What You Need to Do Right Now
To replace a lost driver's license in Ontario, you must contact ServiceOntario in person or online, pay a replacement fee (currently $50 for a standard license), and provide proof of identity and residency. You cannot renew by mail or phone. The fastest route is the online replacement service if your license was issued within the last 10 years and you have not had any suspensions or medical conditions flagged on your record. If you use the online service, your new license arrives by mail in 10 to 15 business days. If you go to a ServiceOntario office in person, you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within two weeks.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace your lost Ontario license online if it was issued within the last 10 years and has no suspensions or medical flags, or you can visit a ServiceOntario office in person.
- The replacement fee is $50 for a standard Class G license, and you must bring proof of identity and proof of residency to any in-person visit.
- Online replacement takes 10 to 15 business days for delivery; in-person replacement gives you a temporary paper license when ready and a plastic card within two weeks.
- You will need your driver's license number or your date of birth and last name to start an online replacement.
- If your license was suspended, cancelled, or has medical conditions on file, you cannot use the online service and must visit a ServiceOntario office.
Online Replacement: The Fastest Route If You may have access to
The online replacement service through ServiceOntario's website is the quickest option if your license meets the criteria. You can start the process from home, and you do not need to visit an office. To use this service, your license must have been issued within the last 10 years, and your driving record must have no active suspensions, cancellations, or medical conditions recorded by the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO).
To begin, go to the ServiceOntario website and select the driver's license replacement option. You will need either your driver's license number or your date of birth and last name. You will also need to provide your email address and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The $50 fee is charged when ready. After you complete the online form, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 to 15 business days. You do not receive a temporary license through the online service, so if you need to drive before the new card arrives, you will need to use a different form of identification or visit an office in person.
In-Person Replacement at a ServiceOntario Office
If you cannot use the online service, or if you need to drive when ready, visit a ServiceOntario office. You must bring two pieces of identification: one photo ID (such as a passport, birth certificate, or provincial ID card) and one piece of proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months). Bring the originals, not copies. If your address has changed since your license was issued, bring proof of your current address.
When you arrive at the office, tell the staff member that you are replacing a lost license. You will fill out form DL 44 (process for a Driver's License). The staff member will take your photo and process your payment of $50. Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license allows you to drive legally while you wait for your plastic card. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks. Keep the temporary license with you while driving—it is your proof of a valid license.
ServiceOntario offices are located across Ontario. You can find the office nearest to you and check its hours on the ServiceOntario website. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now operate by appointment only. It is best to book an appointment online or by phone before you go, as wait times vary by location and time of day.
Documents You Must Bring
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID (required) | Passport, birth certificate, provincial photo ID, permanent resident card, or citizenship certificate | Must be original, not a copy. Passport must be valid or expired no more than five years ago. |
| Proof of Residency (required) | Utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax assessment, or bank statement | Must be dated within the last three months and show your current address. Original only. |
| Proof of Name Change (if applicable) | Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order | Bring original or certified copy if your name has changed since your license was issued. |
When You Cannot Use the Online Service
The online replacement service is not available if your license was suspended, cancelled, or revoked by the MTO. It is also not available if your license has medical conditions or restrictions flagged on your record, or if your license was issued more than 10 years ago. In these cases, you must visit a ServiceOntario office in person.
If your license was suspended or cancelled, you may need to resolve the underlying issue before you can receive a replacement. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid fines or failure to pay child support, you will need to address that matter first. Contact the MTO directly at 1-800-387-3244 to find out whether your record has any flags and what steps you need to take. The staff member at the ServiceOntario office can also check your record and advise you on next steps.
Fees and Payment Methods
The replacement fee for a standard Class G driver's license in Ontario is $50. This fee applies whether you replace your license online or in person. Payment methods differ depending on how you replace your license. For online replacement, you can pay by debit card or credit card. For in-person replacement at a ServiceOntario office, you can pay by debit card, credit card, or cash. The fee is non-refundable, even if you later find your original license.
If you are replacing a license with a different class (for example, a Class D for motorcycles or a Class A for heavy trucks), the fee may be different. Ask the ServiceOntario staff member or check the website for the correct fee before you visit.
What Happens If You Find Your Original License Later
If you replace your lost license and then find the original, you should not use both. Destroy the original license or return it to a ServiceOntario office. Using two licenses at the same time is not permitted and can create confusion with law enforcement or insurance companies. If you have already received your replacement license and then find the original, straightforward discard the original or cut it up.
If you find your original license before your replacement arrives, you can cancel your replacement order by contacting ServiceOntario. Call 1-800-387-3244 or visit a ServiceOntario office to request cancellation. You will not receive a refund of the $50 fee, but you will not receive a duplicate license in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license to arrive?
If you received a temporary paper license at a ServiceOntario office, yes—you can drive for 30 days. If you used the online replacement service, you do not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive legally until your plastic card arrives. In that case, you would need to use a different form of photo ID or arrange alternative transportation.
How long does it take to get a replacement license by mail?
Online replacement takes 10 to 15 business days. In-person replacement takes up to two weeks. These timelines assume normal mail delivery. If you do not receive your license within three weeks, contact ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3244 to check the status.
What if my address has changed since my license was issued?
Bring proof of your current address to the ServiceOntario office (a utility bill or lease dated within three months). The staff member will update your address during the replacement process, and your new license will be mailed to your current address. If you are replacing online, make sure the address on file is correct before you submit your order, as you cannot change it after payment.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
If you replace your license in person at a ServiceOntario office, yes—the staff member will take a new photo. If you replace online, your existing photo from your current license will be used on your replacement license.
What if I lost my license outside of Ontario?
You must replace it through ServiceOntario using the same process described here. You cannot replace an Ontario license through another province's licensing authority. If you are currently outside Ontario, you can use the online replacement service if you meet the criteria, or you can wait until you return to Ontario to visit a ServiceOntario office in person.