You renew a G2 license by visiting a ServiceOntario office, submitting your current license and proof of identity, and paying the renewal fee — usually before your expiry date, though some situations allow a grace period
A G2 license is a probationary driving license in Ontario that lasts for five years. When your five years are up, you cannot legally drive on an expired G2 — you must renew it before the expiry date printed on the front of your card. The renewal process itself is straightforward: you go to a ServiceOntario office in person, hand over your license and identification documents, pay the fee, and receive a new license on the spot or by mail depending on the office.
The key difference between renewing and upgrading is that renewal keeps you at the G2 level, while upgrading moves you to a full G license (which requires passing a road test). This guide covers renewal only. If you want to upgrade to a G license instead, that is a separate process with different requirements.
Key Takeaways
- You must renew your G2 license before the expiry date on the front of your card; driving on an expired license is illegal in Ontario.
- Renewal happens at any ServiceOntario office and requires your current license, proof of identity, and the renewal fee (currently $90 for a five-year renewal).
- You can renew up to nine months before your expiry date, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
- If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at a ServiceOntario office, though you may face a late fee depending on how long it has been expired.
What documents you need to bring
You will need three things at the ServiceOntario office: your current G2 license, one piece of government-issued photo identification, and payment. Your photo ID can be a passport, a birth certificate with a photo, a citizenship certificate, or a permanent resident card — it just has to show your name and face so the staff can confirm you are the person renewing the license.
If your name has changed since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring proof of the name change as well — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your new license will still be under your old name.
You do not need to bring a medical form, a vision test, or proof of residence for a straightforward renewal. Those documents are only required if you are upgrading to a G license or if your license was suspended or revoked.
Where to renew and how long it takes
You renew at any ServiceOntario office across Ontario. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the ServiceOntario website by entering your postal code. Some offices are busier than others — downtown Toronto locations often have longer waits than suburban or rural offices.
The renewal itself takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called to the counter, but the wait time before that depends on how busy the office is. You can reduce wait time by going early in the morning or on a weekday rather than a weekend. Some ServiceOntario offices allow you to book an appointment online, which reserves your spot and cuts down the wait.
Your new license is usually printed on the spot and handed to you before you leave. Some offices mail it instead if their printer is down; staff will tell you which applies when you arrive. Either way, your old license is taken from you and destroyed, so you will have a valid license to drive home with or receive by mail within a few business days.
The renewal fee and payment methods
The current renewal fee for a five-year G2 license is $90. ServiceOntario offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards — check with your specific office if you want to confirm they take a particular card type, though most accept Visa and Mastercard.
If your license expired more than a certain period ago (the grace period varies), you may be charged a late fee on top of the renewal fee. The exact amount depends on how long your license has been expired, so ask the staff when you arrive. Paying the late fee does not affect your driving record or insurance — it is straightforward an administrative charge for renewing after the expiry date.
Renewing early and the nine-month window
You can renew your G2 license up to nine months before it expires. This means if your license expires on March 15, you can walk into a ServiceOntario office on June 15 of the previous year and renew it then. The new license will be valid for five years from the date you renew, not from your original expiry date.
Many people renew early to avoid the rush near their expiry date or because they know they will be busy or traveling when the expiry date arrives. There is no penalty for renewing early — you straightforward get a new five-year license starting from the day you renew.
What happens if your license has already expired
If you have been driving on an expired G2 license, you are breaking the law. Driving with an expired license can result in a fine and demerit points on your driving record. However, you can still renew your license at a ServiceOntario office even after it has expired.
When you renew an expired license, you will likely pay a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The amount depends on how long the license has been expired. You will not need to retake a vision test or written exam — renewal is straightforward a matter of paying the fee and receiving a new card. Once you have renewed, you are legal to drive again.
If you were stopped by police while driving on an expired license, renewing it now does not erase the ticket or fine you may have received. You would need to address that through the court system separately.
Renewing by mail or online
ServiceOntario does not currently offer online renewal for G2 licenses. You must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office. Mail-in renewal is also not available for G2 licenses — the office must see you and your identification documents in person.
This in-person requirement exists because staff need to verify your identity and take a new photo for your license. If you are unable to visit an office yourself, you can authorize someone else to renew on your behalf by giving them a signed letter of authorization along with a copy of your identification. The person acting on your behalf must bring the original letter, your current license, and their own identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my G2 if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Yes. Unpaid traffic tickets do not stop you from renewing your license at ServiceOntario. However, if your license was suspended due to unpaid fines, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. You would need to pay the fines first or work out a payment plan with the court.
What if I lost my G2 license before it expired?
If your license is lost or stolen, you need to replace it rather than renew it. Replacement is a different process at ServiceOntario and requires a replacement fee (currently $30). You will need to bring proof of identity and proof of residence. Once you have a replacement license, you can renew it normally when it expires.
Do I need a new photo for my renewed G2 license?
Yes. ServiceOntario takes a new photo of you when you renew. You do not need to bring a photo from home or have one taken elsewhere. The office will photograph you as part of the renewal process.
How do I know when my G2 license expires?
The expiry date is printed on the front of your G2 license card in the bottom right corner. It shows the month and year. You can renew anytime in the nine months before that date.