What you need to do to renew your Ontario driver's license
Ontario driver's licenses expire every five or eight years depending on your age and license class. You can renew in person at a ServiceOntario office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the ServiceOntario website if your license is still valid and you have not had any medical suspensions. The method you choose depends on whether your vision needs to be tested, whether you have had any changes to your medical status, and how quickly you need the renewed license.
You do not have to wait until your license expires to renew it — you can renew up to 180 days before the expiry date. This means you can plan ahead and avoid the rush of renewal offices in the weeks before expiry. However, if your license has already expired, you cannot use the online or mail renewal routes and must renew in person.
Key Takeaways
- Ontario licenses expire every five or eight years; you can renew up to 180 days before expiry through ServiceOntario online, by mail, or in person.
- Online renewal is fastest if your license is still valid, you have no medical suspensions, and your vision has not changed since your last test.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form, proof of identity, and proof of residence, and takes about two weeks longer than in-person renewal.
- In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office is required if your license has expired, if you need a vision test, or if you have had medical changes.
- You will need to pay a renewal fee, which varies by license class and renewal period (five or eight years).
Online renewal through ServiceOntario
The fastest way to renew is through the ServiceOntario website if you meet the conditions. You must have a valid (not expired) Ontario driver's license, no medical suspensions on your record, and your vision must not have changed since your last test. You will need your license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The process takes about 10 minutes and you can complete it from home.
After you submit your renewal online, ServiceOntario will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 10 to 15 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives, as long as your current license has not expired. If you need the license sooner, online renewal is not the right choice — you will need to renew in person.
Mail renewal by post
You can renew by mail if your license is still valid and you do not need a vision test. You will need to complete the Driver Licence Renewal form (available on the ServiceOntario website or at any ServiceOntario office), provide a photocopy of proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and provide proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last three months).
Mail your completed form and documents to the address listed on the ServiceOntario website. Include a cheque or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash. Processing takes about three to four weeks from the date ServiceOntario receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time in both directions. This method is slower than online renewal but does not require a trip to an office.
In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a vision test, if you have had a medical change that affects your driving, or if you are changing your name or address. Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been less than two years since expiry), proof of identity, and proof of your current address. If you are changing your name, bring legal proof of the name change such as a marriage certificate or court order.
ServiceOntario offices are located across Ontario in most towns and cities. You can book an appointment online through the ServiceOntario website or call 1-800-387-3556 to find an office near you and check wait times. Walk-ins are accepted at most offices, but appointment times are usually shorter. Bring your payment method (debit, credit card, or cash) because you will pay the renewal fee at the counter. Your new license is typically issued on the spot or mailed to you within 10 business days, depending on the office.
Vision testing and medical requirements
If your license is expiring and you have not had a vision test in the past two years, you will need one before your renewal is complete. ServiceOntario offices have equipment to test your vision, or you can have your optometrist or eye doctor perform the test and submit the results on your behalf. If you wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts), you must wear them during the test.
If you have a medical condition that may affect your driving — such as diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, or sleep apnea — you may need to provide a medical report from your doctor. ServiceOntario will tell you at the time of renewal whether a report is required. Some conditions require annual medical reports; others require them only at renewal. If you are unsure whether your condition requires a report, contact ServiceOntario before your renewal appointment.
Renewal fees and payment
The renewal fee depends on your license class and the length of the renewal period. A standard Class G license renewed for five years costs less than a renewal for eight years. Commercial licenses (Class A, B, C, D) have higher fees. You can find the exact fee for your license class on the ServiceOntario website before you renew.
Payment methods vary by renewal route. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail renewal requires a cheque or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing by mail and your cheque is returned for insufficient funds, ServiceOntario will contact you to arrange payment before your license is issued.
What happens if your license expires
If your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Ontario. You cannot use online or mail renewal once your license has expired — you must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to take a written test and a road test in addition to the vision test, depending on your age and the reason for the lapse.
If you are caught driving with an expired license, you can be charged with a provincial offense and fined. The fine varies but can be substantial. It is much simpler to renew before your license expires, even if you renew early. You can renew up to 180 days before expiry, so plan ahead to avoid this situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic fines or outstanding tickets?
Unpaid traffic fines do not prevent you from renewing your license. However, if you have an outstanding warrant related to a traffic offense, ServiceOntario may flag your file. Contact the court or the police service that issued the ticket to resolve the matter before renewal if you are concerned.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring legal proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current license and proof of address. If you are renewing in person, the office will update your name on the spot. If you are renewing by mail, include a photocopy of the legal document with your process.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I renew in person?
Most ServiceOntario offices issue your new license on the same day if you renew in person and all documents are in order. Some offices mail the license instead, which takes about 10 business days. Ask the staff member at the counter which method applies to your office.
Can I renew my license if I am out of province or out of the country?
Yes, you can renew by mail from anywhere. Complete the renewal form, include photocopies of your identity and address proof, and mail it to the ServiceOntario address on the form. Processing takes three to four weeks plus mail delivery time. If you are out of the country for an extended period, renew before you leave.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You will need to replace your lost license before you can renew. Contact ServiceOntario to report the loss and request a replacement. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it using any of the three methods. You will pay both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.