Where to renew your Ontario licence

You can renew your Ontario driver's licence in three ways: online through ServiceOntario, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're renewing a standard licence that hasn't expired more than three years ago. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you prefer not to visit an office. In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario location is necessary if your licence has been expired for more than three years, if you need to update your photo, or if you're renewing a commercial or motorcycle licence.

ServiceOntario offices are located across Ontario in government buildings, Service Ontario kiosks, and some DriveTest centres. You can find the nearest office and book an appointment on the ServiceOntario website. Walk-ins are accepted at most locations, but booking ahead reduces wait times.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through ServiceOntario is available if your licence expired fewer than three years ago and you don't need a new photo.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current licence, a completed form, and payment to ServiceOntario; processing takes two to four weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office is required if your licence expired more than three years ago or if you need a new photo.
  • The renewal fee varies depending on your licence class and how many years you're renewing for, typically ranging from $50 to $150.
  • You'll need proof of identity and residency when renewing, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your current address.

Online renewal through ServiceOntario

Online renewal is the quickest method if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your licence has been expired for three years or less, you don't need a new photo, and you have a valid email address. You'll need your licence number, date of birth, and postal code to start the process on the ServiceOntario website.

The online system will ask you to confirm your personal information, choose how many years you want to renew for (usually one to five years), and pay by debit card or credit card. Once approved, your new licence is mailed to your address within 10 to 15 business days. You can continue driving on your current licence until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal by post

To renew by mail, you'll need to complete form DL 44 (process for Ontario Licence Renewal), which you can read from the ServiceOntario website or pick up at a ServiceOntario office. Include your current licence, the completed form, and a cheque or money order made payable to the Minister of Finance. Do not send cash.

Mail your package to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date ServiceOntario receives your process. Your new licence will be mailed to the address on file. Keep your current licence until the new one arrives, as you're still legally allowed to drive with an expired licence while your renewal is being processed by mail.

In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office

You must renew in person if your licence expired more than three years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you're renewing a commercial or motorcycle licence. Bring your current licence, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last three months).

At the office, you'll have your photo taken, confirm your information, and pay the renewal fee. Your new licence is usually mailed within 10 to 15 business days. Some ServiceOntario offices can issue a temporary paper licence on the spot, which is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent licence to arrive by mail.

What documents and information you'll need

For any renewal method, have your licence number and date of birth ready. If renewing in person, bring original or certified copies of proof of identity and proof of residency. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or permanent resident card. Proof of residency must show your current address and be dated within the last three months — utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work.

If your name has changed since your licence was issued, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you're renewing a commercial licence or a licence with air brake endorsement, additional medical forms may be required; ServiceOntario will tell you which ones when you start your renewal.

Renewal fees and how long it takes

Ontario licence renewal fees depend on your licence class and the number of years you're renewing for. A standard Class G licence renewal typically costs between $50 and $150 for a one- to five-year renewal. Commercial licences (Class A, B, C, or D) cost more — usually $100 to $250 depending on the class and term. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or cheque, depending on your renewal method.

Online renewal is fastest: your new licence arrives within 10 to 15 business days. Mail renewal takes two to four weeks from the date your process is received. In-person renewal also results in your new licence arriving within 10 to 15 business days, though some offices can issue a temporary paper licence valid for 30 days if you need to drive when ready.

What to do if your licence has been expired for more than three years

If your licence expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if getting a new licence. This means taking the written knowledge test (G1 test), the road test (G2 test), and paying the full fee for a new licence. You'll also need to provide all original identity and residency documents and have a new photo taken.

Contact a DriveTest centre to book your knowledge test. You can take the test at any DriveTest location in Ontario. Once you pass, you'll receive a G1 licence valid for one year, during which you can take your G2 road test. After passing the G2 test, you'll receive your full G licence. This process takes several months and costs more than a straightforward renewal, so it's worth renewing before your licence expires or within the three-year window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes. If you renew online or by mail, you can continue driving on your current licence until your new one arrives. If you renew in person and receive a temporary paper licence, that's valid for 30 days. Your current licence remains valid during processing.

What if I need to change my address during renewal?

You can update your address during any renewal method. Online, you'll confirm or update your address as part of the process. By mail or in person, inform ServiceOntario of your new address on the form or at the counter. Your new licence will be mailed to the updated address.

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

Yes, if you're a resident of Ontario. You can renew by mail or online from anywhere. If you're living outside Ontario temporarily, mail renewal is your best option. Bring your process and payment to a Canada Post office or mail it directly to the ServiceOntario address on the form.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

No. You only need a new photo every 10 years or if you request one. If you're renewing online or by mail and don't need a new photo, you can use your existing one. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office.

What happens if my licence is suspended or has a restriction?

You cannot renew a suspended licence. You must first resolve the suspension with the Ministry of Transportation. If your licence has a restriction (such as corrective lenses or an automatic transmission only), that restriction carries over to your renewed licence unless you meet the conditions to have it removed.