Report the theft to police and ServiceOntario at the same time

If your Ontario driver's license has been stolen, you need to report it to both local police and ServiceOntario. The police report creates a record that protects you if someone uses your license fraudulently — for example, if they're stopped while driving or use it to open accounts. ServiceOntario needs to know so they can flag your license number in their system and prevent a duplicate from being issued to someone else.

Call your local police non-emergency line to file a report. You do not need to visit a station unless you're reporting other crimes at the same time. When you call, have your license number ready if you know it, or your date of birth and full name. The police will give you a report number. Keep this number — you may need it for insurance claims or if fraudulent activity occurs later.

After you have the police report number, contact ServiceOntario to report the theft. You can do this online through the ServiceOntario website, by phone at 1-800-387-3445, or in person at a ServiceOntario office. Tell them your license was stolen and provide the police report number. ServiceOntario will cancel your current license when ready so it cannot be used.

Key Takeaways

  • Report the theft to police first to create a record that protects you from fraud, then contact ServiceOntario to cancel the license in their system.
  • You will need to order a replacement license from ServiceOntario, which costs money and takes one to two weeks by mail or can be picked up same-day at some offices.
  • Keep the police report number in case someone uses your stolen license and you need to prove you reported it.
  • If your license was stolen along with other documents or from your vehicle, also report those thefts and consider placing a fraud alert with your bank and credit card companies.

Order your replacement license through ServiceOntario

Once ServiceOntario has cancelled your stolen license, you can order a replacement. You have two options: order by mail or pick up in person at a ServiceOntario office.

To order by mail, visit the ServiceOntario website and select "Replace a Lost, Stolen or Damaged Driver's License." You will need to provide your personal information, your police report number, and payment. The replacement license costs a set fee (the amount varies depending on how long your new license is valid for). ServiceOntario will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually takes one to two weeks.

If you need a license faster, visit a ServiceOntario office in person with your police report number and photo ID. Some offices can issue a replacement on the same day, though wait times vary by location. Call ahead to confirm your local office offers same-day service and to check current wait times.

Protect yourself from fraud while you wait for the replacement

While your replacement license is being processed, your stolen license is still out there. Someone could try to use it to rent a car, open a bank account, or commit other fraud in your name. Take steps now to reduce that risk.

Contact your bank and credit card companies and tell them your license was stolen. Ask them to flag your account and watch for suspicious activity. Some banks will issue a new card number as a precaution. If you have a home address on your license, monitor your mail for unexpected bills or account statements.

Consider placing a fraud alert with Equifax or TransUnion, Canada's two main credit reporting agencies. A fraud alert tells lenders to contact you before opening new accounts in your name. You can place an alert by phone or online with either agency, and it lasts for three years. This is free and does not affect your credit score.

What to do if someone uses your stolen license

If you discover that someone has used your stolen license — for example, you receive a traffic ticket you did not get, or a collection notice for an account you did not open — act quickly.

Contact the organization that issued the ticket or notice and explain that your license was stolen on a specific date. Provide your police report number. Most organizations have a process to investigate fraud claims and will cancel the fraudulent record once they verify your report.

Also contact the police again and ask them to add this fraudulent use to your original theft report. Keep copies of all correspondence and police report numbers. If the fraud involves your credit, contact the credit reporting agency that issued the fraudulent report and ask them to place a dispute on your file.

Bring photo ID to ServiceOntario even without your license

You may worry that you cannot pick up your replacement license in person because your only photo ID was stolen. ServiceOntario accepts other forms of photo ID, including a passport, a work ID with your photo, a provincial health card, or a student ID. If you do not have any photo ID, you can bring two pieces of non-photo ID instead, such as a utility bill and a bank statement.

If you are ordering by mail, you do not need to show ID — ServiceOntario verifies your identity through their records and the police report number you provided.

Update your address if you have moved since the theft

If your address has changed since your license was stolen, you can update it when you order your replacement. Whether you order by mail or in person, you will be asked to confirm or change your address. Your new license will be mailed to or issued with your current address.

If you order by mail and your address has changed, make sure you update it in the online form before you submit payment. If you pick up in person, tell the ServiceOntario staff member your new address and they will update it on your replacement license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to file a police report to get a replacement license?

ServiceOntario requires a police report number when you report a stolen license. Without it, they cannot process your replacement. The police report protects you legally if someone uses your stolen license, so it is worth filing even if you think the theft is unlikely to matter.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

ServiceOntario does not issue temporary licenses for stolen or lost licenses. If you pick up your replacement in person at an office, you receive it the same day. If you order by mail, you will be without a valid license for one to two weeks. Plan your driving accordingly.

What if my license was stolen from my car along with my registration and insurance documents?

Report all three thefts to police in the same report. For your vehicle registration and insurance documents, contact ServiceOntario (for registration) and your insurance company separately. Your insurance company may issue replacement documents by email or mail. Your vehicle registration can be replaced through ServiceOntario.

Will my replacement license have the same number as my stolen one?

No. ServiceOntario will issue you a new license number on your replacement license. The old number is cancelled and cannot be reused. This is another reason to keep your police report number — it links the old and new licenses in case questions arise later.

How much does a replacement license cost if it was stolen?

The cost is the same as a regular license renewal or replacement — it varies based on how long your new license is valid for (usually four or eight years). Check the ServiceOntario website for the current fee. There is no extra charge for a stolen license replacement.