How to Renew Your Ontario Driver's License

Renewing your Ontario driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Ontario driver's license through ServiceOntario without visiting an office if your licence is not suspended, you have no medical conditions on your record, and you are renewing before it expires. The online renewal takes about 20 minutes and costs $90 for a five-year licence or $158 for an eight-year licence. If you cannot renew online — because your licence is expired by more than three years, you have medical restrictions, or your name has changed — you must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office or by mail.

The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether you need your new licence quickly. Online renewal is fastest: you receive your temporary digital licence when ready and your physical card arrives by mail in 10 to 15 business days. In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office takes about 30 minutes and you walk out with a temporary paper licence the same day. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the ServiceOntario website works only if your current licence is valid, you have no medical conditions flagged, and your name matches your government ID.
You will need your driver's licence number, Ontario health card number, and a valid payment method (Visa, Mastercard, or debit card) to renew online.
If you renew online, you receive a temporary digital licence on screen when ready and your physical card arrives in the mail within 10 to 15 business days.
In-person renewal at any ServiceOntario office takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary paper licence to use until your card arrives.
Mail renewal requires you to complete a form, include copies of documents, and mail everything to the address on the form — this method takes the longest but works if you cannot visit an office.

Online renewal through the ServiceOntario website

To renew online, go to the ServiceOntario website and select "Renew a driver's licence" under the Drivers and Vehicles section. You will need your current Ontario driver's licence number, your Ontario health card number, and a valid payment method. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information, your address, and whether any of your medical conditions have changed. If everything matches the records ServiceOntario holds, you can pay and finish in one session.

After you pay, you will see a temporary digital licence on screen that you can screenshot or save. This temporary licence is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your physical card arrives. You do not need to print anything. Your new physical licence card will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 10 to 15 business days. If your address has changed, update it before you pay so the card goes to the right place.

Online renewal is not available if your current licence expired more than three years ago, if you have medical conditions or restrictions on your record, if your name has changed since your licence was issued, or if you are renewing a commercial or motorcycle licence. In any of those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office

ServiceOntario offices are located in most communities across Ontario. You can find the nearest office and book an appointment on the ServiceOntario website, or you can walk in without an appointment — wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring your current driver's licence, your Ontario health card, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months). If your name has changed, bring a legal document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

The renewal process at the office takes about 30 minutes. A ServiceOntario agent will verify your information, ask whether your medical conditions have changed, take a new photo if required, and process your payment. You will receive a temporary paper licence on the spot that is valid for driving. Your physical card will be mailed to you within 10 to 15 business days. The cost is the same as online renewal: $90 for five years or $158 for eight years.

In-person renewal is required if your licence has been expired for more than three years, if you have medical conditions on your record, if your name has changed, or if you are renewing a commercial or motorcycle licence. It is also the fastest way to get a temporary licence if you need to drive before your new card arrives.

Mail renewal for Ontario driver's licences

To renew by mail, read the Driver Licence Renewal form (DL 44) from the ServiceOntario website or request one by phone at 1-800-387-3445. Complete the form, sign it, and include a copy of your current driver's licence (both sides), a copy of your Ontario health card (both sides), and proof of your current address. Mail the completed form and documents to the address printed on the form. Do not send your original licence or health card — send copies only.

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the date ServiceOntario receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary licence, so you cannot drive legally during this time unless your current licence is still valid. Mail renewal costs the same as other methods: $90 for five years or $158 for eight years. You can pay by cheque or money order made out to the Minister of Finance, or you can include your credit card or debit card information on the form.

Mail renewal is useful if you cannot visit an office and your licence is still valid, or if you prefer not to renew online. It is also the only option if you are outside Ontario and your licence has expired. Keep a copy of everything you mail and note the date you send it, so you can follow up if you do not receive your new licence within eight weeks.

What happens if your licence has expired

If your Ontario driver's licence expired fewer than three years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If it expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new licence. explore for a new licence requires an in-person visit to a ServiceOntario office, a vision test, a written knowledge test, and a road test. The process is longer and more expensive than renewal.

If your licence expired while you were outside Ontario or while you were unable to renew for medical reasons, you may be able to request an extension. Contact ServiceOntario by phone at 1-800-387-3445 to ask whether an extension is available in your situation.

Changing your address or medical information during renewal

If you are renewing online, you can update your address before you pay. The system will ask you to confirm your current address and give you the option to change it. Your new licence will be mailed to the updated address. If you are renewing in person, tell the ServiceOntario agent about any address change and they will update your record before processing your payment.

If your medical conditions have changed — for example, if you now wear glasses or have developed a condition that affects your driving — you must tell ServiceOntario during renewal. Online renewal will ask you directly. If you are renewing in person, mention any changes to the agent. If your medical situation has changed significantly, the agent may refer you to a medical review, which could delay your renewal or result in restrictions on your licence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a temporary digital licence while I wait for my physical card?

Yes. If you renew online, your temporary digital licence is valid for driving when ready. You can screenshot it or save it to your phone. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper licence on the spot. Both are valid until your physical card arrives. If you renew by mail, you do not receive a temporary licence, so you cannot drive legally during the renewal period unless your current licence is still valid.

What if my name has changed since my licence was issued?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office and bring a legal document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The agent will update your name in the system and issue your new licence with the correct name.

How long does it take to receive my new licence card in the mail?

ServiceOntario states 10 to 15 business days for online and in-person renewals, and four to six weeks for mail renewal. If you do not receive your card within eight weeks, contact ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 to check the status.

Can I renew my licence if it is suspended?

No. You cannot renew a suspended licence. You must first resolve the suspension with the Ministry of Transportation or the court that issued it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew through any of the three methods.

What if I lost my driver's licence number?

If you are renewing online, you need your licence number to start the process. If you do not have it, renew in person or by mail instead. If you are renewing in person, bring your current health card and proof of address and the agent will look up your licence number. If you are renewing by mail, call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 and they can provide your licence number before you complete the form.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.