What you need to know about Ontario driver's licenses
An Ontario driver's license is issued by ServiceOntario, the provincial government agency that handles licenses and vehicle registration. You will need one to drive legally in Ontario, and the process differs depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or upgrading to a higher class. The entire process happens either online, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office — there is no single "process" that works for everyone.
Ontario uses a graduated licensing system with three levels: G1 (learner's permit), G2 (intermediate), and G (full license). If you are a new driver, you start at G1 and must hold each level for a set time before testing for the next. If you already hold a valid license from another province or country, you may be able to skip directly to a G2 or G license depending on your driving history and the agreements Ontario has with that jurisdiction.
Key Takeaways
- Ontario licenses are issued by ServiceOntario, and you can renew online if your license is not suspended and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.
- New drivers must pass a written test for G1, then hold G1 for at least one year before taking the G2 road test, then hold G2 for at least one year before taking the G road test.
- Licenses expire on your birthday and can be renewed up to one year before expiry, so you can start the process early to avoid driving with an expired license.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and a valid signature to renew; the exact documents accepted vary by renewal method.
- If you are moving to Ontario from another province or country, you have a limited window to exchange your license before you must take Ontario's tests.
Getting your first Ontario driver's license as a new driver
If you have never held a driver's license anywhere, you start with the G1 learner's permit. You must visit a ServiceOntario office in person with proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Insurance Number. You will pay a fee — the amount varies and is set by ServiceOntario — and take a written test on road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. The test is offered in multiple languages.
Once you pass the G1 test, you receive a learner's permit that is valid for five years. While holding G1, you must drive with a fully licensed driver who is at least 20 years old sitting beside you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive on 400-series highways or at night (between midnight and 5 a.m.) without supervision. You must hold G1 for at least one year before you can take the G2 road test.
The G2 road test is a practical driving test conducted by a ServiceOntario examiner. You book the test through ServiceOntario, bring your G1 license and proof of identity, and demonstrate your ability to drive safely in real traffic. If you pass, you receive a G2 license valid for five years. As a G2 driver, you can drive alone but still have restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., you cannot drive on 400-series highways, and you must display an "N" plate on your vehicle.
After holding G2 for at least one year, you can take the G road test. This test is similar to the G2 test but may include more complex driving scenarios. Once you pass, you receive a full G license with no restrictions. Your G license is valid for five years from the date it is issued.
Renewing your Ontario driver's license online or by mail
If your license is not suspended, you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal, and you are renewing a G2 or G license (not upgrading from G1 to G2), you can renew online through the ServiceOntario website. You will need your license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.
If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail. ServiceOntario will send you a renewal package in the mail before your license expires; you fill out the form, include the required documents, and mail it back with payment. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to four weeks — so send it well before your expiry date.
You can also renew in person at any ServiceOntario office. Bring your current license, proof of residency if your address has changed, and payment. In-person renewal is when ready: you receive your new license the same day if you are renewing a G or G2 license. If you are upgrading from G1 to G2 or G2 to G, you must take the road test in person, and you cannot renew online or by mail.
Exchanging a license from another province or country
If you hold a valid driver's license from another Canadian province or a country with which Ontario has a reciprocal agreement, you may be able to exchange it for an Ontario license without taking the written test. However, you must do this within a specific timeframe — usually within 60 days of becoming an Ontario resident. After that window closes, you will be treated as a new driver and must take the G1 written test.
To exchange a license, visit a ServiceOntario office with your current license, proof of Ontario residency, proof of identity, and your Social Insurance Number. ServiceOntario will verify your driving record with the issuing jurisdiction. If your record is clear, you will receive an Ontario G license. If your record shows suspensions or serious violations, Ontario may issue you a G2 license instead, or may require you to take a test.
If your license is from a country without a reciprocal agreement with Ontario, you cannot exchange it. You must take Ontario's full graduated licensing process: G1 written test, then G2 road test after one year, then G road test after another year.
What documents you need for each type of renewal
| Renewal Type | Documents Needed | Where to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Online renewal (G or G2 only) | License number, date of birth, payment method | ServiceOntario website |
| Mail renewal | Completed form, current license, proof of residency if address changed, payment | Mail to ServiceOntario |
| In-person renewal (G or G2) | Current license, proof of residency if address changed, payment | ServiceOntario office |
| G1 written test (new driver) | Proof of identity, proof of residency, Social Insurance Number, payment | ServiceOntario office |
| G2 or G road test | Current license, proof of identity, payment, vehicle for test | ServiceOntario office |
| License exchange (from another province or country) | Current license, proof of Ontario residency, proof of identity, Social Insurance Number | ServiceOntario office |
Proof of identity and residency documents ServiceOntario accepts
ServiceOntario has a specific list of documents it accepts as proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, you can use a birth certificate, passport, citizenship certificate, or permanent resident card. For residency, you can use a utility bill, lease agreement, property tax assessment, or mortgage statement — the document must show your name and current Ontario address, and it must be dated within the last three months.
If you do not have any of these documents, you can bring a combination of secondary documents, such as a student ID, library card, or bank statement. ServiceOntario staff can tell you whether your specific documents will work before you complete your renewal, so call ahead if you are unsure.
What happens if your license expires or is suspended
If your license expires, you cannot drive legally in Ontario. You can renew it at any time after expiry, but you will pay a late fee in addition to the renewal fee. If your license has been expired for more than three years, you may need to retake the written test or road test depending on your license class.
If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. Suspensions happen for reasons such as unpaid fines, unpaid child support, or driving-related convictions. You must resolve the underlying issue with the body that issued the suspension — usually the Ministry of the Attorney General or the Ministry of Transportation — before ServiceOntario can process a renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning to travel or want to avoid the rush near your expiry date. Online and mail renewals take time, so starting early prevents you from driving with an expired license.
How long does it take to get a new license after I pass the G1 test?
If you take the G1 test in person at a ServiceOntario office, you receive your G1 license the same day. The license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You must then hold G1 for at least one year before you can book your G2 road test.
What if I fail the G2 or G road test?
You can retake the test, but you must wait at least two weeks before booking another appointment. You can take the test as many times as you need, and each attempt costs the same fee. Your license class does not change if you fail; you remain at your current level until you pass the next test.
Do I need to take an Ontario test if I move here from another country?
It depends on your country of origin and whether Ontario has a reciprocal agreement with it. If you do, you may exchange your license without a test within 60 days of becoming a resident. If you do not, or if you miss the 60-day window, you must take Ontario's full graduated licensing process starting with the G1 written test.
What is the cost of getting or renewing an Ontario driver's license?
Fees vary depending on the type of transaction and the length of the license validity period. ServiceOntario sets these fees, and they change periodically. You can find current fees on the ServiceOntario website or by calling a ServiceOntario office directly before you visit or renew.