How to Change Your Address on Your Ontario Driver's License

Where to change your address and what you need

You can change your address on your Ontario driver's license through ServiceOntario, which handles all driver's license updates in the province. You have three ways to do it: online through the ServiceOntario website, in person at a ServiceOntario office, or by mail. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your updated license arrives in the mail within two weeks. In-person visits at a ServiceOntario office take about 30 minutes and you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day.

Before you start, gather your current driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address means a document dated within the last three months that shows your name and new street address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A credit card statement does not count. If you have moved recently and do not have a document in your name yet, you can use a letter from your landlord or a utility company confirmation email, though ServiceOntario may ask for additional proof.

Key Takeaways

You can change your address online, in person at ServiceOntario, or by mail, and online is the fastest option at about two weeks for delivery.
You will need your current driver's license and a document dated within the last three months that shows your name and new address.
If you change your address online, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card arrives by mail.
Changing your address does not require a new photo or a new license fee — it is a free update to your existing license.
If you move to a different province, you will need to get a new driver's license from that province rather than updating your Ontario one.

Changing your address online through ServiceOntario

Go to the ServiceOntario website and select "Change your address on your driver's license." You will need your driver's license number, which is printed on the front of your card. You will also need to create or log into a ServiceOntario account using your email address. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driver's license history — questions like the issue date of your license or previous addresses you have held.

Once you pass the identity check, enter your new address exactly as it appears on your proof of address document. Do not abbreviate street names or use different formatting than what is on your utility bill or lease. After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen — write this down or take a screenshot. ServiceOntario will send you a confirmation email within one business day. Your updated plastic license will arrive by mail in about 10 to 14 days. Until it arrives, you can use your old license with a printed confirmation from your ServiceOntario account as proof of your address change if needed.

Changing your address in person at a ServiceOntario office

Find your nearest ServiceOntario office using the office locator on the ServiceOntario website. Bring your current driver's license and your proof of address. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day — calling ahead to ask about current wait times can save you a trip. You do not need an appointment, but some offices offer appointment booking online if you prefer to reserve a time slot.

At the counter, tell the staff member you want to change your address. They will verify your identity using your license, check your proof of address, and update your record in the system. You will pay no fee for this change. Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your new plastic card is printed and mailed to you. Keep this temporary license with you — it is your legal proof of driving privileges. Your permanent card will arrive in about two weeks.

Changing your address by mail

read the "Change of Address" form from the ServiceOntario website or pick one up at any ServiceOntario office. Fill in your driver's license number, your current address, your new address, and sign the form. Make a photocopy of both sides of your driver's license and a photocopy of your proof of address. Put the completed form, the photocopies, and your original driver's license in an envelope and mail it to the address listed on the form — this is usually a ServiceOntario processing centre in Toronto.

Mail takes longer than the other methods. Your license will be processed about two to three weeks after ServiceOntario receives your envelope, and then mailed back to you, which adds another week or more depending on postal service. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot drive legally during this time unless your current license is still valid at your old address. This method is useful only if you cannot access the internet or get to an office in person.

What happens if your license is expired or suspended

You can still change your address on an expired license, but you cannot drive with an expired license regardless of whether the address is current. If your license is suspended, you cannot drive at all, and changing the address does not lift the suspension. In both cases, you should handle the address change at the same time you renew or reinstate your license to avoid having two separate transactions.

If your license is expired and you want to renew it while also changing your address, you can do both online or in person. The renewal process is separate from the address change, but ServiceOntario will let you complete both in one transaction. If your license is suspended, you must contact ServiceOntario directly to understand what steps are needed to reinstate it before you can renew.

Changing your address when you move out of Ontario

If you move to another Canadian province or territory, you cannot straightforward change your address on your Ontario license. You will need to get a driver's license from your new province. Each province has its own licensing system and its own rules about what documents you need and how long the process takes. Contact the licensing authority in your new province — for example, Alberta Transportation or BC ICBC — to find out what to do with your Ontario license and how to get a new one.

Some provinces let you keep your out-of-province license for a short time after you move, but this varies. Do not assume your Ontario license is valid in your new province just because you updated the address. Check the rules for your new province before you drive there.

What to do if you do not receive your updated license

If you changed your address online or by mail and your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact ServiceOntario. Have your confirmation number ready if you changed your address online. ServiceOntario can check the status of your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. If you changed your address in person and received a temporary paper license, that temporary license is valid for 30 days, so you have time to contact ServiceOntario if your permanent card does not show up.

If your address change was processed but your license was mailed to your old address by mistake, contact ServiceOntario when ready. They can intercept the mail or issue a replacement card to your correct address. This is why it is important to double-check that you entered your new address correctly before submitting your change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my address if I move within Ontario?

Yes. Your driver's license must show your current address. If you move to a different city or even a different street in the same city, you should update it. You do not have to do it when ready, but your license is not valid as proof of address if the address is outdated, and police can stop you if they notice the mismatch during a traffic stop.

Will I have to pay a fee to change my address?

No. Changing your address is free whether you do it online, in person, or by mail. You only pay a fee if you are renewing your license at the same time, and renewal fees vary depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid for.

Can I change my address if my license is in someone else's name?

No. You can only change the address on a license that is registered to you. If you are helping someone else update their license, they must be the one to make the change, either by doing it themselves online or by going in person with their ID and proof of address.

How long does my temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it at a ServiceOntario office. Your permanent plastic license should arrive by mail before the 30 days are up. If it does not, contact ServiceOntario to check on the status.

What if my new address is a P.O. box or I do not have a street address yet?

ServiceOntario requires a street address on your driver's license, not a P.O. box. If you are living in a situation where you do not have a permanent street address, contact ServiceOntario directly to discuss your options — they may be able to help you use a friend's or family member's address temporarily while you find permanent housing.

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.