What you need to do to replace your Ontario license
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Ontario driver's license, you must visit a ServiceOntario office in person with proof of identity and pay a replacement fee. You cannot renew or replace your license online, by mail, or by phone — the in-person visit is mandatory. ServiceOntario will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 10 business days.
The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but missing even one piece of ID can delay you. You will also need to know whether your license is currently valid or expired, because that affects which documents you bring and what you pay.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a ServiceOntario office in person with two pieces of identity — one photo ID and one piece showing your current address.
- The replacement fee is $50 for a standard plastic license, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- Your new plastic card arrives by mail within 10 business days; you can use the temporary license to drive in the meantime.
- If your license is expired, you may need to pass a vision test or provide a medical form depending on how long it has been expired.
- ServiceOntario locations vary by region, and some offices are busier than others — booking an appointment online can reduce wait times.
Documents you must bring to ServiceOntario
You need two pieces of identity: one with a photo and one showing your current address. The photo ID can be your expired Ontario license, a passport, a birth certificate, or a provincial ID card. The address document can be a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, a property tax notice, or a recent government letter with your name and address.
If your license was stolen, bring a police report or the file number from the police report. ServiceOntario does not require the original report, but having the file number speeds up the process. If your license was damaged, bring the damaged card itself if you still have it.
Do not bring originals of documents you may need elsewhere — bring copies or bring the originals and ask ServiceOntario staff to photocopy them for you. Keep your originals in your possession.
Fees and what you receive
The replacement fee for a standard five-year Ontario driver's license is $50. If you want a photo renewal (a new photo on your license), the fee is $90. You pay at the ServiceOntario counter when you submit your documents.
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready — this is valid for driving and is recognized by police and insurance companies. The plastic card is mailed to the address on file and normally arrives within 10 business days. If you move before the card arrives, contact ServiceOntario to update your mailing address.
If your license is expired
If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can replace it with just your documents and payment. If it expired more than three years ago, you must also pass a vision test at the ServiceOntario office. The vision test is brief and costs nothing extra.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you may also need to provide a medical form signed by a doctor or optometrist confirming you are fit to drive. ServiceOntario can tell you whether this is required when you call or visit. Some offices have doctors on site who can perform the exam for an additional fee; others do not.
How to find and book a ServiceOntario office
Use the ServiceOntario location finder at ontario.ca/serviceontario to search by postal code or city. The website shows hours, services offered at each location, and whether that office handles driver's license replacements — not all ServiceOntario offices do.
You can book an appointment online through the same website. Booking an appointment does not may provide a shorter wait, but it reserves a time slot and reduces the chance you will arrive to find the office at capacity. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first.
Call 1-800-387-3556 if you cannot find a nearby office or if the website is not working. ServiceOntario staff can tell you which location is closest to you and whether it has availability.
What happens if your documents are not in order
If you arrive without the correct documents, ServiceOntario staff will tell you what is missing and will not process your replacement. You will need to return with the missing document. This is why checking the requirements before you go is worth the five minutes it takes.
If your address document is older than one year, ServiceOntario may reject it as proof of current address. Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements are usually accepted if dated within the last year. If your document is older, bring a second address document or contact ServiceOntario before your visit to confirm what they will accept.
Temporary license and driving while you wait
The temporary paper license is valid for driving when ready and is recognized by police, insurance companies, and car rental agencies. You can drive anywhere in Ontario and in other provinces and territories. Keep it in your vehicle or wallet — you must carry it when you drive, just as you would a plastic license.
The temporary license is valid until your plastic card arrives. Once the plastic card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it as a record; do not attempt to use it after your plastic card has arrived.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
ServiceOntario states 10 business days, but delivery depends on Canada Post. Most licenses arrive within two weeks. If your card has not arrived after three weeks, contact ServiceOntario with your receipt number to check the status.
Can I replace my license if I do not have a current address document?
No. ServiceOntario requires proof of your current address. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a letter from your landlord or a recent government letter addressed to your new address. A bank statement or credit card statement with your new address may also work — call ahead to confirm.
What if I lost my license and do not have a police report?
You can still replace it without a police report. The report is helpful but not required. If you want to file a report for insurance or other reasons, you can do that separately at your local police station.
Do I need to renew my license at the same time I replace it?
No. Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license is separate from renewal. Your new license will have the same expiry date as your old one. When your license is due to expire, you will renew it separately at that time.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must visit ServiceOntario in person to receive your temporary license and submit your documents. Once your plastic card arrives by mail, it goes to the address on file — you do not need to pick it up in person.