For current renewal requirements, consult Ontario’s driver licence renewal service, Ontario’s expired-licence renewal guide, ServiceOntario’s driver and vehicle fee list, and Ontario’s current licence plate renewal rules.
You cannot legally drive once an Ontario driver’s licence expires. Renewal options depend on how long it has been expired, and some cases require a new photo, medical review or test. This guide explains online and in-person renewal, fees and processing times.
Note that renewing your driver’s licence is not the same as renewing your licence plates or renewing auto insurance.
How To Renew Your Driver’s Licence In Ontario
Start with Ontario’s online renewal service.
If you qualify, you can renew your driver’s licence online. If not, the service provides instructions to renew your licence in person. Bring your current driver’s licence or the identity documents ServiceOntario requests.
| Your situation | Likely route | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Licence is valid and the online service accepts the renewal | Renew online | After paying the required fee, a temporary validation document may be issued. Download it if one is issued, and keep it together with the old card until the new card arrives. |
| You need a new photo, a vision or other test, a medical review, or the online service says you are not eligible | Renew in person | Follow the instructions in your notice or online directions about your case. Bring the identification and supporting documents requested for your case. |
| Licence is already expired | Check the expired-licence service before attending | Longer expiries require in-person testing. Some recently expired licences may still qualify online. |
| You are age 80 or older | Use Ontario’s senior renewal process | The process includes an educational video before the appointment, a vision assessment and a five-minute screening exercise. Renewals are normally every two years. |
What if Your Ontario Driver’s Licence Has Expired?
| Time since expiry or cancellation | Government renewal requirement |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 year | Online renewal may be an option. Renewal will follow normal channels. |
| More than 1 year but less than 3 years | Renew in person and pass a vision test. |
| 3 years but less than 10 years | Pass a vision test, knowledge test and two road tests. |
| 10 years or more | You will need to reapply as a new driver and complete all of the required graduated-licensing waiting periods. |
These steps apply to renewing a full (non-novice) Ontario driver’s licence only. Special rules apply to renewing:
- novice licences
- commercial driver’s licences
- driver’s licences that were reviewed because of a medical condition
- out-of-province driver’s licences
- suspended licences
Renewing your Ontario driver’s licence won’t reinstate a licence that has been suspended. To reinstate a suspended driver’s licence, follow the reinstatement process.
Read More: See the Consequences of Driving Without a Valid Licence in Ontario
How Much Does It Cost To Renew Your Ontario Driver’s Licence?
The fee is the same to renew your Ontario driver’s licence online or in person. You should not need to visit a third-party website to renew your licence.
The regular fee for renewing your licence for five years is $90. The fee can differ if:
- your licence renewal is for less than five years
- you want your driver’s licence expiry date to match your government-issued card’s expiry date
- you need testing or additional services.
For more information on renewal costs, view Ontario’s current fees webpage.
How Long Will It Take To Receive Your New Driver’s Licence?
ServiceOntario mails new driver’s licence cards. It normally takes four to six weeks. ServiceOntario may give you a temporary document.
Always carry it along with your current driver’s licence card. The temporary document states how long the temporary authority remains valid.
If you don’t receive your driver’s licence within the given time, contact ServiceOntario before your temporary driving authorization expires.
How Driver’s Licence Renewal Affects Your Auto Insurance
If you renew your licence on time, it should not affect your auto insurance premium.
Driving after your licence has expired is illegal. If you are involved in an accident, notify your insurer and answer its questions honestly. The outcome of a claim depends on the circumstances of the crash and your policy wording.
Can You Renew Your Ontario Licence If It Is Lost?
A lost, stolen, or damaged licence will generally be replaced, not renewed.
In Ontario, you’ll need to use ServiceOntario’s process for replacing your driver’s licence. Be sure to have an accepted document that includes your legal name, date of birth, and signature.
Ontario Driver’s Licence Renewal Checklist
- Check the expiry date on your driver’s licence. You can also register to be notified when it’s time to renew your driver’s licence in Ontario.
- Renew online. The system will tell you how you need to renew.
- Follow instructions. Make sure you’ve completed any requirements, such as photo, vision, medical, or testing, before driving after expiry.
- If one is issued, keep the temporary document with your old driver’s licence card.
- Verify your mailing address. Follow up if you don’t receive your card when expected.