Ontario driver's licenses renew on a five-year cycle, and you can start the process up to nine months before your expiry date
Your Ontario driver's license expires on the date printed on the front. ServiceOntario handles all renewals, and you have three ways to complete one: online through the ServiceOntario website, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office. The online route is fastest — you can finish in minutes if your address hasn't changed and you don't need a new photo. Mail takes two to three weeks. In-person visits are useful if you need a new photo, have address changes, or want to add or remove conditions on your license.
You cannot renew after your license has already expired, though ServiceOntario will still process your request if you submit it within a reasonable time. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Ontario, so timing matters. The nine-month window before expiry gives you plenty of time to avoid that trap.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office starting nine months before your expiry date.
- Online renewal takes minutes if your address is current and you don't need a new photo, and costs $90 for a five-year license.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license and a completed form to ServiceOntario and takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office is necessary if you need a new photo, have moved, or want to change license conditions.
- You must renew before your license expires; driving on an expired license is illegal even if your renewal is in progress.
Online renewal through the ServiceOntario website
The online route is the fastest option if your circumstances haven't changed. You log into the ServiceOntario portal using your Ontario driver's license number, date of birth, and postal code. The system will show your current license information and ask you to confirm it. If your address is the same and you don't need a new photo, you can proceed to payment when ready. The fee is $90 for a five-year renewal. You pay by debit card or credit card, and your new license arrives by mail within 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if you've moved, if your name has changed, if you need to add or remove conditions (such as corrective lenses or manual transmission only), or if your license was suspended or revoked. You also cannot renew online if your current license was issued more than 10 years ago or if you're renewing a commercial license. In those cases, you must visit a ServiceOntario office in person.
Mail renewal: sending your license and forms to ServiceOntario
To renew by mail, you need to complete the Driver Licence Renewal form (available on the ServiceOntario website as form DL 44) and mail it along with your current license to the address listed on the form. Include a cheque or money order for $90 made payable to the Minister of Finance. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so ServiceOntario can return your new license to you.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date ServiceOntario receives your package. This method works well if you have no changes to your address or license conditions and don't need a new photo. However, if your address has changed, you must notify ServiceOntario separately or use in-person renewal instead. Keep a record of when you mail your package; if you don't receive your new license within four weeks, contact ServiceOntario to confirm they received it.
In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office
Visit a ServiceOntario office if you've moved, need a new photo, want to change your address on file, or need to add or remove conditions from your license. You'll need to bring your current license, proof of your new address (if you've moved), and photo identification. ServiceOntario offices take new photos on site, so you don't need to bring one. The fee is $90, and you can pay by cash, debit, or credit card. Your new license is usually ready within 10 business days and will be mailed to your address on file.
ServiceOntario offices are located across Ontario. You can find the nearest one and check its hours on the ServiceOntario website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only. During busy periods, wait times can be long, so calling ahead or booking an appointment online is recommended. If you're renewing in person because your address changed, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement as proof of residence.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Ontario, even if you've submitted a renewal request. If you're stopped by police, you can face a fine. The best protection is to renew before the expiry date on your license. If your license has already expired, you can still submit a renewal request through any of the three methods, but you should not drive until your new license arrives.
If you're in a situation where you need to drive before your renewal arrives, contact ServiceOntario to ask about expedited processing. They may be able to issue a temporary paper license in some cases, though this is not may provide. The safest approach is to plan your renewal at least two months before your expiry date to avoid this problem entirely.
Fees, documents, and what to bring
| Renewal Method | Fee | Processing Time | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | $90 | 10 business days | Current license number, date of birth, postal code |
| $90 | 2–3 weeks | Current license, completed form DL 44, cheque or money order | |
| In-person | $90 | 10 business days | Current license, photo ID, proof of address if moved |
All three methods cost the same. The difference is in how long the process takes and what changes you can make. Online is fastest if nothing has changed. Mail is convenient if you prefer not to visit an office but are willing to wait. In-person is necessary if you've moved, need a new photo, or have other changes to your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?
You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, you'll need to notify ServiceOntario of your new address separately. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
What if I need a new photo on my license?
Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office. ServiceOntario takes the photo on site at no extra charge.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and in-person renewals take about 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date ServiceOntario receives your package. If you don't receive it within four weeks, contact ServiceOntario to confirm they received your request.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license was suspended or revoked. You must visit a ServiceOntario office in person. Bring your current license and any documents related to the suspension or revocation. ServiceOntario staff will advise you on next steps.
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
No. You cannot drive on an expired license, even if your renewal request is in progress. If your license has expired and you need to drive, contact ServiceOntario about a temporary paper license, though this is not always available. The best approach is to renew well before your expiry date.