Yes, you can renew online — but only if you meet specific conditions

You can renew your Ontario driver's license online through ServiceOntario if your license is still valid or expired for no more than three years. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, costs $90 (as of 2024), and you receive your renewed license by mail within 10 business days. However, you cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your photo, if you have medical conditions to declare, or if you are renewing a commercial or air brake endorsement.

The online system is available 24 hours a day through the ServiceOntario website. You will need your current Ontario driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method (Visa, Mastercard, or debit card). If you do not meet the conditions for online renewal, you must visit a ServiceOntario office in person or use the mail-in renewal option.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license is valid or expired for three years or less, and you have no suspensions or medical conditions to report.
  • The fee is $90 and payment is by credit card or debit card only — no cash or cheque accepted online.
  • Your renewed license arrives by mail within 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
  • If you need a photo update, have a medical condition, or hold a commercial endorsement, you must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office.
  • ServiceOntario's online system is open 24/7, but you should renew at least two weeks before your license expires to allow time for mail delivery.

Who can and cannot renew online

You are may be able to access for online renewal if your Ontario driver's license is currently valid or has been expired for no more than three years. Your license must not be under suspension, cancellation, or any restriction that prevents you from driving. You must also have no changes to report — your name, address, and medical status must be the same as what is recorded with ServiceOntario.

You cannot renew online if any of the following explore: your license has been suspended or cancelled; you need to update your photo (Ontario requires a new photo every 10 years for standard licenses); you have a new medical condition to declare or a change to an existing one; you are renewing a commercial driver's license (Class A, B, C, or D) or an air brake endorsement; you are renewing a motorcycle endorsement for the first time; or your license was issued outside Ontario and you are now a resident.

If you fall into any of these categories, you must visit a ServiceOntario office in person. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now require an appointment booked through the ServiceOntario website.

Step-by-step process for online renewal

Step 1: Go to the ServiceOntario website. Navigate to ontario.ca/serviceontario and select "Renew your driver's license online." You will be taken to the find renewal portal.

Step 2: Enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record. Review the information displayed — your name, address, and any medical declarations. If any detail is incorrect, stop here and visit a ServiceOntario office instead, because you cannot correct information online.

Step 3: Confirm your information and declare any changes. You will be asked to confirm that your address, name, and medical status have not changed. If you have moved, changed your name, or have a new medical condition, you cannot proceed online. Exit and book an in-person appointment.

Step 4: Choose your license validity period. Ontario offers two options: a four-year license ($90) or an eight-year license ($180). Select the option you want. The eight-year option is available only if you are under 80 years old.

Step 5: Enter payment information. Provide your credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or debit card details. The payment is processed when ready. You will receive a confirmation number and a receipt by email.

Step 6: Wait for your license by mail. ServiceOntario will mail your renewed license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives.

Fees and payment methods for online renewal

The cost of online renewal is $90 for a four-year license or $180 for an eight-year license (prices as of 2024; confirm current fees on the ServiceOntario website). These are the only payment options accepted online: Visa, Mastercard, or debit card. You cannot pay by cash, cheque, or money order through the online system.

If you are renewing in person at a ServiceOntario office, you have more payment options: cash, cheque, debit card, or credit card. The in-person fee is the same as the online fee. If you choose to renew by mail, you must include a cheque or money order with your process form.

There are no refunds for online renewals once payment has been processed. If you change your mind after paying, you must contact ServiceOntario directly to request a cancellation and refund.

What happens after you submit your online renewal

Once you submit your renewal and payment is confirmed, you will receive an email confirmation with a reference number. Keep this number for your records. ServiceOntario will then print and mail your renewed license to the address on file. You do not need to do anything else — no additional forms, no follow-up required.

Your current license remains valid while you wait for the new one. You can continue to drive, and you do not need to carry any proof of renewal. When your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it as a record; there is no requirement to return it.

If your renewed license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact ServiceOntario to check the status. Delays can occur during busy periods or if there is an issue with the mailing address on file. ServiceOntario can reissue your license or arrange for you to pick it up at an office if needed.

When to renew before your license expires

You can renew your Ontario driver's license up to 90 days before it expires. Many people renew at the 60-day mark to may support their new license arrives before expiration. Since mail delivery takes 10 business days, renewing at least two weeks before your expiration date gives you a safety margin.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew online as long as it expired no more than three years ago. However, if your license expired more than three years ago, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test or written knowledge test depending on how long it has been expired.

You will receive a reminder notice in the mail about 90 days before your license expires. This notice includes your license number and expiration date. You can use this notice to start your online renewal, or you can log in to the ServiceOntario portal anytime with your license number and date of birth.

Alternatives if you cannot renew online

If you do not meet the conditions for online renewal, you have two other options: in-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office or mail-in renewal.

In-person renewal: Visit any ServiceOntario office. Most offices now require an appointment, which you can book on the ServiceOntario website. Bring your current driver's license, proof of address (a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months), and payment. In-person renewal takes about 15 minutes, and you can pick up your new license when ready or have it mailed to you. The fee is the same as online renewal: $90 for four years or $180 for eight years.

Mail-in renewal: read the renewal form from the ServiceOntario website, complete it, and mail it with a cheque or money order and a copy of your current license to the address provided. Mail-in renewal takes 15 to 20 business days. This option is slower than online or in-person renewal but may be useful if you cannot visit an office or access the online system.

Common mistakes to avoid when renewing online

Do not attempt to renew online if your information has changed. If you have moved, changed your name, or have a new medical condition, the online system will reject your renewal or you will be asked to visit an office. Trying to proceed anyway wastes time and may delay your renewal.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. While you can renew up to 90 days early, waiting until after expiration limits your options and may require you to visit an office in person. If your license has been expired for more than three years, online renewal is not available.

Do not lose your confirmation email. Save the reference number you receive after submitting your renewal. If there is a problem with delivery or you need to check the status, ServiceOntario will ask for this number.

Do not assume your address is correct on file. If you have moved recently and updated your address with ServiceOntario for another reason (vehicle registration, health card), your driver's license record may not have been updated. Log in and check before you renew, because the new license will be mailed to the address on your driver's license record, not your current address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than three years ago?

No. Online renewal is available only if your license is valid or expired for three years or less. If your license expired more than three years ago, you must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office. You may be required to pass a vision test or written knowledge test depending on how long your license has been expired.

What if I moved and my address changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must visit a ServiceOntario office in person to update your address and renew your license at the same time. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last three months.

Can I renew online if my license is suspended?

No. If your license is under suspension or cancellation, you cannot renew online. You must contact ServiceOntario or visit an office to resolve the suspension before you can renew. The reason for the suspension will determine what steps you need to take.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?

ServiceOntario states 10 business days for standard mail delivery. In practice, delivery can take 10 to 15 business days depending on postal service delays and the time of year. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait. If your license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact ServiceOntario to check the status.

Can I pick up my renewed license at a ServiceOntario office instead of having it mailed?

Not through the online renewal process. If you renew online, your license is mailed to you. If you want to pick up your license when ready, you must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office. Book an appointment on the ServiceOntario website and bring your current license and payment.