Where to renew and what you need before you start

You renew your Ontario driver's license through ServiceOntario, which operates in-person at about 180 locations across the province. You cannot renew online or by mail — you must appear in person with original documents. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

Before you go, gather your current driver's license, a proof of Ontario residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and your Social Insurance Number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you wear corrective lenses, you must bring your glasses or contacts; ServiceOntario staff will verify you can read the eye chart with them on.

Your license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to 90 days before the expiry date, so plan ahead rather than waiting until the last day. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at ServiceOntario, but you cannot legally drive until the new one arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • You must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office with your current license, proof of residency, and Social Insurance Number.
  • The renewal takes about 15 minutes and costs $90 for a five-year license or $158 for an eight-year license.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
  • You can renew up to 90 days before your birthday, so you do not have to wait until expiry.
  • If your name has changed or you wear corrective lenses, bring the supporting documents or glasses to your appointment.

Finding a ServiceOntario location and booking your visit

ServiceOntario has locations in most towns and cities. Use the ServiceOntario location finder on the Ontario government website to search by postal code or city name. The tool shows hours, which vary by location — some are open evenings and Saturdays, while others operate standard business hours only. Check before you go, because some locations close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days.

You do not need to book an appointment for a driver's license renewal. Walk-in service is available at all locations. However, wait times vary widely. If you go during mid-morning on a weekday, you will usually wait 10 to 20 minutes. If you go on a Friday afternoon or Saturday, expect 45 minutes to an hour. Some locations post current wait times online, so check before you leave home if that information is available for your nearest office.

What happens during your renewal appointment

When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine and wait to be called. The staff member will ask you to confirm your personal information and check that your documents are in order. They will ask whether your address has changed and whether you have any medical conditions that affect your driving. Answer honestly — if you have had a seizure, stroke, or other condition that could impair driving, you must report it, and ServiceOntario may refer you to a medical review.

You will sit for a new photo. Wear something you would normally wear; the photo will be on your license for five or eight years. You will read letters on an eye chart to confirm your vision meets the legal standard. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during this test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot renew that day and will be referred to an optometrist or eye doctor for assessment.

Once the photo and vision check are complete, you will pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This paper license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your plastic card. Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within two to three weeks. If you move before it arrives, contact ServiceOntario to update your address.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A five-year renewal costs $90. An eight-year renewal costs $158. These are the standard fees as of 2024, though fees can change. ServiceOntario accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at all locations. Some locations may accept other payment methods, so ask if you do not have cash or a card with you.

If you are over 80 years old, you renew every two years instead of five or eight, and the fee is lower. Ask the staff member about the senior rate when you arrive. If you have a medical condition that requires more frequent renewal, your license may be issued for a shorter period, and you will be told the new expiry date when you renew.

What to do if your documents are not in order

If you arrive without proof of residency, ServiceOntario staff will turn you away. You cannot renew without it. Go home, gather a utility bill or other acceptable document dated within the last 90 days, and return. The same applies if you forget your Social Insurance Number — you will need to provide it or come back with it written down.

If your name has changed and you do not have the legal document proving it, you cannot renew. ServiceOntario will not accept a verbal explanation. Get a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order from the issuing body — usually the municipality where the event occurred or the court that issued the order — and return with it. This can take several days or weeks, so plan ahead if you know your name has changed.

If you fail the vision test, you will be given a referral form to take to an optometrist or ophthalmologist. You must have an eye exam, and the eye care professional will send the results back to ServiceOntario. Once they receive the results, you can return to renew your license. This process usually takes one to two weeks.

After your renewal: tracking your new license and updating your address

Your new plastic license is mailed to the address on file at ServiceOntario. Standard mail delivery takes two to three weeks. If you have not received it after four weeks, contact ServiceOntario to check the status. You can call the ServiceOntario customer service line or visit a location in person.

If you move after you renew, update your address with ServiceOntario as soon as possible. You can do this online through the Ontario government website, by phone, or in person at a ServiceOntario location. Updating your address ensures your new license is mailed to the correct place and that your driving record stays current. If your license arrives at your old address, the new resident may forward it to you, but it is safer to update your address first.

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Once your plastic card arrives, the paper license is no longer needed — destroy it or keep it as a record. You must carry your plastic license when you drive; the paper license alone is not sufficient after 30 days.

Renewing if you have a medical condition or restriction

If your current license has a medical restriction — such as "corrective lenses must be worn" or "automatic transmission only" — that restriction carries forward to your new license unless you have had it removed. If you want to remove a restriction, you must have a medical assessment done by an eye doctor, driving rehabilitation specialist, or other may have access to professional before you renew. Bring the assessment results to your renewal appointment, and ServiceOntario will update your license accordingly.

If you have developed a new medical condition since your last renewal, you must report it to ServiceOntario during your renewal. Conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes managed with insulin, sleep apnea, or heart conditions may trigger a medical review. ServiceOntario will give you a form to take to your doctor, who will assess whether the condition affects your ability to drive safely. This process can delay your renewal by several weeks, so be prepared to wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes. You can renew an expired license at any ServiceOntario location. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you are stopped by police while driving with an expired license, you can be fined. Bring the same documents you would bring for a regular renewal.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

Report the loss to ServiceOntario and request a replacement. You will pay a replacement fee (usually around $20) in addition to the renewal fee. Bring the same documents as you would for a regular renewal. You will receive a temporary paper license and a new plastic card by mail.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. After 30 days, you must have your plastic license to drive legally. If your plastic license has not arrived after 30 days, contact ServiceOntario when ready to check the status and request a replacement.

Do I need to take a written test or road test to renew?

No. Renewal does not require a written test or road test. You only need to pass the vision test and provide your documents. A full road test is only required if you are obtaining a license for the first time or if you are upgrading to a higher class of license.

Can someone else renew my license for me?

No. You must appear in person at ServiceOntario to renew your license. The staff member must take a new photo and verify your vision. No one can do this on your behalf. If you have mobility issues or other barriers to visiting in person, contact ServiceOntario to discuss your situation — they may be able to direct you to resources or accommodations.