The Basic Steps to Renew in Ontario
In Ontario, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office. Most people renew online through the ServiceOntario website — it takes about 10 minutes, costs $90 for a five-year license, and you receive your new license by mail within two weeks. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not suspended, you have not had any medical changes, and your address has not changed since your last license was issued.
If you cannot renew online — because your address changed, your vision has changed, or you need to update your photo — you must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office or by mail. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and happens the same day. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks.
Your Ontario license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before the expiry date, so plan ahead if you travel or need your license for identification.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through ServiceOntario is the fastest and cheapest option if your address and medical status have not changed since your last license.
- You must renew in person if your address has changed, your vision has changed, or you need a new photo.
- A five-year Ontario license costs $90 online or in person; mail renewal costs $95.
- You can renew up to one year before your birthday, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
- ServiceOntario offices are located across the province; you can find your nearest office and book an appointment on the ServiceOntario website.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
To renew online, go to the ServiceOntario website and select "Renew a driver's license." You will need your Ontario driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and medical information. If everything matches your records, you can complete the renewal in one transaction.
After you pay the $90 fee, ServiceOntario will mail your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 10 to 14 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive.
Online renewal is not available if you have a G1 or G2 license (you must renew those in person), if your address has changed, if you have had any medical changes that affect your driving, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.
In-Person Renewal at a ServiceOntario Office
To renew in person, find your nearest ServiceOntario office on the ServiceOntario website and book an appointment. You can also walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary — booking ahead is faster. Bring your current Ontario driver's license and one piece of ID that shows your current address (a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement works).
If your address has changed since your last license, you must bring proof of your new address. ServiceOntario accepts a utility bill, property tax assessment, lease or mortgage agreement, or a letter from a landlord or employer dated within the last three months.
In-person renewal costs $90 for a five-year license. You will receive your new license on the spot, or it will be mailed to you within two weeks if the office does not have a photo printer available. The appointment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Renewing by Mail
To renew by mail, read the "Renew a driver's license" form from the ServiceOntario website (form DL 44). Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your current driver's license and a cheque or money order for $95 (mail renewal costs $5 more than online or in-person).
Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date ServiceOntario receives your package. You can continue to drive on your current license while your renewal is being processed. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.
Mail renewal is a good option if you live far from a ServiceOntario office, cannot take time off work, or prefer not to visit an office in person. However, if your address has changed or you need a new photo, you cannot use mail renewal — you must renew in person.
When You Must Renew in Person
You cannot renew online or by mail if any of the following explore: your address has changed, your vision has changed or you wear different glasses or contacts, you have a new medical condition that affects your driving, your license has been suspended or revoked, you are renewing a G1 or G2 license, or you want to update your photo.
If your vision has changed, you may need to pass a vision test at the ServiceOntario office. Bring your current glasses or contacts if you wear them. If you have a new medical condition, you may need to provide a medical report from your doctor before your license can be renewed.
In-person renewal is also required if your name has changed since your last license was issued. Bring proof of the name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your current license and proof of your current address.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
For any renewal method, have your current Ontario driver's license number and date of birth ready. If you are renewing in person, bring your current license and one piece of ID showing your current address. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address as well.
If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to an in-person appointment. If you have had any medical changes — a new diagnosis, a medication change, or a change in your ability to see or hear — tell the ServiceOntario staff member before they process your renewal. Some medical changes require a doctor's report before your license can be renewed.
If you are renewing by mail, make a copy of your driver's license before you send it in, so you have proof of your license number if you need it while your renewal is being processed.
License Types and Renewal Costs
| Renewal Method | Cost | Processing Time | When You Can Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $90 | 10–14 business days | Address and medical status unchanged; G license only |
| In Person | $90 | Same day or 2 weeks by mail | Any renewal; required if address or medical status changed |
| By Mail | $95 | 4–6 weeks | Address and medical status unchanged; G license only |
Ontario offers five-year and ten-year licenses. Most people renew a five-year license. A ten-year license costs more and is available only to drivers aged 25 and older. You can choose which length you want when you renew in person or by mail; online renewal defaults to five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive after my license expires while I wait for my renewal?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. Renew before your birthday, not after. You can renew up to one year in advance, so plan ahead if you know you will be busy around your expiry date.
What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?
You cannot renew a lost license online. You must go to a ServiceOntario office in person with proof of your identity and current address. ServiceOntario will issue you a replacement license at the same time. Bring a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Not always. If your photo is still clear and you look like it, ServiceOntario will use the same photo. If your appearance has changed significantly or the photo is damaged, you can request a new photo at an in-person appointment. There is no extra charge.
How long is my license valid after I renew it?
Your new license is valid for five years from the date it is issued (or ten years if you chose a ten-year license). The expiry date is printed on the front of your license.
What if my address changed but I do not want to go to a ServiceOntario office?
You must renew in person if your address has changed. ServiceOntario requires proof of your new address, and this cannot be done online or by mail. Book an appointment at your nearest office to save time.