What an Ontario driver's license is and who issues it

An Ontario driver's license is a photo ID issued by ServiceOntario that proves you are legally permitted to drive a motor vehicle in the province. It is not a federal document — each province and territory in Canada issues its own licenses, and Ontario's is recognized across Canada and in most U.S. states.

ServiceOntario, a division of the Ontario government, handles all license issuance, renewal, and replacement. You cannot get an Ontario license from any other body. The license itself is a plastic card that shows your photo, name, address, date of birth, license class, and any conditions or restrictions on your driving.

You need a valid Ontario driver's license to legally operate a motor vehicle on public roads in the province. If you are a resident of Ontario, you are required by law to hold an Ontario license, not a license from another province or country, once you have lived in Ontario for a set period.

Key Takeaways

  • ServiceOntario issues Ontario driver's licenses and handles renewals, replacements, and changes to your license class or conditions.
  • A standard Ontario license is valid for five years from the date of issue, and you can renew it up to nine months before it expires.
  • Different license classes (G1, G2, G) permit different types of driving, and you must pass written and road tests to progress between them.
  • You can renew your license in person at a ServiceOntario office, by mail, or online if you meet certain conditions, such as having no medical restrictions.
  • If you move to Ontario from another province or country, you must exchange your previous license for an Ontario license within a specific timeframe.

License classes and what each one permits

Ontario uses three main license classes for regular drivers: G1, G2, and G. Each class represents a stage of driving experience and carries different rules about who can be in the car with you, what times you can drive, and whether you can drive alone.

The G1 license is the first step. It allows you to drive only with a fully licensed driver (G or G2) who is at least 20 years old sitting beside you in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you must display an orange "L" plate on your vehicle. You hold a G1 for a minimum of 12 months before you can take the G2 road test.

The G2 license is the intermediate class. Once you pass the G2 road test, you can drive alone or with passengers, but you still cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must display a green "N" plate. You hold a G2 for a minimum of 12 months before you can take the G road test, though you can take it as early as 12 months after receiving your G2.

The G license is the full, unrestricted class. Once you pass the G road test, you can drive at any time, carry any number of passengers (subject to seatbelt laws), and drive any passenger vehicle. Most people aim for a G license as their permanent license.

How to renew your Ontario driver's license

You can renew your Ontario license up to nine months before it expires. The method you use depends on your circumstances and whether your license has any medical conditions or restrictions attached to it.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online through the ServiceOntario website if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions or restrictions, your address has not changed, and you do not need to update your photo. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license arrives by mail within 10 business days.

Mail renewal is available if you meet the same conditions as online renewal. You complete the renewal form (available on the ServiceOntario website or by calling 1-800-387-3445), include your current license, and mail the package to the address provided. Processing takes about two to three weeks from the date ServiceOntario receives your process.

In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office is required if you have medical conditions or restrictions, your address has changed, you need a new photo, or you prefer to renew in person. You bring your current license, proof of your current Ontario address, and any documents related to medical conditions if they explore. Processing is when ready, and you receive your new license on the spot.

A standard Ontario driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. If your license expires, you can still renew it, but you may face a late fee and may need to renew in person rather than by mail or online.

Moving to Ontario and exchanging an out-of-province or foreign license

If you move to Ontario from another Canadian province or territory, you must exchange your previous license for an Ontario license. You have up to one year from the date you become an Ontario resident to complete the exchange, though it is best to do it sooner.

To exchange a license from another Canadian province, you visit a ServiceOntario office in person with your current license, proof of your Ontario residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your identity. ServiceOntario will issue you an Ontario G license (or G2 if you held a G2 in your previous province) without requiring you to take another road test. The fee is lower than taking the full licensing process from the start.

If you move to Ontario from outside Canada, the process is different. You cannot straightforward exchange a foreign license. Instead, you must take the full Ontario licensing process: the written test for G1, then the G2 road test after 12 months, then the G road test after another 12 months. However, some countries have reciprocal agreements with Ontario that may allow you to skip the G1 stage or take the G2 test sooner. Check the ServiceOntario website or call 1-800-387-3445 to learn whether your country has such an agreement.

Documents you need and fees

The documents required depend on whether you are renewing, exchanging a license, or taking a test for the first time. For any transaction, you need proof of identity and proof of Ontario residency.

Proof of identity can be your current driver's license, a passport, a birth certificate, or a permanent resident card. ServiceOntario accepts a range of documents; the website lists all acceptable forms.

Proof of Ontario residency must be a recent document (usually issued within the last three months) that shows your name and current Ontario address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work. A bank statement or credit card statement is not accepted.

Renewal fees vary depending on the license class and whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. As of 2024, a standard five-year G license renewal costs approximately $90 to $110 when renewed online or by mail, and slightly more in person. Fees change periodically, so check the ServiceOntario website for the current amount before you renew.

If you are exchanging a license from another Canadian province, the fee is lower than a standard renewal, typically around $50 to $70. Taking a written or road test costs between $15 and $50 depending on the test type.

Medical conditions and driving restrictions

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as vision problems, epilepsy, diabetes, or a heart condition — ServiceOntario may place restrictions on your license or require you to undergo regular medical assessments.

When you renew your license, you are asked to declare any medical conditions. If you report a condition, ServiceOntario may ask you to provide a report from your doctor using a specific form. The doctor's report helps ServiceOntario decide whether to issue your license with no restrictions, with conditions (such as wearing corrective lenses or driving only during daylight), or to refuse to issue it.

If you develop a medical condition after your license is issued, you are legally required to report it to ServiceOntario. Driving with an undisclosed condition that affects your safety can result in fines and license suspension. You do not need to wait for your renewal to report a new condition — contact ServiceOntario when ready.

What happens if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement from ServiceOntario. You visit a ServiceOntario office in person with proof of identity and proof of Ontario residency. ServiceOntario will issue you a replacement license on the spot. The fee for a replacement is typically lower than a renewal fee.

If your license is stolen, you may also want to report the theft to local police, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report can help protect you if someone tries to use your license fraudulently.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can renew it early without penalty. If it is so damaged that it is unreadable, you request a replacement rather than a renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired Ontario license?

No. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Ontario and can result in a fine. If your license has expired, you must renew it before you drive. However, you can renew your license up to nine months before it expires, so plan ahead to avoid this situation.

How long does it take to get a new Ontario license after I pass the G2 or G road test?

If you pass your road test at a ServiceOntario office, your new license is issued on the spot. You receive it when ready. If you take your test at a private testing center, the center will provide you with a temporary license document, and your permanent license arrives by mail within 10 business days.

What if I move to a different address within Ontario?

You must update your address with ServiceOntario within a reasonable time. You can update your address online through the ServiceOntario website, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office. Updating your address does not require you to renew your license early unless you choose to do so.

Can I renew my license if I live outside Ontario?

If you are an Ontario resident who is temporarily living outside the province, you can renew your license by mail or online if you meet the conditions for those methods. If you have moved permanently to another province or country, you should exchange your Ontario license for a license in your new location and not renew your Ontario license.

What is the difference between a G2 and a G license?

A G2 license allows you to drive alone but not between midnight and 5 a.m., and you must display an "N" plate. A G license has no time restrictions and no plate requirement. You must hold a G2 for at least 12 months before you can take the G road test.