Ontario driver's license renewal costs $90 for a five-year license or $158 for an eight-year license as of 2024

The fee you pay depends on which validity period you choose. A five-year renewal is the standard option and costs less upfront. An eight-year renewal costs more but spreads the per-year expense lower and means you renew less often. Both are processed through ServiceOntario, either online, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office.

The $90 or $158 covers the license itself. If you need a replacement photo or are renewing after a suspension or medical review, additional fees may explore. You should confirm the exact total before you submit payment, since fees can change and may vary slightly depending on your renewal method.

Key Takeaways

  • A five-year Ontario driver's license renewal costs $90, and an eight-year renewal costs $158, as of 2024.
  • You can renew online through ServiceOntario's website, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office, and the fee is the same regardless of method.
  • If you need a new photo taken during renewal, you will pay an additional fee on top of the base renewal cost.
  • Renewal fees are set by the province and do not vary by region, but you should check ServiceOntario's website before renewing to confirm current pricing.

How to pay when you renew online

Online renewal through ServiceOntario's website is the fastest way to pay. You create an account, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, answer security questions, and review the renewal details. At checkout, you choose your validity period (five or eight years) and see the exact fee before you confirm.

ServiceOntario accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express for online payments. The payment is processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Your renewed license is mailed to the address on file within 10 to 15 business days. You do not need to visit an office or mail anything in unless you are renewing after a suspension or medical review.

Paying by mail or in person

If you renew by mail, you send your process form and payment to the ServiceOntario address listed on the form. You can pay by cheque, money order, or credit card (by including your card details on the form). Mail processing takes longer than online renewal — typically three to four weeks from the time ServiceOntario receives your envelope.

In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office lets you pay when ready and walk out with a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent one is mailed. You can pay by cash, debit, or credit card at the counter. Bring your current license, proof of address, and proof of identity. Wait times at ServiceOntario offices vary by location and time of day, so arriving early or booking an appointment online can save time.

When you pay extra fees during renewal

The base $90 or $158 renewal fee covers a license with your existing photo. If your photo is more than 10 years old or if you request a new photo, ServiceOntario charges an additional fee for the new photo. This fee is separate from the renewal cost and is added at checkout or at the counter.

If you are renewing after a license suspension, medical review, or if your license was cancelled, you may need to complete additional steps before you can renew. These steps sometimes involve fees — for example, a medical assessment or a vision test — but these are not part of the renewal fee itself. ServiceOntario will tell you what is required when you start the renewal process.

Confirming the current fee before you renew

Driver's license renewal fees are set by the Ontario government and can change. The $90 and $158 figures reflect 2024 pricing, but you should check ServiceOntario's official website before you renew to confirm the current cost. The website also shows which payment methods are accepted for each renewal method.

If you are unsure whether you need a five-year or eight-year renewal, or if you have questions about additional fees, you can contact ServiceOntario by phone or visit an office in person. Having your current license number and date of birth ready will speed up the conversation.

What happens after you pay

Once your payment is processed, your renewal is submitted to ServiceOntario's system. If you renewed online or in person, you will receive a confirmation email or receipt with a reference number. Keep this for your records.

Your new license is mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 10 to 15 business days after ServiceOntario processes your renewal. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary license valid for 30 days, which you can use to drive while you wait for the permanent one. If you renewed online or by mail and need to drive before your new license arrives, you can print a temporary license from your ServiceOntario account or contact ServiceOntario to request one by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I do not have a current address?

You must provide an address on your renewal process. If your address has changed, update it during renewal. If you do not have a permanent address, ServiceOntario can accept a care-of address (such as a friend's or family member's address) or a shelter address. Contact ServiceOntario directly to discuss your situation.

Do I get a refund if I change my mind about the eight-year renewal?

Once your payment is processed and your renewal is submitted, you cannot change the validity period or receive a refund. Choose carefully before you confirm payment. If you made a mistake, contact ServiceOntario as soon as possible to discuss your options.

What if my payment fails online?

If your credit card is declined or the payment does not go through, ServiceOntario will show an error message and your renewal will not be submitted. You can try again with the same card or a different payment method. Your information is not saved after a failed payment, so you will need to start the renewal process over.

Is the renewal fee the same if I renew early?

Yes, the renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until your license expires. You can renew up to 12 months before your expiration date. Renewing early does not change the cost, but it does mean your new license will have a later expiration date.