Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Ontario driver's licence in person at a ServiceOntario office, by mail, or online through the ServiceOntario website — but not all methods work for every licence type. The fastest route is usually online if your licence is a standard Class G or G2, you're not changing your address, and your vision hasn't changed. If you need to update your address, change your name, or renew a commercial licence, you'll need to go in person.

Before you start, gather your current driver's licence, a piece of mail showing your current address (a utility bill or bank statement works), and your health card or passport. If you're renewing in person, you'll also need to bring a recent colour photo — 35mm × 45mm, taken within the last six months — unless you're using the online renewal, which can use your existing photo on file.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $90 for a five-year licence or $158 for an eight-year licence, but only works if your address and vision haven't changed.
  • In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office takes 20 to 40 minutes and is required if you're changing your address, updating your name, or renewing a commercial or motorcycle licence.
  • Mail renewal is available but slower — you send your documents to ServiceOntario and wait 10 to 15 business days for your new licence to arrive.
  • Your licence expires on your birthday, and you can renew it up to 180 days before that date.

Renewing online through ServiceOntario

The online renewal process starts at the ServiceOntario website. You'll enter your driver's licence number, date of birth, and postal code, then answer a few questions about your vision and medical history. The system will confirm whether you're a candidate for online renewal — if you've had a vision change, a medical condition that affects driving, or a conviction in the past few years, you'll be directed to renew in person instead.

If you're approved to continue online, you'll upload a photo or use your existing photo on file, review your personal information, and pay the fee by debit card or credit card. ServiceOntario will mail your new licence to the address on file within 10 to 15 business days. You can continue driving on your current licence until the new one arrives.

Renewing in person at ServiceOntario

Find your nearest ServiceOntario office using the office locator on the ServiceOntario website — you don't need an appointment at most locations, but some offices accept bookings online and may have shorter wait times if you book ahead. Bring your current licence, proof of address, a recent colour photo, and your health card or passport.

At the counter, tell the staff member you're renewing your licence. They'll check your documents, take a new photo if you don't have one or if yours is too old, ask about any vision or medical changes, and process your payment. The new licence is usually mailed to you within 10 to 15 business days. If you need your licence urgently, some ServiceOntario offices can issue a temporary paper licence on the spot that's valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the ServiceOntario website or pick one up at a ServiceOntario office. Fill in the form, include a recent colour photo, a copy of your proof of address, and a cheque or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes 10 to 15 business days after ServiceOntario receives your package, so the total time from mailing to receiving your new licence is usually three to four weeks. You can continue driving on your current licence during this time. If you're concerned about your package getting lost, you can send it by registered mail for a small extra fee.

Fees and licence validity

The renewal fee depends on how long you want your licence to be valid. A five-year licence costs $90, and an eight-year licence costs $158. You pay the same fee whether you renew online, in person, or by mail. If you're over 80 years old, your licence is valid for two years instead of five or eight, and the fee is $50.

Your licence expires on your birthday. You can renew it starting 180 days before your birthday — so if your birthday is in June, you can renew starting in December. If your licence has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may need to pass a vision test or medical assessment depending on how long it's been expired.

What to do if your address or name has changed

If you've moved to a new address in Ontario, you must renew your licence in person at a ServiceOntario office — online and mail renewal won't let you change your address. Bring your current licence, proof of your new address, and your health card or passport. The staff will update your address in the system and issue your new licence with the updated information.

If you've changed your name through marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you also need to renew in person. Bring your current licence, a legal document proving your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and your health card or passport. ServiceOntario will update your name and issue a new licence.

If you've had a medical or vision change

If you've had a change in your vision, been diagnosed with a medical condition that affects your driving, or had a conviction in the past few years, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office. The staff may ask you to pass a vision test or provide a medical report from your doctor before they can issue your new licence.

If you're unsure whether a medical condition or conviction will affect your renewal, call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3556 before you go in. They can tell you whether you'll need a medical assessment and what documents to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I'm waiting for my renewed licence to arrive?

Yes. Your current licence remains valid until your birthday, so you can continue driving while you wait for your new licence to arrive by mail. If you renewed in person and received a temporary paper licence, that's also valid for 30 days.

What if I lost my current licence before renewing?

You'll need to replace your lost licence before you can renew. Go to a ServiceOntario office with proof of identity and address, and they'll issue a replacement. Once you have it, you can renew using any of the three methods.

How long does online renewal actually take from start to finish?

The online process itself takes about 10 minutes. Your new licence is then mailed to you and arrives within 10 to 15 business days. Total time from clicking submit to holding your new licence is usually two to three weeks.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

Not necessarily. If you renew online, ServiceOntario uses your existing photo on file unless it's older than a certain age. If you renew in person, they'll take a new photo unless your current one is recent and acceptable. If you renew by mail, you must include a recent colour photo.

What happens if I renew late and my licence has already expired?

You can still renew after your birthday, but you may be asked to pass a vision test or provide a medical report depending on how long your licence has been expired. It's best to renew before your birthday to avoid this extra step.