You can extend your G2 license by renewing it before the expiration date on your card

A G2 license in Ontario is a probationary license that lasts for five years from the date it was issued. When your G2 is about to expire, you have the option to renew it for another five years without taking the G2 road test again — but you must start the renewal process before the expiration date passes. If your G2 has already expired, you cannot straightforward extend it; you will need to retake the G2 road test or move directly to a full G license if you meet the requirements.

The renewal process itself is straightforward and can be done in person at a ServiceOntario office or, in some cases, by mail. You will need to bring specific documents, pay a fee, and submit a new photo. The entire process typically takes a few weeks if done by mail, or you can walk out with a renewed license the same day if you visit an office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must renew your G2 before the expiration date shown on your card; you cannot extend a license that has already expired.
  • Renewal at a ServiceOntario office takes one visit and you receive your new license when ready, while mail renewal takes two to four weeks.
  • You will need your current G2 license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee, which varies depending on how long you renew for.
  • If your G2 has expired, you must retake the G2 road test to get a new one, or you may be able to take the G license road test if you have held a G2 for at least 12 months.

Renewal fees and how long you can extend for

ServiceOntario charges different fees depending on the length of your renewal. You can renew your G2 for one, two, three, four, or five years. The longer you renew for, the higher the total cost, but the cost per year is lower. A one-year renewal costs less upfront but means you will need to renew again sooner. Most people choose a five-year renewal to avoid returning to ServiceOntario as often.

The exact fee amounts change periodically and vary slightly by renewal length. Contact ServiceOntario directly or check their website before you go in to pay, so you know the exact amount to bring. If you renew by mail, you will need to include a cheque or money order with your process package.

Documents you need to renew in person

Bring your current G2 license, a piece of government-issued photo identification (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof that you still live in Ontario. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax assessment — the document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last three months.

You will also need to provide a new photo for your renewed license. ServiceOntario offices have photo services on-site, or you can bring a photo you had taken elsewhere that meets their requirements (colour, 35 mm × 45 mm, taken within the last six months). If you bring your own photo, it must be unsigned on the back.

How to renew by mail

Request a renewal process package from ServiceOntario by phone, online, or in person. The package includes a form you fill out, instructions for what documents to include, and an envelope to mail everything back. You will need to include a photocopy of your current G2 license, photocopies of your identity and residency documents, a new photo, and a cheque or money order for the renewal fee.

Mail the complete package to the address provided in the process instructions. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date ServiceOntario receives your package. Your renewed license will be mailed to your address on file. Do not plan to drive on an expired G2 while waiting for your renewal by mail — once your license expires, you are not permitted to drive.

What happens if your G2 expires before you renew

If your G2 expiration date has passed, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must retake the G2 road test to obtain a new G2 license. This means booking a test through DriveTest, paying the test fee, and passing the test before you can drive again. The G2 road test includes a 30-minute drive with an examiner who assesses your ability to handle various road conditions and traffic situations.

However, if you have held a G2 license for at least 12 months before it expired, you may be able to take the G license road test instead of retaking the G2 test. The G license is the full, unrestricted license. If you pass the G test, you move directly to a G license without needing a new G2. Check with ServiceOntario or DriveTest about which option applies to your situation.

When to start the renewal process

ServiceOntario recommends starting your renewal at least six weeks before your G2 expires. This gives you time to gather documents, book an appointment at an office if needed, or mail in your process and receive your renewed license before the expiration date. If you are renewing by mail, start even earlier — eight to ten weeks before expiration — to account for mail delivery time in both directions.

You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so there is no penalty for renewing early. In fact, renewing early removes the risk of accidentally letting your license lapse. If you are unsure of your expiration date, check the front of your G2 card — the date is printed clearly in the top right corner.

Renewing with a change of name or address

If your name or address has changed since your G2 was issued, you must provide documentation of the change when you renew. A name change requires a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. An address change requires proof of residency at your new address, as described above.

If you are renewing in person, bring the original or certified copy of the name-change document along with your other required documents. If you are renewing by mail, include a photocopy. ServiceOntario will update your file and issue a license with your current name and address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my G2 if I have unpaid traffic fines or a suspension?

No. If your license is under suspension for any reason — unpaid fines, medical reasons, or a court order — you cannot renew it. You must resolve the suspension first by paying fines, obtaining medical clearance, or satisfying the court requirement. Once the suspension is lifted, you can then renew your license.

What if I lose my G2 before I renew it?

Report the loss to ServiceOntario and request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee and provide identification and proof of residency. Once you have the replacement G2, you can then renew it as normal before the expiration date.

Do I need to take any tests to renew my G2?

No. Renewal is an administrative process — you do not retake the written test or the road test. You only need to provide updated documents and a new photo. Tests are only required if your G2 has already expired.

Can I renew my G2 online?

ServiceOntario does not currently offer online renewal for G2 licenses. You must renew either in person at a ServiceOntario office or by mail. Check the ServiceOntario website for the most current information about available renewal methods.

What if my G2 expires while I am waiting for my renewal process to be processed?

If you are renewing by mail and your license expires before your renewed license arrives, you are not permitted to drive. To avoid this, renew early enough that processing time does not overlap with your expiration date. If this happens, contact ServiceOntario to ask about expedited processing or whether you can pick up your renewed license in person once it is ready.