What you pay for a standard Ontario driver's license renewal

A standard five-year driver's license renewal in Ontario costs $90 as of 2024. This is the fee you pay to ServiceOntario when you renew in person, by mail, or online. The fee covers the new license card itself and the processing of your renewal process.

If you renew online through the ServiceOntario website, you pay the same $90 fee. If you renew by mail, you send a cheque or money order for $90 along with your process form and supporting documents. If you renew in person at a ServiceOntario office, you pay $90 at the counter — cash, debit, or credit card are all accepted.

The $90 fee applies whether you renew early (up to nine months before expiry) or on time. There is no discount for renewing early, and there is no additional fee for renewing late, as long as your license has not been expired for more than two years.

Key Takeaways

  • A five-year Ontario driver's license renewal costs $90, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
  • Online renewal through ServiceOntario's website is the fastest option and requires no mailing time, though the fee remains $90.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must explore for a new license in person, which costs more.
  • ServiceOntario accepts cash, debit, and credit card at in-person locations; cheque or money order by mail; and credit or debit card online.

When the renewal fee is higher

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot use the standard renewal process. Instead, you must explore for a new license in person at a ServiceOntario office. A new license costs $158.50 for a five-year license, which is significantly more than the $90 renewal fee.

You will also pay more if you need a different license class — for example, if you currently hold a Class G license but want to upgrade to a Class G2 or obtain a commercial license. These changes require a new process rather than a straightforward renewal, and the fees vary depending on the class and the number of years you choose.

If you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license before your renewal date, that replacement costs $30. This is separate from any future renewal fee you will owe when your license expires.

Online renewal versus in-person and mail renewal

Online renewal through the ServiceOntario website is the least expensive option in terms of time and effort, though the fee is the same $90. You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not had any suspensions or medical conditions flagged on your file. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

Renewing by mail takes longer — typically four to six weeks from the time ServiceOntario receives your process — but costs the same $90. You must include a cheque or money order, a completed renewal form, and proof of your current address. ServiceOntario will mail your new license to the address you provide.

Renewing in person at a ServiceOntario office is the fastest option if you need your license quickly. You can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within two to three weeks. The fee is still $90, and you can pay by cash, debit, or credit card.

What happens if you renew early

You can renew your Ontario driver's license up to nine months before it expires. The $90 fee applies whether you renew early or on time. Your new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

Many people renew early to avoid the risk of driving on an expired license or to may support they have a valid license before a long trip. There is no penalty for renewing early, and you do not lose any validity time on your old license — the new five-year period straightforward begins when you renew.

Proof of address and other documents you need

When you renew, you must provide proof of your current address. ServiceOntario accepts documents such as a utility bill, mortgage statement, lease agreement, or property tax assessment. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last three months.

You will also need your current driver's license or a copy of it. If you are renewing online, you will need to enter your license number and date of birth to verify your identity. If you are renewing by mail or in person, you can bring your license with you or provide a photocopy.

If your name has changed since your license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — you must provide a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. This applies to all renewal methods.

Medical conditions and suspensions that block online renewal

If ServiceOntario has flagged a medical condition on your file, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office so that staff can assess whether the condition affects your ability to drive safely. The $90 fee still applies, but the process takes longer because you may need to provide medical documentation or undergo a vision test.

If your license has been suspended — for unpaid fines, criminal conviction, or other reasons — you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. You must contact ServiceOntario or the Ministry of Transportation to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew normally.

Payment methods and where your money goes

ServiceOntario accepts multiple payment methods depending on how you renew. Online, you can pay by credit card or debit card. In person, you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. By mail, you must send a cheque or money order — do not send cash through the mail.

The $90 fee goes to the Ontario government to cover the cost of producing the license card, processing your process, and maintaining the driver's license system. There are no additional hidden fees or surcharges. If you pay by cheque and the cheque bounces, ServiceOntario will contact you to collect the fee by another method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?

No, you cannot use the standard renewal process. You must explore for a new license in person at a ServiceOntario office, which costs $158.50 instead of $90. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and proof of identity.

Do I have to pay the $90 fee if I renew early?

Yes, the fee is the same whether you renew early or on time. You can renew up to nine months before your license expires, and the $90 charge applies in all cases.

What if I lose my license before it expires — do I have to pay to replace it?

Yes, a replacement license costs $30. This is separate from the $90 renewal fee you will owe when your license expires. You can replace a lost license at any ServiceOntario office in person.

Is online renewal cheaper than renewing in person or by mail?

No, the fee is $90 regardless of method. Online renewal is faster and more convenient, but it costs the same as in-person or mail renewal. You can only renew online if your license is not expired and you have no medical flags or suspensions on your file.

What if I need a different license class — does that cost more?

Yes, changing your license class requires a new process rather than a renewal, and the fee depends on the class and term you choose. Contact ServiceOntario or check the Ministry of Transportation website for the specific cost of the class you want.