How To Change Information on a Vehicle Permit In Ontario?
Ontario residents are required by law to maintain current and accurate information on their vehicle permits (vehicle ownership documents). Under the Highway Traffic Act, vehicle owners must update their registration information within 6 days of any change to personal information, including address changes, name changes, or corrections to vehicle details. All updates must be processed in-person at ServiceOntario locations.
Change of Address Requirements
Ontario law mandates that vehicle owners update their address information within 6 days of moving. The process involves both online notification and in-person verification to obtain an updated physical permit document.
Address Update Process
Vehicle owners can initiate address changes through the online address change service, but must subsequently visit a ServiceOntario location to receive a new vehicle permit reflecting the updated address. Failure to present the existing original permit may result in replacement fees.
Required Documentation
Individuals updating their address must provide:
- Valid identification documents (such as an Ontario driver's licence)
- Original vehicle permit
- Proof of new address through acceptable documentation
Acceptable Address Documentation
Valid proof of address includes:
- Recent utility bills (gas, electricity, cable, telephone)
- Bank and credit card statements
- Insurance policies
- Government correspondence
Change of Name Procedures
Name changes on vehicle permits require specific documentation to verify the legitimacy of the requested modification. Vehicle owners must update their name information within 6 days of receiving official proof of name change, such as marriage certificates or legal name change certificates.
Legal Name Changes
Individuals who have completed formal legal name change processes must present their Change of Name Certificate issued by the Office of the Registrar General. This certificate serves as primary evidence of the official name modification and satisfies all documentary requirements for updating vehicle registration records.
Marriage-Related Name Changes
Married individuals wishing to adopt spousal names may present:
- Government-issued marriage certificates
- Valid identification documents containing the new name, date of birth, and photograph
Common Law Relationships
Ontario recognizes common law partnerships for name change purposes. Acceptable documentation includes:
- Statutory declarations confirming cohabitation relationships
- Joint financial documents demonstrating shared household arrangements
- Legal agreements establishing partnership status
These requirements ensure that name changes reflect genuine relationship commitments and prevent fraudulent document modifications.
Reverting to Previous Names
Individuals seeking to return to previously held names may present:
- Marriage certificates or divorce decrees
- Birth certificates showing original names
- Valid identification documents containing the previous name, date of birth, and photograph
Former Ontario residents who previously held driver's licences, identification cards, or vehicle registrations in their desired names may require reduced documentation, as ServiceOntario can verify previous registrations through provincial databases.
Amending Sex Information
Ontario permits individuals to update sex designations on driver's licences and identification cards to reflect "M" (male), "F" (female), or "X" (non-binary) designations. The province accommodates various circumstances through self-declaration processes and documentation requirements.
Sex Designation Changes: M to F or F to M
Individuals seeking to change their sex designation from male to female or female to male must visit a ServiceOntario centre and present original documentation indicating the updated designation. Acceptable documents include:
- Birth certificates
- Birth certificates with parental information
- Certified copies of birth registrations
Alternative Documentation Requirements
Applicants who do not possess acceptable birth documentation must provide two specific documents:
- A letter from a doctor licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario or a psychologist licensed by the College of Psychologists of Ontario, written on professional letterhead, stating that the change is appropriate and signed by the practitioner
- A personal letter from the applicant including the requested change, full name, current address, driver's licence number, and the name and address of the supporting medical professional
Non-Binary Designation Changes
Individuals seeking to change their sex designation to "X" (non-binary) can visit any ServiceOntario centre without presenting supporting documentation. This self-declaration process recognizes diverse gender identities and eliminates documentary barriers for non-binary individuals.
Medical Requirements
Surgery is not required as a condition for sex designation changes in Ontario. However, individuals who have undergone surgical procedures may present documentation from recognized specialists, such as the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health or comparable institutions, as alternative supporting evidence.
Application Process
ServiceOntario staff process sex designation change applications by reviewing submitted documentation, updating provincial records, and issuing new identification documents reflecting the requested changes. All supporting documents must be presented as originals, as photocopies are not acceptable for processing these requests.