What you need to do to renew your Ontario driver's license
You can renew your Ontario driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have before it expires, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and costs less than the other routes.
Your license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. ServiceOntario sends renewal notices by mail about four months before expiry, but you do not have to wait for the notice — you can renew any time in the final year. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but not online.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes 10 minutes, costs $49.50, and works only if your current license is still valid and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal costs $50 and takes two to three weeks; you send in your current license and a completed form, and ServiceOntario mails back your new one.
- In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office takes about 30 minutes, costs $50, and is the only option if your license has expired or you need a new photo.
- You will need proof of identity and residence for any renewal method, though the exact documents vary slightly between online, mail, and in-person.
- If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail; in-person renewal lets you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day.
Online renewal: fastest and cheapest
Online renewal through ServiceOntario's website is the quickest route if your license is still valid. You log in with your Ontario driver's license number and date of birth, confirm your personal information, choose whether you want to update your photo (you cannot during online renewal), and pay $49.50 by debit or credit card. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.
Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal does not work if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, or if you have changed your name since your last license was issued.
Mail renewal: no appointment needed
Mail renewal works whether your license is still valid or has expired. You complete form DL 44 (available on the ServiceOntario website or by calling 1-800-387-3445), include your current license, and mail both to the address listed on the form. The cost is $50. ServiceOntario processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, which usually takes two to three weeks.
You will need to include proof of your current address — a recent utility bill, mortgage statement, or lease agreement works. If you have changed your name since your last license, you also need to include a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Mail renewal does not include a new photo, so your new license will use the photo from your current or most recent license.
In-person renewal: same-day temporary license
Visiting a ServiceOntario office is the only option if your license has expired or if you want a new photo. You book an appointment online through the ServiceOntario website or call 1-800-387-3445. The appointment usually takes 30 minutes. The cost is $50.
Bring your current license, proof of identity (your license counts), and proof of your current address. If you want a new photo, the office takes one during your appointment. You walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new plastic license is printed and mailed to you, which takes about two weeks.
Documents you need for each method
| Renewal Method | Current License Required | Proof of Address Required | New Photo Available | Cost | Time to Receive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | No (but must be valid) | No | No | $49.50 | 2 weeks by mail |
| Yes | Yes | No | $50 | 2–3 weeks | |
| In-person | Yes | Yes | Yes | $50 | 2 weeks (temp license same day) |
Proof of address can be a utility bill, property tax assessment, mortgage statement, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 90 days. If you have changed your name, bring the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
What happens if your license has expired
You cannot drive legally on an expired license, and you cannot renew online. You can renew by mail or in person. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks, so you will be without a valid license during that time. In-person renewal is faster because you receive a temporary paper license on the same day that is valid for 30 days.
If you have been driving on an expired license, you may be stopped by police. The penalty varies, but you can face a fine of up to $500 and demerit points. Renewing as soon as possible stops the clock on that risk.
Renewing if you have changed your name
If you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name since your last license was issued, you need to tell ServiceOntario during renewal. For online renewal, you cannot proceed if your name has changed — you must renew by mail or in person instead. For mail or in-person renewal, bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Your new license will show your current legal name. If you have changed your name but do not update it on your license, your license will not match other forms of ID, which can cause problems at airports, banks, and during traffic stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before the renewal notice arrives?
Yes. You can renew any time during the final year before your license expires. You do not have to wait for ServiceOntario to send you a renewal notice. Online renewal is available as soon as you are within 12 months of expiry.
What if I lose my license before it expires?
You need to replace it, not renew it. A replacement costs $35 and takes about two weeks by mail or can be done in person at a ServiceOntario office. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it normally when it is due to expire.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
No. A new photo is optional. If you do not get a new photo during renewal, your new license will use the photo from your current license. You can only get a new photo if you renew in person at a ServiceOntario office.
What if I am out of province when my license expires?
You can renew by mail from anywhere. Mail your completed form DL 44 and your current license to the address on the form. You can also renew online if your license is still valid. If your license has already expired, you will need to renew in person at a ServiceOntario office once you return to Ontario.
How long is my new license valid?
Your new Ontario driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. The expiry date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew any time during the final year before it expires.