How Much Does It Cost to Renew an Ontario Driver's License?
Renewing a driver's license in Ontario involves a straightforward fee structure set by the provincial government — but the total amount you pay depends on which license class you hold, how long your renewal term is, and whether any additional steps apply to your situation. Here's how the process and costs generally work.
What Ontario Charges for License Renewal
Ontario driver's licenses are issued under a five-year renewal cycle. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) sets the renewal fee, which covers the cost of issuing a new license card valid for that term.
As of the most recent publicly available MTO fee schedule, the standard renewal fee for a Class G license (the most common passenger vehicle license) is approximately $90 CAD for a five-year term. This covers both the license itself and the accompanying photo card.
However, that figure represents the base renewal only. Several variables can change what you ultimately pay.
📋 Always confirm current fees directly with ServiceOntario, as provincial fees are subject to change and what you find online may not reflect the most recent schedule.
License Classes and How They Affect Fees
Ontario uses a graduated licensing system with multiple license classes. The class you hold affects both your renewal process and, in some cases, your fee.
| License Class | Typical Use | Notes on Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| G2 | Graduated — passenger vehicles | May require upgrade before renewal cycle ends |
| G | Full passenger vehicle license | Standard renewal; most common class |
| M, M2 | Motorcycle classes | Separate fee schedule applies |
| A, B, C, D, E, F | Commercial and specialty vehicles | Different renewal requirements; medical standards apply |
Drivers holding commercial license classes (such as Class A, B, C, D, E, or F) face different renewal procedures. These classes often require proof of a current medical examination, which adds a separate cost outside the renewal fee itself. The medical exam fee is paid to a physician, not to ServiceOntario.
The Five-Year Renewal Cycle and Timing
Ontario licenses expire on your birthday every five years. ServiceOntario typically mails renewal notices in advance, but receiving — or not receiving — that notice doesn't change when your license expires or what you owe.
You can renew:
- In person at a ServiceOntario location
- Online through the ServiceOntario portal, if eligible
- By mail, in some circumstances
Not all renewal methods are available to every driver. Online and mail renewal options are generally restricted to drivers with clean records and licenses that don't require a photo update or a vision test. If your license has been expired for an extended period, or if your situation has changed since your last renewal, an in-person visit is typically required.
What Can Add to the Total Cost
The base renewal fee is rarely the only cost to consider. Several factors can increase what you pay:
Vision testing: Ontario requires a vision screening at renewal every ten years, starting from age 80 — though earlier screenings may be required in certain circumstances. If a vision issue is flagged, follow-up with an optometrist creates an additional cost.
Knowledge or road tests: In most standard G renewals, no testing is required. However, drivers whose licenses have lapsed past a certain point, or who are upgrading their class, may need to retest. Test fees are charged separately.
Lost or damaged license replacement: If your current license is lost or damaged and you're renewing at the same time, you may pay a combined or adjusted fee.
Address or name changes: These are generally processed alongside renewal at no significant additional cost, but may require documentation that triggers an in-person visit.
Late renewal: Ontario does not typically charge a separate late penalty fee on top of the standard renewal fee, but driving with an expired license carries legal risk regardless of whether the renewal itself costs more.
Graduated Licensing and Renewal Timing 🚗
Drivers still in Ontario's graduated licensing system (holding a G1 or G2) face a different timeline than full G license holders. A G1 is valid for five years, during which the driver must progress through the system. A G2 is also valid for five years.
If a graduated driver lets their license expire without progressing to a full G, they may need to restart portions of the licensing process rather than simply renewing. That path involves test fees, not just renewal fees — which changes the cost picture significantly.
What "Renewal Fee" Doesn't Cover
It's worth being clear about what the renewal fee pays for and what it doesn't:
- It covers the new physical license card and the provincial record update
- It does not cover medical exams required for commercial classes
- It does not cover optometrist visits if a vision flag requires follow-up
- It does not cover any fines or reinstatement fees if your license was suspended
If your license is currently under suspension, the renewal fee alone won't restore your driving privileges. Reinstatement is a separate process with its own fees, and renewal can only proceed once reinstatement conditions are met.
The Piece That Changes Everything
The numbers above reflect Ontario's general fee framework — but your total cost depends on your specific license class, your renewal history, whether you're eligible to renew online, whether a medical or vision requirement applies, and the current MTO fee schedule at the time you renew. ServiceOntario's official website publishes the current fee table, and a ServiceOntario representative can confirm exactly what applies to your license class and situation before you pay.
