Where to renew and what you need to bring
You can renew your Ontario driver's licence at a ServiceOntario office, online through the ServiceOntario website, or by mail. The fastest route is online if your licence is not suspended and you have not had any major changes to your medical status or address since your last renewal. You will need your current licence number and a valid payment method.
If you renew in person at a ServiceOntario office, bring your current licence, proof of your current address (a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months), and your payment method. You do not need to bring your birth certificate or passport unless your name has changed since your licence was issued. ServiceOntario locations are found across Ontario — you can search for the one nearest you on the ServiceOntario website and book an appointment online to avoid waiting.
Mail-in renewal is available only if your licence is not expiring within the next 30 days and you meet other conditions set by ServiceOntario. You will receive a renewal package in the mail before your expiry date; follow the instructions inside to return it with your payment. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person or online renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your licence is valid and you have had no major medical or address changes since your last renewal.
- In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office requires your current licence, proof of your current address, and payment, and you can book an appointment to skip the line.
- Your renewal fee depends on how long you want your new licence to be valid — you can choose a one-year, two-year, three-year, or five-year licence.
- If your licence is suspended or you have had a medical change, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test or provide a medical form.
Renewal fees and how long your new licence lasts
The cost of renewal depends on how long you want your new licence to be valid. You can choose to renew for one year, two years, three years, or five years. A longer renewal period costs more upfront but means you will not need to renew again for several years. ServiceOntario's website shows the current fee for each renewal period.
Payment methods vary by renewal route. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. In-person renewal at ServiceOntario accepts debit, credit, and cash. Mail-in renewal requires a cheque or money order made payable to the Minister of Finance.
When you must renew in person instead of online
You cannot renew online if your licence is suspended, cancelled, or expired for more than three years. You also cannot renew online if you have had a change to your medical status — for example, if you have been diagnosed with a condition that affects your ability to drive, or if you take medication that may impair driving. In these cases, you must visit a ServiceOntario office in person.
If your name has changed since your licence was issued, you can still renew online, but you will need to provide legal proof of the name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you do not have this proof ready, renewing in person may be faster because staff can help you understand what documents you need.
You must also renew in person if you want to change your address on your licence. Online renewal will use the address ServiceOntario has on file for you; if that address is incorrect, you need to update it in person or contact ServiceOntario before you renew online.
Vision tests and medical forms
Most people renewing a standard Ontario driver's licence do not need to pass a vision test or provide a medical form. However, ServiceOntario may ask you to have a vision test if your current licence shows that you need corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) and your prescription may have changed significantly. If you are unsure whether you will need a test, call ServiceOntario before your appointment.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, or severe vision loss — you may need to provide a medical form completed by your doctor. ServiceOntario will tell you if this is required when you begin your renewal. Your doctor can complete the form, and you will submit it along with your renewal. Some conditions may result in restrictions on your licence, such as daytime driving only or a requirement to wear corrective lenses.
What happens after you renew
If you renew online or by mail, your new licence will be mailed to the address on file. Online renewal typically takes five to ten business days; mail-in renewal takes longer. You can continue to drive on your current licence until your new one arrives, as long as your current licence has not expired.
If you renew in person at a ServiceOntario office, you will receive a temporary paper licence on the spot that you can use when ready while your plastic licence is being printed and mailed. The plastic licence usually arrives within two weeks.
If your licence expires before your new one arrives, you are no longer permitted to drive. To avoid this, renew before your expiry date. If your licence has already expired and you have not yet received your new one, contact ServiceOntario to check the status of your renewal.
Renewing a commercial or restricted licence
If you hold a commercial driver's licence (Class A, B, C, D, or E) or a licence with air brake restrictions, your renewal process is more involved. You must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office and may need to pass a medical examination, vision test, and knowledge test depending on your licence class and how long it has been since your last renewal. You will also need to provide proof of your medical fitness to drive.
The fee for renewing a commercial licence is higher than for a standard licence, and the renewal period options may differ. Contact ServiceOntario or visit their website to learn the specific requirements for your licence class before you book your appointment.
If your licence was lost, stolen, or damaged
If your licence is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a ServiceOntario office in person and request a replacement. Bring proof of your identity and current address. The replacement fee is different from the renewal fee and is usually lower. You will receive a temporary paper licence when ready and your plastic licence by mail within two weeks.
If your licence was stolen, you may also want to report the theft to local police, though this is not required to obtain a replacement. A police report can be useful if someone uses your stolen licence fraudulently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my licence before the expiry date?
Yes. You can renew up to 180 days before your licence expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new licence — your new licence will still be valid for the full period you choose (one, two, three, or five years) from the date of renewal.
What if I move to a different province after I renew?
Your Ontario licence remains valid in other provinces and territories while you are visiting. If you move permanently to another province, you will need to obtain a licence from that province. Most provinces allow you to exchange your Ontario licence for a local one without retesting, but rules vary. Contact the driver licensing authority in your new province to learn their process.
Do I need to renew my licence if I no longer drive?
No. If your licence has expired and you do not plan to drive, you do not need to renew it. However, if you may drive again in the future, renewing before expiry is simpler than reinstating an expired licence, which may require additional steps and fees.
How do I know if my renewal was processed?
If you renewed online or by mail, you can check the status on the ServiceOntario website using your licence number. If you renewed in person, your temporary paper licence confirms that your renewal was submitted. If your new plastic licence does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact ServiceOntario to confirm it was mailed to the correct address.
What if I have unpaid fines or outstanding traffic violations?
Unpaid fines do not prevent you from renewing your licence. However, if you have an outstanding court order or your licence is suspended due to unpaid fines, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact ServiceOntario or the court that issued the suspension to learn how to resolve it.