Get a replacement driver's license by visiting a ServiceOntario office with proof of identity and paying the replacement fee
You cannot replace a lost Ontario driver's license online or by mail. You must visit a ServiceOntario office in person, bring acceptable proof of identity, and pay a fee. The process takes about 15 minutes once you are at the counter, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready. Your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks.
ServiceOntario offices are located in most towns and cities across the province. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some busy offices now use online booking. Check the ServiceOntario website to find your nearest office and see whether that location requires you to book ahead.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a ServiceOntario office in person with one piece of government-issued photo ID and proof of your current address.
- The replacement fee is $50 for a standard five-year license or $90 for a ten-year license; payment is by debit, credit, or cash.
- You will receive a temporary paper license at the counter that is valid for driving when ready while you wait for your plastic card.
- Your new plastic license card arrives by mail within two weeks; if it does not arrive within three weeks, contact ServiceOntario to request a replacement.
- If your license was lost outside Ontario, you may need to provide a police report or statutory declaration before ServiceOntario will issue a replacement.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one piece of government-issued photo identification. This can be a passport, birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or permanent resident card. A health card alone is not enough. If you do not have any of these, you will need to bring two pieces of non-photo ID instead, such as a utility bill and a bank statement.
You also need proof of your current address. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice. The document must show your name and current Ontario address. A utility bill dated within the last three months works best. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a bill in your name, a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord will work.
If your license was lost outside Ontario — for example, while travelling — bring a police report from the jurisdiction where you lost it, or a statutory declaration. A statutory declaration is a sworn statement you can get from a lawyer, notary public, or commissioner of oaths. It costs between $20 and $50 and straightforward confirms that you lost your license.
How to find and visit a ServiceOntario office
Go to the ServiceOntario website and use the office locator tool. Type in your postal code or city name. The results show every ServiceOntario office near you, along with hours of operation and whether that office requires online booking.
Most ServiceOntario offices are open Monday to Friday during business hours. Some locations in larger cities have extended hours or weekend appointments. If the office near you requires booking, the website will show you available time slots. If booking is not required, you can walk in during business hours, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during peak times (lunch hours and late afternoons are usually busier).
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost on the way. You do not need to print anything beforehand — the staff will provide the form you need to fill out when you arrive.
The replacement fee and payment methods
A standard five-year Ontario driver's license costs $50 to replace. If you want a ten-year license instead, the fee is $90. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or cash. ServiceOntario does not accept cheques or e-transfer.
The fee covers the plastic card that arrives by mail. The temporary paper license you receive at the counter is free. If you lose the temporary license before your plastic card arrives, you can request another one at any ServiceOntario office at no charge.
What happens at the counter
Hand your documents to the staff member. They will check your identity and address proof, then ask you to fill out a short form confirming that your license was lost. You will also be asked whether you want a five-year or ten-year license. Answer honestly about the reason for replacement — if you say your license was stolen but later claim it on insurance, that is insurance fraud.
The staff member will take a new photo if your current license photo is more than five years old. If your photo is recent, they may use the existing photo from your license record. Once payment is complete, they will print your temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and remains valid until your plastic card arrives.
Keep the temporary license in your wallet or vehicle at all times while you are waiting for your plastic card. Police will accept it as proof of a valid license if you are stopped.
When your new license arrives by mail
Your plastic driver's license card arrives by mail within two weeks. Check your mailbox regularly. The envelope will come from ServiceOntario and will have your name and address on it. Once it arrives, destroy the temporary paper license — you no longer need it.
If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact ServiceOntario by phone or through the website. Have your temporary license number ready. ServiceOntario can check whether the card was mailed and, if necessary, issue a replacement card at no extra charge.
What to do if you cannot visit an office in person
If you are unable to visit a ServiceOntario office yourself, an authorized representative can go on your behalf. That person must bring a letter from you giving them permission, along with your documents and theirs. The letter does not need to be notarized, but it should state clearly that you are authorizing them to pick up your replacement license.
If you are hospitalized, homebound, or otherwise unable to leave your location, contact ServiceOntario to ask about mobile services or alternative arrangements. Some regions offer mobile ServiceOntario visits to hospitals and long-term care facilities, though availability varies by area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with just the temporary paper license?
Yes. The temporary paper license is a valid Ontario driver's license and police will accept it as proof. Keep it in your wallet or vehicle at all times. Once your plastic card arrives, you can throw the temporary license away.
What if my address on the temporary license is wrong?
Tell the staff member before you leave the counter. They can print a corrected temporary license on the spot. If the address is wrong on your plastic card when it arrives, return to any ServiceOntario office with proof of your correct address and they will issue a corrected card for $15.
Do I need to report my lost license to police?
No, reporting to police is not required to get a replacement. However, if you believe your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, you may want to file a police report for your own records, especially if you are concerned about identity theft.
How long does the replacement take if I book an appointment?
The transaction at the counter takes about 15 minutes. If you book an appointment, you will be seen at your scheduled time with minimal wait. If you walk in without an appointment, expect to wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is.
What if I lost my license outside Canada?
Bring a police report from the country or state where you lost it, or a statutory declaration from a lawyer or notary public. ServiceOntario needs proof that your license was genuinely lost before they will issue a replacement.