Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Ontario driver's licence online, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're renewing a standard licence and your vision and medical status haven't changed. By mail takes about two weeks. In-person renewal at ServiceOntario is useful if you need to update your photo, address, or medical information, or if you prefer to hand over your documents directly.

Before you start, gather your current licence, proof of Ontario residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and proof of identity if you're renewing by mail or in person. If you're renewing online, you'll need your licence number and access to a valid payment method.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your vision and medical status haven't changed.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current licence and supporting documents to ServiceOntario, and takes roughly two weeks from the date they receive your package.
  • In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office lets you update your photo and address on the spot, and you walk out with your new licence the same day.
  • Your licence is valid for five years from the date of renewal, and you can renew up to nine months before it expires.

Renewing online through ServiceOntario

Visit the ServiceOntario website and select "Renew a driver's licence" from the online services menu. You'll enter your licence number, date of birth, and postal code to confirm your identity. The system will ask whether your vision has been tested in the last two years and whether your medical status has changed. If you answer no to both, you can proceed to payment.

The fee for online renewal is $48 for a five-year licence. Once you pay, ServiceOntario will mail your new licence to the address on file. You should receive it within 10 business days. Your current licence remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive.

Online renewal is not available if you need to update your photo, change your address, add or remove medical conditions, or if your vision has changed. In those cases, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

Request a renewal package by calling ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 or visiting a ServiceOntario office in person. You can also read the renewal form from the ServiceOntario website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current licence, proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate), and proof of Ontario residency.

Mail your package to the ServiceOntario address listed on the form. Do not use a personal mailbox or courier service — use Canada Post. Include a cheque or money order for the renewal fee ($48 for a five-year licence) made payable to the Minister of Finance. ServiceOntario will process your process once they receive it, which typically takes two weeks.

Keep a copy of everything you send, and consider using tracked mail so you know when it arrives. Your current licence remains valid while your process is being processed.

Renewing in person at ServiceOntario

Find your nearest ServiceOntario office on the ServiceOntario website and book an appointment or check walk-in hours. Bring your current licence, proof of identity, and proof of Ontario residency. If you're updating your photo, bring a recent colour photo (35 mm × 45 mm) or let ServiceOntario take one for you on the spot.

The staff member will review your documents, confirm your information, and take your payment ($57 for a five-year licence in person). If you're renewing your photo at the same time, the fee is $60. You'll receive your new licence when ready or within a few days, depending on the office's processing time.

In-person renewal is the best choice if you're changing your address, updating medical information, or if your vision has changed and you need to provide a new eye test report from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

When your vision or medical status has changed

If your eyesight has changed or you have a new medical condition that affects your driving, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person or by mail. If you're renewing in person, bring a letter from your eye care professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist) confirming your current vision, or a report from your doctor about your medical condition.

ServiceOntario may ask you to complete a medical form or vision test before approving your renewal. This process takes longer than a standard renewal, so plan for extra time if you're visiting an office in person.

Timeline and when to renew

Your Ontario driver's licence is valid for five years from the date of renewal. You can renew up to nine months before your licence expires. If you renew early, your new licence will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from the date your old licence expired.

Check your licence to find your expiry date. If you let your licence expire, you cannot drive legally. You can still renew it after expiry, but you may need to provide additional documents or take a vision test. It's easier to renew before the expiry date.

What happens after you renew

Once ServiceOntario processes your renewal, your new licence will be mailed to the address on file. If you've moved and haven't updated your address yet, your licence may be mailed to your old address. You can update your address online through ServiceOntario before you renew, or provide your new address when you renew in person or by mail.

If your new licence doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, contact ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445. Keep your current licence until the new one arrives — it remains valid for driving until the expiry date printed on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my licence if it's already expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired licence. However, you may need to provide additional documents or take a vision test. Contact ServiceOntario or visit an office in person to find out what's required for your situation.

What if I've moved and my address is wrong on my licence?

You can update your address online through ServiceOntario before you renew, or provide your new address during the renewal process. If you're renewing by mail or in person, include your new address on the form or tell the staff member.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, a new photo is optional. Your current photo will be transferred to your new licence unless you request a new one. If you want a new photo, you can provide one when you renew in person, or ServiceOntario can take one for you at the office.

How much does it cost to renew?

Online renewal costs $48. Mail renewal costs $48. In-person renewal costs $57, or $60 if you're also getting a new photo taken at the office.

What if I lose my licence before the new one arrives?

Contact ServiceOntario when ready at 1-800-387-3445. They can issue a temporary licence or a replacement while your renewal is being processed. You'll need to provide proof of identity and residency.