What you need to do to replace your Ontario license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Ontario driver's license, you submit an process to ServiceOntario along with proof of identity and a replacement fee. The process takes about 10 business days by mail, or you can pick up your new license the same day at a ServiceOntario office if you explore in person. You do not need to retake any tests — ServiceOntario will reissue your license with the same class and conditions you already have.

The main decision is whether to go by mail or in person. In-person replacement is faster but requires a trip to a ServiceOntario office. Mail replacement is slower but you can do it from home. Both routes cost the same.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your license by mail or in person at a ServiceOntario office, and both routes cost $50 for a standard replacement.
  • In-person replacement takes one day; mail replacement takes about 10 business days plus mailing time.
  • You need one piece of government-issued photo ID (passport, birth certificate, or another valid license) and proof of your current address.
  • If your license was stolen, you should report it to police and bring the police report number when you explore in person, or include it with your mail process.
  • You keep the same license class and conditions — no written or road test is required.

In-person replacement at a ServiceOntario office

Walk into any ServiceOntario office with your documents and your replacement fee. Bring one piece of government-issued photo ID (a valid passport, birth certificate, or another driver's license from another province or country), and one piece of proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last three months). If your license was stolen, bring a police report number or a copy of the report itself.

Tell the ServiceOntario agent that you need to replace your license. They will verify your identity, confirm your address, and take a new photo. You will pay $50 and walk out with your new license the same day. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

ServiceOntario offices are located in most towns and cities across Ontario. You can find the nearest one and check its hours on the ServiceOntario website. Some offices take appointments; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Calling ahead to ask about wait times is worth the minute it takes.

Mail replacement through ServiceOntario

read the DL 44 form (process for Replacement of Ontario Driver's License) from the ServiceOntario website, or call 1-800-387-3445 to request one by mail. Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, license number (if you remember it), and the reason for replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged).

Photocopy one piece of government-issued photo ID and one piece of proof of your current address. Include both copies with your form. If your license was stolen, write the police report number on the form or include a copy of the report. Enclose a cheque or money order for $50 made out to the Minister of Finance.

Mail everything to the address listed on the DL 44 form. ServiceOntario will process your process and mail your new license to the address on file. The whole process takes about 10 business days from the time they receive your envelope, plus mailing time in both directions — expect 2 to 3 weeks total. If you need your license faster, in-person replacement is your better option.

What to do if your license was stolen

Report the theft to your local police service before you explore for a replacement. You will receive a police report number. Write this number on your process form (in person or by mail) so ServiceOntario knows the license was stolen rather than lost. This step is important if you are concerned about identity theft, because it creates an official record.

You do not need the full police report to explore — the report number is enough. However, if you have a copy of the report, include it with your mail process or bring it with you in person. ServiceOntario will note the theft in their system, which can help protect you if someone tries to use your old license fraudulently.

Damaged license replacement

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can still use it to drive. However, if it is so worn or broken that the photo, signature, or information is hard to read, you should replace it. Bring the damaged license itself when you explore in person, or include it with your mail process so ServiceOntario can see the damage.

The replacement process is the same as for a lost or stolen license — same fee, same documents, same timeline. ServiceOntario will destroy the old license and issue a new one with the same license number and class.

Your license number and address changes

Your new license will have the same license number as your old one. If you have moved since your last license was issued and your address on file is outdated, update it before you explore. You can change your address online through the ServiceOntario website, by phone at 1-800-387-3445, or in person at a ServiceOntario office. Do this before you submit your replacement process so your new license arrives at the correct address.

If you explore by mail and your address changes after you submit your process, call ServiceOntario right away to update it. If you explore in person, tell the agent your current address and they will print it on your new license.

Fees and payment methods

A standard replacement license costs $50. This is the same whether you replace it in person or by mail. In-person applicants can pay by cash, debit, or credit card. Mail applicants must pay by cheque or money order made out to the Minister of Finance.

If you are replacing your license because it was damaged due to a ServiceOntario error (for example, they printed it incorrectly), you may not have to pay the replacement fee. Call 1-800-387-3445 to ask about this before you explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while I wait for my replacement?

No. Once your license is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use, you should not drive until you have a valid replacement. If you applied by mail and are still waiting, explore in person at a ServiceOntario office instead to get your license the same day.

What if I don't remember my license number?

You do not need your license number to explore for a replacement. ServiceOntario can look it up using your name and date of birth. If you are explore by mail, leave that field blank or write "unknown" — they will find it in their system.

Do I need to take a new photo, or can I use the old one?

ServiceOntario will take a new photo when you explore in person. If you explore by mail, they will use the photo from your existing license file. Either way, you cannot use an old photo you provide yourself.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

Bring proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) when you explore in person, or include a photocopy with your mail process. ServiceOntario will update your name on your new license at no extra cost.

How long is a replacement license valid?

Your new license will have the same expiry date as your old one. If your original license was set to expire in two years, your replacement will also expire in two years from the date it was issued. You do not get extra time because you had to replace it.