Report the theft to ServiceOntario and local police when ready

A stolen Ontario driver's license needs to be reported to two places at once: ServiceOntario (the provincial body that issues licenses) and your local police service. ServiceOntario can flag your license as stolen in their system, which prevents someone else from using it to rent a car, open accounts, or cross borders. The police report creates an official record and gives you documentation to show banks, employers, or other organizations if your identity is misused later.

Call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 or visit a ServiceOntario office in person to report the theft. Have your license number ready if you have it, or your date of birth and address. For the police report, contact your local police non-emergency line (not 911 unless the theft happened during a crime). Some police services let you file online; others require you to visit in person. Keep both the ServiceOntario confirmation number and the police report number for your records.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your stolen license to ServiceOntario by phone or in person, and file a police report with your local service on the same day.
  • You can drive legally while waiting for a replacement if you have your old license number or can prove you held one, but carry the police report as proof of the theft.
  • A replacement license costs the standard renewal fee (currently around $90 for a five-year license, though this varies) and takes about two weeks by mail.
  • Monitor your credit report and watch for fraudulent accounts opened in your name, since a driver's license is a primary identity document.
  • If your license was stolen along with other documents like your SIN or passport, report those separately to the relevant agencies.

How to get a replacement license while you wait

You do not have to wait for a new license to arrive before you drive. Ontario law allows you to drive if you can show you hold or held a valid license, even if the physical card is gone. If you are stopped by police, show them the police report of the theft and explain the situation. Most officers will accept this, though it is not a may provide.

To get a replacement, visit a ServiceOntario office or explore by mail. In person is faster — you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive the plastic card by mail within two weeks. By mail, the process takes longer but you can do it from home. Bring photo ID (passport, birth certificate, or another government-issued document), proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment. The replacement fee is the same as a renewal fee, not a penalty.

What happens if someone uses your stolen license

If your license is used fraudulently — to rent a vehicle, get a loan, or commit a crime — the police report you filed protects you by creating a record that the license was stolen before the fraud occurred. This is your main defense against liability. When you discover fraudulent use, contact the police again with details of what happened and ask them to add it to your original report.

For financial fraud (loans, credit cards, rental agreements), also contact the creditor or rental company directly. Explain that your license was stolen and provide your police report number. Most legitimate businesses have fraud departments trained to handle this. You may also want to place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting Equifax Canada or TransUnion Canada; this makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

Stolen license and crossing the border

A stolen Ontario driver's license cannot be used to cross the Canada-US border, even if someone has it. US Customs and Border Protection checks licenses against Canadian databases in real time. When ServiceOntario flags your license as stolen, it appears as invalid in those systems. If you need to cross the border before your replacement arrives, bring your passport or another valid travel document instead.

If you discover your license was used to cross the border fraudulently, report this to the RCMP or your local police service and to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The CBSA can investigate and flag the fraudulent crossing in your travel history.

Protecting yourself from identity theft after the theft

A driver's license is a primary identity document, so a theft puts you at higher risk for identity fraud. Check your credit report within a few weeks of reporting the theft. You can order a free credit report from Equifax Canada or TransUnion Canada online or by phone. Look for accounts you did not open, inquiries from lenders you did not contact, or changes to your address.

If you find fraudulent accounts, contact the creditor when ready and provide your police report number. Ask them to close the account and remove the fraudulent charges. You can also file a dispute with the credit bureau. Keep copies of all correspondence. If the fraud is extensive, consider consulting a lawyer or contacting the Ontario Attorney General's office for guidance.

What to do if your license was stolen with other documents

If your driver's license, Social Insurance Number (SIN), passport, or birth certificate were all stolen together — for example, from a wallet or bag — report each one separately to the relevant agency. A thief with multiple identity documents can do more damage than with a license alone.

Report your SIN stolen to Service Canada by calling 1-866-864-9735. Report your passport stolen to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) by calling 1-866-255-7655 or visiting a passport office. Report your birth certificate stolen to the Vital Statistics office in the province where you were born. Each agency will flag the document as stolen and can issue a replacement. The more documents you report quickly, the harder it is for a thief to use them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my license while waiting for the replacement?

Yes. Ontario law allows you to drive if you hold or held a valid license. Carry the police report of the theft as proof. If stopped, show it to the officer. While this is generally accepted, it is not a legal may provide, so keep the report with you whenever you drive.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The replacement fee is the same as a renewal fee. As of now, a five-year license costs around $90, but this amount can change. Contact ServiceOntario or check their website for the current fee before you visit.

What if I find my license after I report it stolen?

Contact ServiceOntario and let them know it has been recovered. They can remove the stolen flag from their system. You can continue to use the original license. If you have already received a replacement, you can destroy the replacement or keep it as a backup.

Do I need to notify my insurance company about the theft?

It is a good idea to notify your auto insurance company, especially if your license was stolen along with other documents or if you are concerned about identity fraud. They may have specific steps they want you to take and can flag your policy for unusual claims.

What if someone was caught driving with my stolen license?

The police report you filed proves the license was stolen before the driving incident. You are not liable for their actions. However, you may need to provide the police report to the court or to your insurance company if there are questions. Keep your documentation organized and contact the police service that handled the original theft if you are contacted about the fraudulent driving.