Where to update your address and what you'll need

You can update your Ontario driver's license address in person at a ServiceOntario office, by mail, or online through the ServiceOntario website if you have a valid Ontario photo ID and a way to verify your new address. The online route is fastest — you can complete it in minutes from home — but not everyone is may be able to access. Mail and in-person visits both work if online isn't an option for you.

Before you start, gather proof of your new address. ServiceOntario accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax assessment, or a letter from a landlord or employer dated within the last 90 days. The document must show your name and full address. If you're moving and don't have a document yet, some people use a signed letter from their new landlord or a utility company confirmation email.

You'll also need your current driver's license and, if you're explore by mail or in person, a completed form. The form is called the DL 44 (process for Ontario Driver's Licence) or DL 44E (for electronic submission). You can read both from the ServiceOntario website or pick one up at any ServiceOntario office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online updates through ServiceOntario take minutes and require only your driver's license number, date of birth, and a photo ID to verify your identity.
  • By mail, send your completed DL 44 form, current license, and address proof to the address listed on the ServiceOntario website — processing takes 10 to 15 business days.
  • In-person updates at a ServiceOntario office are processed on the spot, but you may wait in line and pay a service fee.
  • Address proof must be dated within the last 90 days and show your name and full new address — utility bills, leases, and mortgage statements all work.
  • Your license itself does not change; ServiceOntario updates the address in their system, and your next renewal will show the new address.

Updating online through ServiceOntario

The online method is available if you have a valid Ontario photo ID (your license counts) and can verify your identity through the ServiceOntario portal. Go to the ServiceOntario website, select "Update your address" under driver's license services, and follow the prompts. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and new address, then upload a photo of your address proof document.

The system will ask you to verify your identity — usually by answering security questions based on your ServiceOntario records or by using a digital ID if you have one. Once approved, your address is updated when ready in the system. You don't receive a new license card; the change takes effect right away, and your next renewal will print the new address.

If the online system rejects your address proof (for example, if the photo is blurry or the document is outside the 90-day window), you'll be told which document to resubmit. You can try again the same day.

Updating by mail

Print or pick up the DL 44 form, fill in your new address, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a photocopy of your address proof. Include a photocopy of the front and back of your license so ServiceOntario can match your process to your file. Mail everything to the address listed on the ServiceOntario website — there are regional processing centres, and the correct address depends on your region.

Processing by mail takes 10 to 15 business days from the date ServiceOntario receives your envelope. There is no fee for a mail-in address change. Once processed, you'll receive your license back in the mail with no changes to the card itself — the address update happens in their system only.

Keep a copy of everything you mail in case you need to follow up. If your process is missing something (for example, if your address proof is outside the 90-day window), ServiceOntario will contact you by mail to ask for a corrected document.

Updating in person at a ServiceOntario office

Walk into any ServiceOntario office with your current license, the completed DL 44 form, and your address proof document (the original, not a photocopy). Tell the staff member you're updating your address. They'll verify your documents on the spot and process the change when ready.

You won't receive a new license card — the address is updated in the system only. There is a service fee for in-person updates; the amount varies slightly by region but is typically under $20. You can pay by cash, debit, or credit card. Processing takes a few minutes, and you can leave once it's done.

In-person visits are useful if you need the change done the same day or if you're unsure whether your documents meet the requirements — staff can tell you right away whether something won't work.

What happens to your physical license card

Your driver's license card itself does not change when you update your address. The card you carry will still show your old address until your license expires and you renew it. At that time, you'll receive a new card printed with your current address on file.

This can feel odd, but it's normal. Police and other officials can see your updated address in the system when they scan your license, so the old address on the card is not a legal problem. If you want a card with your new address printed on it before your renewal date, you would need to renew your license early — which costs a full renewal fee and is rarely worth it just for an address change.

If you're moving out of Ontario

If you're relocating to another province or country, you should update your address with ServiceOntario before you leave, even if you plan to get a license in your new location. This keeps your Ontario records current in case you need them later. Once you move, you'll need to get a license from your new province or country, but updating your Ontario address now prevents confusion.

If you've already moved and your new address is outside Ontario, you can still update your Ontario license address by mail or in person at a ServiceOntario office during a visit back. Some people keep their Ontario license updated even after moving for identification purposes.

Troubleshooting common problems

Your address proof is rejected online. The most common reason is that the document is outside the 90-day window or the photo is too blurry to read. Check the date on your document and retake the photo in good lighting. If your document is older than 90 days, use a different one (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or employer letter all work) or update by mail or in person instead.

You don't have a document with your new address yet. If you're moving and haven't received a utility bill or lease at your new place, ask your landlord or property manager for a signed letter on letterhead confirming your address and move-in date. Some utility companies will email a confirmation that counts as proof. If neither is possible, visit a ServiceOntario office in person — staff have some flexibility with documents that are close to meeting the requirement.

Your license is lost or expired. You cannot update the address on a lost or expired license. You'll need to renew your license first, then update the address. Contact ServiceOntario to start a renewal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to update my address?

Online updates are when ready. Mail takes 10 to 15 business days. In-person updates at a ServiceOntario office are processed when ready, though you may wait in line. Your new address is active in the system right away; your physical card won't change until your next renewal.

Do I need to update my address if I'm renewing my license soon?

No. When you renew, you'll be asked for your current address as part of the renewal process, and your new card will be printed with that address. Updating now and renewing later means two separate transactions; it's more efficient to wait and update during renewal if you're within a few months.

Can I update my address if my license is suspended?

Yes. A suspension does not prevent you from updating your address. The address change is separate from your license status. Update through whichever method is easiest for you.

What if ServiceOntario says my address proof doesn't meet the requirements?

Ask which requirement it doesn't meet — usually it's the date (outside 90 days), the name (doesn't match your license), or the address (incomplete or unclear). Get a different document that meets all three requirements, or contact ServiceOntario to ask whether an alternative document might work in your situation.

Will updating my address affect my driving record or insurance?

Updating your address with ServiceOntario does not change your driving record or affect your insurance. You should separately notify your insurance company of your move so they have your correct address on file, but that's a separate step with your insurer, not ServiceOntario.