Where to get a replacement Ontario driver's license
You can replace your Ontario driver's license at a ServiceOntario office or through the mail. ServiceOntario locations are found in most towns and cities across the province — you can search for the one nearest you on the ServiceOntario website. The mail-in route is slower but works if you cannot visit an office in person.
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, both routes will issue you a new one with the same license number. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to renew it instead of straightforward replacing it, which involves a vision test and may require a written test depending on how long it has been.
Key Takeaways
- ServiceOntario offices issue replacement licenses the same day you explore, while mail-in replacements take two to three weeks.
- You need proof of identity (your current license, passport, or birth certificate) and proof of Ontario residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last three months).
- A replacement license costs $50 if you explore in person or $60 if you explore by mail.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew rather than replace it, which requires a vision test and costs more.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one piece of proof of identity and one piece of proof of Ontario residency. For identity, you can use your current Ontario driver's license, a Canadian passport, a birth certificate, or a permanent resident card. If you are bringing a birth certificate, it must be an original certified copy, not a photocopy.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last three months that shows your name and current Ontario address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax assessment all work. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it shows your address. You cannot use a document you printed from online — it must be an original or official copy.
If you are replacing a license that was stolen, bring a police report number or a written statement from the police service that took your report. If the license was damaged, bring the damaged card itself.
Replacing your license in person at ServiceOntario
Visit any ServiceOntario office during business hours with your proof of identity and proof of residency. You do not need an appointment at most locations, but some offices accept appointments online — check the ServiceOntario website for your local office's policy. Bring the damaged license if you have it, or a police report number if it was stolen.
At the counter, tell the staff member you need to replace your license. They will ask you to confirm your personal information and take a new photo. The photo will be taken at the office, so dress as you normally would and avoid sunglasses or hats. You will pay $50 in cash or by debit card. Your new license will be printed and ready to take home the same day.
Replacing your license by mail
read the Driver's Licence Replacement form from the ServiceOntario website or pick one up at any ServiceOntario office. Fill in all sections completely and sign and date the form. Make photocopies of your proof of identity and proof of residency — do not send originals.
Mail the completed form, your photocopies, and a cheque or money order for $60 (made out to the Minister of Finance) to the address listed on the form. ServiceOntario processes mail-in requests in the order they arrive. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. If you need the license sooner, go to a ServiceOntario office instead.
What happens if your license expired more than two years ago
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot straightforward replace it — you must renew it. A renewal requires a vision test, which you can have done at any optometrist or eye care clinic in Ontario. You will pay the optometrist's fee for the vision test (this varies by provider) plus the $50 renewal fee to ServiceOntario.
Bring your expired license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your vision test results to a ServiceOntario office. Depending on how long your license has been expired and your age, you may also need to pass a written test on Ontario traffic laws. ServiceOntario staff will tell you whether you need the written test when you arrive. If you do, you can take it at the office that day.
If your name has changed since your license was issued
Bring proof of your name change along with your other documents. Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or a change of name certificate from the province. If you are bringing a marriage or divorce certificate, it must be an original certified copy.
The staff member at ServiceOntario will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name. There is no extra fee for a name change — you pay the standard $50 replacement fee. If you are replacing a license by mail, include a photocopy of your name change document with your process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?
If you replaced your license in person at ServiceOntario, you can drive when ready — you have your new license in hand. If you applied by mail, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before it arrives, go to a ServiceOntario office instead and get a same-day replacement.
What if I lost my license and don't have a police report?
You can still replace it without a police report. Tell the ServiceOntario staff that your license was lost. They will issue a replacement without requiring a report number. If your license was stolen and you want to report it to police, you can do that separately — it is not required to get a replacement.
How long does a replacement license last?
Your replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement will also expire in 2027. You do not get a new expiry date just because you replaced the card.
Can I replace my license online?
No. Ontario does not offer online replacement for driver's licenses. You must either visit a ServiceOntario office in person or mail in your process. Some other provinces offer online renewal, but Ontario requires you to either appear in person or use the mail.
What if the photo on my new license looks bad?
You can request a new photo at any ServiceOntario office. There is a $20 fee for a photo replacement. You do not need to bring documents — just your current license and the fee. The new photo will be printed on a replacement card, and you will receive it the same day.