What Ontario charges for a driver's license renewal

An Ontario driver's license renewal costs $90 if you renew in person at a ServiceOntario office or through the mail. If you renew online through the ServiceOntario portal, the fee is also $90. There are no discounts between the three methods — the base fee is the same regardless of how you submit your renewal.

The $90 covers a five-year license for most drivers. If you are over 80 years old, your renewal is valid for two years instead, and the cost remains $90. Motorcycle endorsements, air brake endorsements, or other class upgrades added during renewal may carry additional fees, but a standard Class G renewal has no hidden charges beyond the $90.

Payment methods depend on your renewal route. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. In-person renewal at ServiceOntario accepts cash, debit, credit, and online banking transfers. Mail-in renewal requires a cheque or money order made payable to the Minister of Finance.

Key Takeaways

  • Ontario charges $90 for a five-year driver's license renewal, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person at ServiceOntario.
  • Drivers over 80 pay the same $90 fee but receive a two-year license instead of five years.
  • Online renewal through the ServiceOntario portal is the fastest method and requires only a debit or credit card.
  • Mail-in renewal takes four to six weeks and requires a cheque or money order; in-person renewal is when ready if you visit during office hours.
  • Additional endorsements or class upgrades cost extra and must be requested at the time of renewal.

When you can renew and how long it takes

You can renew your Ontario license up to nine months before it expires. Starting your renewal early does not cost more, and your new license will be valid from the date ServiceOntario processes it, not from your expiration date. This means if you renew six months early, your five-year term begins when ready — you do not get an extra six months added on.

Processing times vary by method. Online renewal is processed within one business day in most cases, and you receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can use while your physical card is mailed. In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office is completed on the spot; you walk out with your new license the same day. Mail-in renewal takes four to six weeks from the date ServiceOntario receives your envelope.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it by mail or online without penalty — there is no late fee. However, you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives, so in-person renewal is usually faster if your license is already expired and you need to drive when ready.

What documents you need to bring or send

For online renewal, you need your current Ontario driver's license number and your date of birth. You will also need to confirm your address and answer security questions about your driving history. No physical documents are required — the entire process happens on the ServiceOntario website.

For in-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office, bring your current driver's license and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months). If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring legal proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have moved out of Ontario and are renewing from another province, you will need to provide proof of your new address in that province.

For mail-in renewal, send your current driver's license, a completed Form DL 44 (the renewal process), and proof of your current address. Include a cheque or money order for $90 made payable to the Minister of Finance. Mail everything to the address listed on the back of your license or on the ServiceOntario website. Do not send cash through the mail.

Renewing with vision or medical changes

If your vision has changed or you have a new medical condition since your last license was issued, you may need to visit a ServiceOntario office in person rather than renewing online or by mail. ServiceOntario staff can assess whether you need a vision test or a medical report from your doctor before your renewal is approved.

Vision tests at ServiceOntario offices are free. If a test shows you need corrective lenses and your license does not already require them, your renewal will be processed with that restriction added. If your vision has worsened significantly, ServiceOntario may ask you to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a formal assessment; that appointment is at your own cost and is not part of the $90 renewal fee.

Medical conditions that affect driving — such as seizure disorders, severe arthritis, or sleep apnea — require a report from your physician. You can request the form from ServiceOntario, have your doctor complete it, and submit it with your renewal process. There is no additional fee to ServiceOntario for processing a medical report, but your doctor may charge for completing the form.

Renewing after suspension or cancellation

If your license was suspended or cancelled, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must first have the suspension or cancellation lifted by the Ministry of Transportation. This usually requires paying outstanding fines, completing a remedial driving course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or the ministry.

Once the suspension or cancellation is removed from your record, you can renew your license through the normal process and pay the standard $90 fee. ServiceOntario will confirm that your record is clear before processing your renewal. If you attempt to renew while a suspension is still active, your process will be rejected and you will not be charged.

Renewing a license from another province or country

If you have a valid driver's license from another Canadian province or a country with a reciprocal agreement with Ontario, you can exchange it for an Ontario license without taking a road test. The exchange fee is $90, the same as a standard renewal.

If your out-of-province or out-of-country license has expired, you cannot exchange it directly. You will need to take Ontario's written knowledge test and road test, which costs more than $90 combined. The written test costs $15, and the road test costs $90 for a first attempt. If you fail the road test, each retake costs $90.

To exchange a valid out-of-province license, visit a ServiceOntario office in person with your current license, proof of Ontario residency, and proof of your legal name and date of birth. The exchange is processed on the spot, and you receive your new Ontario license when ready.

Paying for a license plate sticker at renewal

Your driver's license renewal and your vehicle registration (license plate sticker) are separate transactions with separate fees. You cannot pay for your license plate sticker when you renew your driver's license. If your plate sticker is also expiring, you must renew it separately through the ServiceOntario website, by mail, or in person.

A license plate sticker renewal costs $50.50 for most vehicles in Ontario. You can renew your sticker online at any time, and it is processed when ready. If you renew by mail or in person, the fee is the same. Renewing your sticker does not affect the cost or timeline of your driver's license renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Ontario driver's license online if I live outside Ontario?

Yes. You can renew online from anywhere as long as you have a valid Ontario license and your address on file with ServiceOntario. If you have moved to another province or country, update your address through the online renewal process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.

What happens if I renew my license but it arrives damaged or with errors?

Contact ServiceOntario when ready with your receipt number and a photo of the damage or error. ServiceOntario will issue a replacement at no additional charge. Bring your damaged license to a ServiceOntario office, or mail it back with a letter explaining the issue. Replacements are usually processed within two weeks.

Do I have to renew my license in person if I am over 80?

No. You can renew online or by mail at age 80 and beyond. However, if you have not had a vision test in the past two years, ServiceOntario may ask you to visit an office in person or provide a vision test report from an optometrist before your renewal is approved.

Is there a fee if I need to change my name on my license during renewal?

No. Changing your name during renewal costs nothing extra — you pay only the $90 renewal fee. Bring legal proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to your in-person appointment, or include it with your mail-in process. Online renewal does not allow name changes; you must renew in person or by mail if your name has changed.

Can I renew my license if I owe unpaid traffic fines?

Yes. Unpaid traffic fines do not prevent you from renewing your driver's license. However, if your license was suspended due to unpaid fines, you must pay the fines and have the suspension lifted before you can renew. ServiceOntario will check your record during renewal and reject your process if an active suspension is found.