Ontario driver's license renewal: in-person, online, or by mail
You can renew your Ontario driver's license through ServiceOntario in three ways: online through the ServiceOntario portal, in person at a ServiceOntario office, or by mail using the renewal kit mailed to you by the province. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address.
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license has not expired and you have not had any medical suspensions or convictions since your last renewal. In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing a commercial or air brake endorsement. Mail renewal is available but slower — it typically takes four to six weeks from the time ServiceOntario receives your completed form.
Key Takeaways
- Ontario sends you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires; you can renew online, in person, or by mail depending on your situation.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $90 for a five-year license or $158 for a ten-year license, but you cannot use it if your license has expired for more than one year.
- In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office requires a valid photo ID, proof of residence, and your renewal notice; bring your current license if you still have it.
- If your address or name has changed, you must renew in person or include the change form with a mail renewal; online renewal does not allow address updates.
- ServiceOntario offices are located across Ontario; you can book an appointment online or walk in, though walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day.
Online renewal: requirements and timing
Online renewal through the ServiceOntario portal is available only if your license is still valid (not expired) and you have not had any medical suspensions, criminal convictions, or administrative license suspensions since your last renewal. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid credit card to pay the renewal fee.
The process takes about 10 minutes. You log into the ServiceOntario portal, enter your personal information, confirm your address and medical history, and pay the fee. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
The cost is $90 for a five-year license or $158 for a ten-year license. If you choose the ten-year option, you will need to renew your photo in person before the license expires — Ontario requires a new photo every ten years, and you cannot do that online.
In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photo, if you are renewing a commercial or air brake endorsement, or if you are changing your name or address. You will need to bring your current driver's license (if you still have it), a valid photo ID, and proof of your current address.
Acceptable photo IDs include a passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax assessment dated within the last three months. If you do not have your current license, bring two pieces of ID instead.
ServiceOntario offices are open Monday through Friday, with extended hours at some locations. You can book an appointment online at the ServiceOntario website or walk in. Appointment wait times are usually shorter, but walk-in service is available. The in-person renewal fee is the same as online: $90 for five years or $158 for ten years. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you can drive home with it when ready.
Mail renewal: when to use it and what to send
Mail renewal is an option if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your photo, address, or name. ServiceOntario mails you a renewal kit before your license expires; the kit includes a renewal form, instructions, and a prepaid envelope. You fill out the form, include your current license, and mail it back to the address provided.
Processing takes four to six weeks from the time ServiceOntario receives your envelope. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. The renewal fee is $90 for five years or $158 for ten years, and you pay by cheque or money order included with your process.
If you did not receive a renewal kit in the mail, you can request one by calling ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 or visiting a ServiceOntario office. Do not mail your license without the official renewal kit; ServiceOntario needs the kit's barcode to process your process.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you must update it during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew in person or by mail. For in-person renewal, bring your proof of current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within three months). The ServiceOntario staff member will update your address on the spot.
For mail renewal, include a change of address form with your renewal kit. You can read the form from the ServiceOntario website or request it when you call for your renewal kit. If your legal name has changed (through marriage, divorce, or court order), you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name change order.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew it online or in person using the same process as a regular renewal. If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online; you must go to a ServiceOntario office in person. You will need your expired license, a valid photo ID, and proof of address.
If your license expired more than five years ago, ServiceOntario may require you to pass a vision test or provide a medical report before renewing. Call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 before visiting an office to confirm what documents you need to bring. You cannot legally drive until your license is renewed.
Fees, processing times, and what to expect
| Renewal Method | Cost (5-Year) | Cost (10-Year) | Processing Time | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $90 | $158 | 10 business days | License still valid, no changes needed |
| In-Person | $90 | $158 | Same day (printed on spot) | License expired, need new photo, or changing address/name |
| By Mail | $90 | $158 | 4–6 weeks | License still valid, no changes, no rush |
All renewal fees are paid at the time of renewal. Online and in-person renewals accept credit cards. Mail renewals require a cheque or money order. There are no additional fees for address or name changes during renewal.
If you choose the ten-year license, remember that you will need to renew your photo in person before the license expires. Ontario requires a new photo every ten years, and you cannot submit a new photo online or by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired while I was out of the country?
Yes. If your license expired while you were outside Ontario, you can still renew it in person at a ServiceOntario office. Bring your expired license, a valid photo ID, and proof of address. There is no penalty for renewing late due to travel.
What if I lost my license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew a lost license online. Go to a ServiceOntario office in person with a valid photo ID and proof of address. ServiceOntario will issue a replacement license at the same time. The cost is the same as a regular renewal: $90 for five years or $158 for ten years.
Do I need to pass a vision test when I renew?
Not for a standard renewal. ServiceOntario may require a vision test if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have certain medical conditions, or if you are over 80 years old. Call 1-800-387-3445 to confirm whether you need one before visiting an office.
Can I renew my commercial or air brake endorsement online?
No. Commercial and air brake endorsements must be renewed in person at a ServiceOntario office. You will need your current license, a valid photo ID, proof of address, and a medical report if required. Processing takes longer than standard renewals; ask the staff member for a timeline when you arrive.
What if my renewal notice got lost in the mail?
You do not need the renewal notice to renew your license. You can renew online (if your license is still valid), in person at any ServiceOntario office, or request a new renewal kit by calling 1-800-387-3445. If you renew in person, bring your current license, a valid photo ID, and proof of address.