What you need to do to replace a lost Ontario driver's license
To replace a lost Ontario driver's license, you must report the loss to ServiceOntario, pay a replacement fee, and provide proof of identity and residence. You cannot straightforward order a new card online — you must visit a ServiceOntario office in person or use the mail-in process if you meet specific conditions. The replacement takes 10 to 15 business days by mail, or you can receive it the same day at a ServiceOntario office if you pay an expedited fee.
Ontario does not issue temporary licenses while you wait. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must carry a copy of your police report (if the license was stolen) or a written statement describing the loss, along with another form of photo ID. Some insurance companies and law enforcement will accept this as proof you reported the loss.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a ServiceOntario office in person to report the loss and submit your process, unless you use the mail-in option and meet all requirements.
- Bring two pieces of identification (one with a photo) and proof of your current Ontario address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last three months.
- The replacement fee is $50 for a standard card received by mail within 10 to 15 business days, or $75 if you want it the same day at the office.
- If your license was stolen, obtain a police report number before you visit ServiceOntario — you will need it to complete your process.
- You cannot drive legally without a valid license or a police report number if the license was stolen; carrying a written statement alone is not sufficient proof.
Documents you must bring to ServiceOntario
ServiceOntario requires two pieces of identification, at least one with a photo. A valid passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate counts as primary ID. A health card, credit card, or library card can serve as secondary ID if it has your name on it. If your photo ID was lost along with your driver's license, bring your birth certificate or passport instead.
You must also bring proof of your current Ontario address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice dated within the last three months will work. A bank statement or credit card statement with your name and address is also acceptable. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new name at your new address, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent lease signed by both you and the landlord.
If your license was stolen, bring the police report number or a copy of the police report itself. If you lost the license and do not have a police report, you can still explore — straightforward tell the ServiceOntario agent that you lost it, and they will note that in your file.
how the process works in person at a ServiceOntario office
Find your nearest ServiceOntario office using the office locator on the ServiceOntario website. Not all Service Ontario locations handle driver's license replacements, so confirm the office offers this service before you go. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can also book an appointment online to reduce your wait time.
When you arrive, tell the agent you need to replace a lost driver's license. Bring all documents listed above. The agent will ask you to confirm your address, sign a declaration that your license was lost or stolen, and pay the fee. If you choose the standard replacement, you pay $50 and receive your new license by mail in 10 to 15 business days. If you choose the same-day replacement, you pay $75 and receive your new card before you leave the office.
The agent will take a new photo for your license at the office. Wear clear glasses if you normally wear them, and avoid sunglasses or hats. Your new license will have the same number as your lost license, so your driving record and any demerit points remain unchanged.
Mailing in your replacement process
You can mail your replacement process to ServiceOntario only if you meet all of these conditions: your license was not stolen, you are not explore for a different license class, you do not need a medical form or any other special documentation, and you have not had any changes to your name, address, or signature since your license was issued.
To explore by mail, read the Driver's Licence Replacement form from the ServiceOntario website or request it by phone. Complete the form, sign it, and include a photocopy of two pieces of identification (one with a photo) and proof of your current address. Do not send original documents — ServiceOntario will not return them. Include a cheque or money order for $50 payable to the Minister of Finance. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes 10 to 15 business days from the date ServiceOntario receives your envelope. Mail delivery itself can add several days on each end, so plan for three to four weeks total. If ServiceOntario cannot process your process (for example, if your documents are unclear or incomplete), they will contact you by mail to ask for more information, which delays the process further.
What happens if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, report the theft to local police before you visit ServiceOntario. You do not need to wait for the police to complete an investigation — you only need the report number, which police will give you when ready or within a few hours. Some police services allow you to file a report online and receive a report number the same day.
Bring the police report number or a copy of the report to ServiceOntario. The agent will note in your file that the license was stolen, which protects you if someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. This notation does not delay your replacement or change the fee.
If you discover your stolen license is being used — for example, you receive a traffic ticket you did not receive, or your insurance company contacts you about a claim — contact ServiceOntario when ready and provide them with the police report number. They can flag your license record and notify law enforcement.
Driving legally while you wait for your replacement
Ontario law requires you to carry a valid driver's license whenever you drive. While you wait for your replacement, you have limited options. If your license was stolen and you have a police report number, you can carry a copy of the police report along with another form of photo ID (such as a passport). Some police officers and insurance companies will accept this as proof that you reported the theft and are may have access to to drive.
If you lost your license and do not have a police report, you cannot legally drive until your replacement arrives. A written statement from you saying you lost your license is not sufficient proof under Ontario law. If you are stopped by police, you must show a valid license or face a fine.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and your license was lost (not stolen), your only option is to visit a ServiceOntario office and pay the $75 same-day fee. You will receive your new license before you leave and can drive when ready.
Fees and processing times at a glance
| Replacement Method | Fee | Processing Time | When You Get Your License |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person, standard | $50 | 10–15 business days | By mail |
| In-person, same-day | $75 | Same day | Before you leave the office |
| By mail | $50 | 10–15 business days plus mail delivery | By mail (3–4 weeks total) |
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not assume you can drive with a written statement or a photo of your lost license. Ontario law requires a valid license or, if stolen, a police report number. Driving without either can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and demerit points.
Do not send original documents by mail. ServiceOntario will not return them, and if your envelope is lost in the mail, you will have no proof of identity. Always send photocopies.
Do not visit a ServiceOntario office without checking that location's hours and whether it handles driver's license replacements. Some offices handle only vehicle registration or health card services. Confirm in advance using the office locator on the ServiceOntario website.
Do not delay reporting a stolen license to police. The sooner you have a police report number, the sooner you can legally drive again. If you wait weeks and then report the theft, you cannot backdate the report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license at a Service Ontario office that is not near my home?
Yes. You can visit any ServiceOntario office in Ontario that offers driver's license services, regardless of where you live or where you lost your license. Bring the same documents (two pieces of ID, proof of address, and a police report if stolen) to any location.
What if I do not have a utility bill or lease to prove my address?
You can use a mortgage statement, property tax notice, or a letter from your landlord on official letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. If you have just moved and have no document yet, ask your landlord to write a brief letter stating your name, address, and move-in date, and sign it. ServiceOntario will accept this.
Will my new license have a different number than my lost one?
No. Your replacement license will have the same number as your lost license. Your driving record, demerit points, and license class all remain the same. The only change is the card itself and the issue date.
How long does a police report take if I need to report a stolen license?
Most police services issue a report number when ready or within a few hours, even if the investigation is ongoing. Some services allow you to file online and receive a number the same day. Call your local police non-emergency line to ask how quickly you can get a report number.
What if ServiceOntario loses my process in the mail?
If you do not receive your license within four weeks of mailing your process, contact ServiceOntario by phone to check the status. If your envelope was lost, ServiceOntario will ask you to resubmit or visit an office in person. This is another reason the in-person option is faster and more reliable if you need your license urgently.