if you have certain conditions: diabetes treated with insulin, epilepsy or seizure disorders, sleep apnea, heart conditions, vision problems, or any condition that causes loss of consciousness. You do not need a form if your condition is controlled by medication and has not caused an incident in the past two years, but ServiceOntario may still request one during the renewal process.

If ServiceOntario asks for a medical form, your doctor must complete the official form (available on the ServiceOntario website) and send it directly to ServiceOntario. You cannot submit it yourself. The form costs money — your doctor sets the fee, typically $20 to $50 — and ServiceOntario will not process your renewal until they receive it.

If you have a medical condition and are unsure whether you need a form, contact ServiceOntario before you renew. They can tell you whether your specific situation requires one.

Renewing if your license has been expired for more than two years

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. This means taking the written knowledge test and the road test again, paying the full fee for a new license ($158 for eight years), and waiting for processing.

You can take the knowledge test at a DriveTest centre. The test covers Ontario traffic laws and safe driving practices. You must pass before you can book a road test. The road test is also administered at DriveTest centres and takes about 40 minutes.

If your license expired within the last two years, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above — online, mail, or in person — without retesting.

How to renew online through ServiceOntario

Go to ontario.ca/driversLicenseRenewal and log in with your Ontario user account. If you don't have one, you'll need to create it using your email address. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and postal code. ServiceOntario will verify this information against their records.

Review your personal information on screen. If your address or name is incorrect, stop here — you cannot fix it online. Exit and renew by mail or in person instead. If everything is correct, confirm that your license has not been suspended or revoked and that you have no medical conditions requiring a doctor's form.

Choose your license term: five years ($90) or eight years ($158). Enter your payment information and submit. You'll receive a confirmation email when ready. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

read and print Form DL 44 from the ServiceOntario website or pick one up at a ServiceOntario office. Fill in all sections, including your current license number, date of birth, and signature. Enclose your current license, a cheque or money order for $90 (five years) or $158 (eight years) made payable to the Minister of Finance, and any supporting documents if your address or name has changed.

Mail everything to the address shown on the form. Keep a copy of the form and your cheque number for your records. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date ServiceOntario receives your package. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form.

If you need your license sooner, do not use mail renewal. Use in-person renewal instead to get a temporary license the same day.

Renewing in person at a ServiceOntario office

Find your nearest ServiceOntario office on ontario.ca/serviceontario. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online. Check the office's page to see which applies. Bring your current license and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months).

At the office, a staff member will verify your identity and check your driving record. If everything is in order, you'll pay $90 (five years) or $158 (eight years) by debit, credit, or cash. You'll receive a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your permanent license arrives within two to three weeks.

If your address or name has changed, bring supporting documents as described in the "What documents you need" section above. If you have medical conditions, bring a completed medical form signed by your doctor. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been suspended?

No. You must have the suspension lifted first by paying any fines or completing any required programs. Contact the Ministry of Transportation to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take. Once the suspension is removed, you can renew normally.

What if I've moved and my address on file is wrong?

You cannot fix your address online. Renew by mail or in person and bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months. ServiceOntario will update your address during the renewal process.

How long is my temporary license valid if I renew in person?

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within two to three weeks, but if it doesn't, you can use the temporary license until it does. If you need to drive after 30 days and your permanent license hasn't arrived, contact ServiceOntario.

Can I renew my license if I'm outside Ontario?

Yes. You can renew online from anywhere, or by mail from anywhere. You cannot renew in person at a ServiceOntario office unless you are physically present in Ontario. If you live outside Ontario permanently, renew online or by mail.

What happens if I don't renew before my license expires?

You cannot legally drive. If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can still renew it using any method. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must reapply and pass the knowledge and road tests again.