What you need to do to get a replacement license

To replace a lost Ontario driver's license, you must visit a ServiceOntario office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, and pay a replacement fee. You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online. The process takes about 20 minutes at the counter, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you.

Your replacement license will have the same class and conditions as your original license. If your license was suspended or expired, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must address that status first before ServiceOntario will issue a new one.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a ServiceOntario office in person with two pieces of identity and one piece of proof of residency to replace a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $50 for a standard five-year license or $90 for a ten-year license, and you must pay in cash, debit, or credit at the counter.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to your address on file, which usually arrives within two to three weeks.
  • If your license is suspended, expired, or has restrictions you want to change, you cannot replace it until you resolve those issues with the Ministry of Transportation.

Documents you must bring to ServiceOntario

Bring two pieces of government-issued photo identification. These can include a passport, birth certificate, citizenship certificate, permanent resident card, or another Ontario photo ID. At least one must be a photo ID.

You also need one piece of proof of residency showing your current Ontario address. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, property tax assessment, mortgage statement, lease agreement, or a letter from a landlord or employer on official letterhead dated within the last 30 days. A bank statement or credit card statement with your name and address also works.

If your address has changed since your original license was issued, bring the proof of residency document. If your address is still the same, you do not need to bring residency proof, but having it speeds up the process.

Where to go and how to book an appointment

Find your nearest ServiceOntario office at ontario.ca/serviceontario. Use the office locator tool to search by postal code or city. Most ServiceOntario offices are located inside Service Ontario kiosks, municipal offices, or DriveTest centres.

You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary widely by location and time of day. To avoid a long wait, book an appointment online through the ServiceOntario website. Appointments are usually available within one to five business days. If you walk in, arrive early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon when traffic is lighter.

Some DriveTest centres also offer license replacement services. Check the office locator to see which locations near you offer this service.

What happens at the counter and what you pay

Tell the ServiceOntario clerk that you are replacing a lost license. They will ask you to confirm your name, date of birth, and address. They will check the Ministry of Transportation database to confirm your license status and pull up your photo and signature from your original license file.

The replacement fee is $50 for a five-year license or $90 for a ten-year license. You choose which term you want. Pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the counter. ServiceOntario does not accept cheques or e-transfer.

The clerk will print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal weight as your plastic card — you can drive with it, use it as ID, and show it to police. Keep it in a safe place until your plastic card arrives.

When your new plastic card will arrive

Your plastic driver's license is printed and mailed by the Ministry of Transportation after your transaction is complete. Standard delivery takes two to three weeks to most Ontario addresses. Mail is sent to the address on file with the Ministry, which is usually the address you provided at the counter.

If you move before your card arrives, contact ServiceOntario to update your address. You can do this online at ontario.ca/serviceontario or by calling 1-800-387-3556. Provide your driver's license number and new address so the card is sent to the right place.

If your card does not arrive within four weeks, contact ServiceOntario. They can check the status of your order and reissue the card if it was lost in the mail.

If your license is suspended or expired

If your license is suspended, you cannot replace it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Ministry of Transportation at 1-800-387-3556 to find out why your license is suspended and what you must do to restore it. Suspensions can result from unpaid fines, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or failure to pay insurance premiums.

If your license is expired, you can still replace it, but you will be issued an expired license. You must renew your license separately after you receive your replacement card. Renewal requires passing a vision test and paying a renewal fee. It is usually faster to renew your license at the same time you replace it, so ask the ServiceOntario clerk whether you can do both in one visit.

If your license has conditions or restrictions (such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only), those conditions will appear on your replacement license. If you want to change or remove a condition, you must contact the Ministry of Transportation or visit a DriveTest centre to request a change.

What to do if you cannot visit ServiceOntario in person

Ontario does not offer mail-in or online replacement for lost licenses. You must visit a ServiceOntario office or DriveTest centre in person. If you are unable to travel to an office, ask a trusted family member or friend to go on your behalf. They will need a signed letter from you authorizing them to act as your agent, plus a copy of your birth certificate or other ID to prove the connection.

If you are homebound due to illness or disability, contact ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3556 to discuss options. In rare cases, they may be able to arrange an alternative process, but this is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I have unpaid traffic fines?

Unpaid fines do not automatically prevent you from replacing a lost license. However, if your license is suspended due to unpaid fines, you cannot replace it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Ministry of Transportation to check your suspension status before you visit ServiceOntario.

What if I lost my license outside Ontario?

You still must replace it through ServiceOntario using the same process. If you are living outside Ontario temporarily, you can still visit any ServiceOntario office in the province. If you have moved to another province, contact the Ministry of Transportation at 1-800-387-3556 to ask about your options.

Do I need to report my lost license to police?

You do not need to report a lost license to police unless you suspect it was stolen or used fraudulently. If someone uses your license to commit a crime or open accounts in your name, contact local police and provide them with your license number. This creates a record in case the license is found and used illegally.

Can I get a replacement license with a different photo?

No. Your replacement license will use the photo and signature from your original license file. If you want a new photo, you must renew your license instead of replacing it. Renewal requires a new photo, a vision test, and a higher fee, but it gives you an updated card with current information.

What if my temporary paper license expires before my plastic card arrives?

Contact ServiceOntario when ready. They can issue you another temporary license or check the status of your plastic card. If your card is delayed, they can reissue it. Do not drive without a valid license or temporary license in your possession.