What to do when ready after losing your Ontario driver's license

If you have lost your Ontario driver's license, you need to report it to ServiceOntario and request a replacement. You can do this in person at a ServiceOntario office, by mail, or online through the ServiceOntario website. The fastest route is online if you have your driver's license number and a valid payment method — you can order a replacement the same day and it will arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days.

Do not wait to report it lost. If someone finds your license and uses it fraudulently, reporting the loss promptly protects you and shows you acted responsibly if there are later disputes. You are still legally allowed to drive while your replacement is in transit, as long as you can prove you ordered it.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and cannot prove you ordered one, you have two options: request an interim license at a ServiceOntario office (valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one), or carry a copy of your lost license report and your vehicle registration as temporary proof.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your lost license to ServiceOntario online, by mail, or in person; online is fastest and takes five to ten business days for delivery.
  • You can drive legally while waiting for your replacement if you can show proof that you ordered it, such as a confirmation email or receipt.
  • An interim license costs less than a full replacement and is valid for 30 days if you need to drive when ready.
  • The replacement fee is $35.00 for a standard five-year license or $90.00 for a ten-year license; fees are the same whether you lost it or it expired.
  • If your license was lost outside Ontario, you may need to contact that province's licensing authority first before ordering a replacement from ServiceOntario.

Reporting your lost license online through ServiceOntario

The online route is the fastest and requires no appointment. Go to the ServiceOntario website, select "Replace a lost, stolen or damaged driver's license," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (Visa, Mastercard, or debit card). The fee is $35.00 for a five-year license or $90.00 for a ten-year license.

After you submit your request, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Keep this email — it serves as proof that you reported the loss and ordered a replacement, which protects you if the lost license is used fraudulently. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 5 to 10 business days.

If you do not have your driver's license number, you can still report the loss in person at a ServiceOntario office or by mail, but you will need to bring or include additional identification such as a birth certificate or passport.

Reporting in person at a ServiceOntario office

Visit any ServiceOntario office with two pieces of identification, at least one with a photo. Acceptable photo ID includes a passport, birth certificate, or a health card. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but wait times vary — check the ServiceOntario website to find your nearest office and see current wait times before you go.

Bring your driver's license number if you have it written down somewhere. If you do not have it, staff can look it up using your name and date of birth. Tell them your license is lost, not stolen, unless you believe someone has used it or may use it without permission — this distinction affects whether a fraud alert is added to your record.

You will pay the replacement fee on the spot and receive a receipt. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 5 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask about an interim license at the same visit.

Reporting by mail if you cannot visit an office

Complete the "process for a Driver's License" form (form DL 44) and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a cheque or money order for $35.00 or $90.00, depending on the license term you want. Include a photocopy of two pieces of identification, at least one with a photo.

Mail takes longer than in-person or online reporting — expect 2 to 3 weeks for ServiceOntario to receive and process your form, plus another 5 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive. This route is slowest and should only be used if you cannot access an office or the online system.

Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using tracked mail so you have proof of delivery. If your form does not arrive or is lost in the mail, you will have no way to prove you sent it.

Getting an interim license if you need to drive when ready

An interim license is a temporary paper document valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent replacement. It costs $10.00 and can only be obtained in person at a ServiceOntario office. You will need the same identification as for a regular replacement: two pieces of ID, at least one with a photo.

An interim license is not a full driver's license — some insurance companies may not recognize it, and some police officers may question it during a traffic stop. Before you get one, call your insurance company to confirm they will cover you while driving on an interim license. If they will not, an interim license may not protect you in a collision.

You can get an interim license on the same day you order your permanent replacement. When your permanent license arrives, the interim license becomes void and you should destroy it.

What to do if your license was lost outside Ontario

If you lost your license while traveling in another province or country, contact that province's or country's licensing authority first to report the loss. Some jurisdictions require you to report it to them before you can order a replacement from your home province.

Once you have reported it to the other jurisdiction (if required), follow the standard Ontario replacement process: online, in person, or by mail. You do not need to provide proof that you reported it to the other jurisdiction — ServiceOntario will process your replacement request normally.

If your license was lost in the United States, you do not need to report it to the U.S. state — you can report it directly to ServiceOntario. However, if you believe it was stolen or used fraudulently, you may want to contact local police in the jurisdiction where you lost it, as they can file a report that may help if the license is used.

Protecting yourself if your license may have been used fraudulently

If you believe someone has used your lost license or may use it, tell ServiceOntario staff when you report the loss. They can add a fraud alert to your record. This does not prevent someone from using the physical card, but it flags your file so that if the license is presented at a government office, staff will know it was reported lost.

You should also monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You can request a free credit report from Equifax Canada or TransUnion Canada. If you see fraudulent accounts opened in your name, contact the credit bureau and the financial institution that opened the account.

If someone has used your license to get a traffic ticket or commit a crime, you will need to contact the police service in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred and provide them with proof that you reported your license lost before the incident happened. Keep your ServiceOntario confirmation email or receipt as evidence of the date you reported the loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my license while I wait for the replacement?

Yes, if you can show proof that you ordered a replacement — such as a confirmation email from the online system or a receipt from ServiceOntario. If you cannot show proof, you should get an interim license or not drive until your replacement arrives. Driving without a valid license or proof of ordering one can result in a fine.

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

Online and in-person orders take 5 to 10 business days for delivery by mail. Mail-in requests take 2 to 3 weeks for ServiceOntario to process, plus another 5 to 10 business days for delivery. An interim license is issued when ready in person and is valid for 30 days.

What if I find my original license after I order a replacement?

You do not need to do anything. Keep both licenses, but only use the new one. The old one remains reported as lost and should not be used. If you try to use the old one, it may be flagged in the system as lost.

Do I have to pay the full replacement fee if my license was stolen instead of lost?

Yes, the fee is the same whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. The cost is $35.00 for a five-year license or $90.00 for a ten-year license. Reporting it as stolen instead of lost adds a fraud alert to your file but does not change the replacement fee.

What if my address has changed since I lost my license?

Your replacement will be mailed to the address currently on file with ServiceOntario. If your address has changed, update it before you order the replacement, or your new license may be mailed to your old address. You can update your address online through the ServiceOntario website or in person at any office.