Get a replacement license from ServiceOntario, not the police
If you have lost your Ontario driver's license, you need to contact ServiceOntario to request a replacement. You do not need to file a police report first — that is a common misunderstanding. ServiceOntario handles all driver's license replacements, whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. You can start the replacement process online, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office.
The fastest route is usually online through the ServiceOntario website, where you can request a replacement in minutes. If you cannot go online, you can mail a form to ServiceOntario or walk into a ServiceOntario office with your identification. Either way, expect to pay a replacement fee and wait for your new license to arrive by mail — typically within 10 business days if you order online.
Key Takeaways
- ServiceOntario handles lost license replacements online, by mail, or in person — the police do not issue replacements.
- You will need to provide proof of identity and your driver's license number if you know it, though ServiceOntario can look up your record if you do not.
- Ordering online is the fastest method and costs less than ordering in person at a ServiceOntario office.
- Your replacement license will arrive by mail within 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person.
- If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to police for your records, but this is not required to get a replacement.
Order your replacement license online
Go to the ServiceOntario website and select "Replace a lost, stolen or damaged driver's license." You will need your driver's license number, which appears on your license itself. If you do not have your number, you can still proceed — ServiceOntario will ask for your name, date of birth, and address to look up your record.
You will also need to provide proof of identity. Acceptable documents include a passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate. Have a photo of this document ready, since you will upload it during the online process. Once you submit your request and pay the replacement fee (currently $50 for a standard replacement), ServiceOntario will mail your new license to the address on file.
Keep the confirmation number from your online request. You can use it to track your replacement license on the ServiceOntario website. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, update it before you submit your request, or your new license will arrive at the old address.
Replace your license by mail if you cannot go online
read the form "process for a Driver's License" (Form DL 44) from the ServiceOntario website, or call 1-800-387-3556 to request a printed copy by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, driver's license number (if you know it), and current address.
Attach a photocopy of one piece of proof of identity — a passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate work. Do not send the original document. Include a cheque or money order for the replacement fee, made payable to the Minister of Finance. Mail the completed form, proof of identity, and payment to the ServiceOntario address listed on the form.
Processing by mail takes longer than online — typically 15 to 20 business days from the date ServiceOntario receives your package. There is no way to track a mail-in request, so keep a copy of everything you send. If you do not receive your replacement license within three weeks, call 1-800-387-3556 to confirm ServiceOntario received your process.
Visit a ServiceOntario office in person
Find your nearest ServiceOntario office on the ServiceOntario website and check its hours before you go. Bring your proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate) and any other identification you have — a credit card or health card helps speed up the process. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now require one; check ahead.
Tell the staff member you need to replace a lost license. They will look up your record using your name and date of birth, verify your identity, and process your request on the spot. You will pay the replacement fee in cash, debit, or credit card. Your new license will still be mailed to you — you cannot pick it up at the office — but you will receive it within 10 business days.
In-person replacement costs more than online replacement (currently $60 instead of $50), so ordering online saves you money if you have internet access and a document to upload as proof of identity.
What to do if you need to drive before your replacement arrives
Ontario does not issue temporary paper licenses or digital licenses that you can show on your phone. Once your license is lost, you cannot legally drive until your replacement arrives. If you need to drive urgently, your only option is to wait for your replacement to arrive by mail.
If you ordered online or in person, your replacement should arrive within 10 business days. If you ordered by mail, allow 15 to 20 business days. If you have a specific reason you need to drive before then — a medical appointment, for example — you can ask someone else to drive you, or you can use a taxi or ride-sharing service.
Report your license to police if it was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to your local police service. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license for fraud or identity theft. You are not required to report it to get a replacement from ServiceOntario, but having a police report on file can help if problems arise later.
When you report a stolen license to police, ask for a report number. Keep this number with your records. If you later discover that someone used your stolen license, you can provide the police report number to help prove the theft was not your fault.
Update your address and other information at the same time
If your address has changed since your license was issued, update it when you request your replacement. This ensures your new license shows your current address and prevents mail from going to an old location. You can update your address online, by mail, or in person at the same time you request your replacement.
If you need to change other information on your license — your name, for example — you will need additional documents to prove the change. Contact ServiceOntario before you submit your replacement request to find out what documents you need. Changing your name requires a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, depending on the reason for the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
No. You can get a replacement from ServiceOntario without a police report. However, if your license was stolen, reporting it to police creates a record that can help protect you if someone tries to use it fraudulently. A police report is optional but recommended for stolen licenses.
Can I drive with a screenshot of my license on my phone while I wait for the replacement?
No. Ontario does not recognize digital or screenshot versions of your driver's license as proof that you are licensed to drive. You must have your physical license with you to drive legally. You cannot drive until your replacement arrives by mail.
What if I do not know my driver's license number?
You do not need your license number to request a replacement. ServiceOntario can look up your record using your name, date of birth, and address. If you are ordering online and do not have your number, leave that field blank and provide your personal information instead.
How much does a replacement license cost?
Online replacement costs $50. In-person replacement at a ServiceOntario office costs $60. Mail-in replacement also costs $50. The fee covers the replacement license itself; there are no additional charges.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?
Contact ServiceOntario when ready with your confirmation number or the report number from your in-person visit. ServiceOntario will issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge if the error was their mistake. If the damage happened after you received it, you may need to pay another replacement fee.