Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Ontario driver's licence in person at a ServiceOntario office, by mail, or online through the ServiceOntario website — but not all methods work for every licence type. The online route is fastest if you're renewing a standard Class G licence and your vision and medical status haven't changed. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office happens the same day you visit.

Before you choose a method, gather these documents: your current driver's licence, proof of Ontario residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months), and proof of identity if your name has changed. If you're renewing in person, you'll also need to pass a vision test at the ServiceOntario office — bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through ServiceOntario.ca is the fastest option for standard Class G licences and takes about 10 business days to receive your card.
  • Mail renewal requires you to complete a form, include copies of your documents, and wait two to three weeks for processing plus delivery time.
  • In-person renewal at a ServiceOntario office is same-day if you pass the vision test and bring all required documents.
  • Your licence renewal fee depends on how long you want it valid — one, two, or five years — and varies slightly by renewal method.
  • If your medical condition, vision, or driving record has changed significantly, you may need to renew in person or provide additional documentation.

Renewing online through ServiceOntario

Go to ServiceOntario.ca and select "Renew a driver's licence" from the homepage. You'll need your current licence number, your Ontario health card number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information, vision status, and medical history — answer honestly, as false information can result in your renewal being rejected or your licence being suspended.

Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card, ServiceOntario will mail your new licence to the address on file. You should receive it within 10 business days. Your current licence remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can keep driving. If you don't receive your licence within two weeks, contact ServiceOntario by phone at 1-800-387-3556 to check the status.

Renewing by mail

read the "Renew a driver's licence" form from the ServiceOntario website or pick one up at any ServiceOntario office. Fill it out completely, including your signature. Make photocopies of both sides of your current licence and your proof of residency, then mail the form, copies, and your payment to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes about two weeks, then Canada Post delivers your new licence — add another five to seven business days for mail delivery depending on where you live. Your current licence stays valid during this time. Keep a record of when you mailed your renewal; if you haven't received your new licence within three weeks of mailing, contact ServiceOntario to confirm it was received.

Renewing in person at ServiceOntario

Find your nearest ServiceOntario office on the ServiceOntario website and check their hours — some offices have limited hours or are closed certain days. Bring your current licence, proof of residency, proof of identity if your name changed, and your glasses or contacts if you wear them. You'll take a vision test at the office; if you fail, you may need to see an eye care professional before you can renew.

The office will take a new photo, confirm your information, and process your payment on the spot. Your new licence is printed and issued the same day. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person, but in-person renewal is useful if your vision has changed or if you need your licence quickly.

Renewal fees and licence validity periods

Ontario driver's licences can be renewed for one, two, or five years. The longer the validity period, the higher the upfront fee, but you pay less per year. For example, a one-year renewal costs less than a five-year renewal, but if you renew every year, you'll pay more over time than if you'd renewed for five years once.

The exact fee depends on your licence class and the validity period you choose. Check the ServiceOntario website or call 1-800-387-3556 for current fees, as they change periodically. Payment methods vary by renewal route: online renewal accepts debit and credit cards, mail renewal requires a cheque or money order, and in-person renewal accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.

When you can't renew online or by mail

Some situations require in-person renewal. If your vision has changed, if you have a new medical condition that affects your driving, if your name has changed and you don't have legal documentation of the change, or if your current licence was suspended or cancelled, you must renew at a ServiceOntario office. The office staff can tell you what additional documents you need to bring.

If you're renewing a commercial licence (Class A, B, C, D, E, or F), you cannot renew online or by mail — you must visit a ServiceOntario office in person. Commercial licence renewals also require a medical examination form completed by a doctor, which you'll need to bring with you.

What happens if your licence expires

Your licence is still valid for a grace period after the expiry date printed on it — Ontario allows you to drive for up to one year after expiry while you're in the process of renewing. However, you cannot legally drive if your licence has been expired for more than one year. If you miss the one-year window, you'll need to reapply for a new licence rather than straightforward renew, which involves taking the written test and road test again.

Start your renewal at least four weeks before your licence expires to avoid any gaps. If you're renewing by mail or online, the processing and delivery time can push close to your expiry date, so earlier is safer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my licence if I'm not a resident of Ontario anymore?

No. You must be an Ontario resident to renew an Ontario licence. If you've moved to another province, you need to get a licence from that province. If you've moved out of Canada, contact ServiceOntario to find out how to handle your licence status.

What if my name has changed since my last licence?

Bring legal proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — when you renew in person. For online or mail renewal, you may need to visit a ServiceOntario office first to update your name on file before you can complete the renewal through those channels.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current licence. In-person renewal takes a new photo. If you want a new photo for an online or mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.

How long does it take to receive my licence if I renew online?

ServiceOntario processes online renewals within 10 business days, then mails your licence. Total time from submission to delivery is usually 10 to 15 business days, depending on postal delivery speed in your area.

What if I lose my licence before the new one arrives?

Contact ServiceOntario when ready. You can request a replacement licence at a ServiceOntario office while your renewal is being processed. You'll pay an additional fee for the replacement, but you'll have a valid licence to carry while you wait for your renewed one.