Driver's License Renewal In Ontario

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Ontario—
Drivers License—
Renewal

When To Renew Your Driver's License In Ontario

In Ontario, driver's licenses must be renewed every five years for drivers under 80 and every two years for drivers aged 80 and above. The renewal process can be initiated up to 180 days before the expiration date, which is printed on the front of the license card.

It is crucial to renew the license before it expires to maintain valid driving privileges and avoid penalties. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) typically mails renewal notices to the address on file 90 days before the license expiration date. Still, it is the driver's responsibility to ensure their license remains valid.

Ministry of Transportation (MTO)

Address: 777 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M7A 1Z8

Phone Number: 1-800-268-4686

Official Website

How To Renew Your Driver's License In Ontario

To renew a driver's license in Ontario, drivers can follow these steps:

  1. Gather the required documents:
  • A valid Ontario driver's license
  • Proof of identity (e.g., passport, birth certificate)
  • Visa or Mastercard
  1. Choose a renewal method:
  1. Pay the applicable renewal fee:
  • $90 for a 5-year renewal

  1. Pass a vision test (if required)

  2. Receive the renewed license by mail within 4-6 weeks

Note that drivers with medical conditions or those over 80 may have additional requirements, such as a medical examination or a driver's record review before their license can be renewed.

How To Renew Expired Driver's License In Ontario

If a driver's license has expired, the renewal process is similar to renewing a valid license, with a few additional steps:

  1. Gather the required documents.

  2. Visit a DriveTest Centre in person or online through the ServiceOntario website (You cannot renew online your driver’s license If it was expired or canceled before March 1, 2020)

  3. Pay the applicable renewal fee plus any additional fees or fines for the expired license

  4. Pass a vision test

  5. Retake the knowledge test

  6. Retake the road test

  7. Receive the renewed license by mail within 4-6 weeks

It is important to note that driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in fines, demerit points, and potential license suspension. Drivers should renew their licenses promptly to avoid these consequences.

How Much Is a Driver's License Renewal In Ontario?

The cost of driver's license renewal in Ontario depends on the license type and the chosen renewal period. As of 2024, the fees are as follows: $90 for a 5-year renewal

Additional fees may apply for expired licenses or those requiring retesting.

Where To Renew Your Driver's License In Ontario

Driver's licenses in Ontario can be renewed at any ServiceOntario center throughout the province or online.

To find the nearest ServiceOntario center, drivers can:

  1. Use the online location finder tool on the ServiceOntario website

  2. Call ServiceOntario at 1-800-267-8097 (TTY: 1-800-268-7095) for assistance

To renew online, make sure you have the right to do so.

Can I Renew My Driver's License Online In Ontario?

Yes, eligible drivers can renew their licenses online through the ServiceOntario website. To renew online, drivers must:

  • Have a valid Ontario driver's license that is not suspended, cancelled, or expired for more than one year

  • Have a ServiceOntario account

  • Have a valid credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Interac)

  • Not be subject to any additional requirements, such as a medical examination or a driver's record review

Online renewal is convenient and can be done 24/7, making it an ideal option for many drivers. The renewed license will be mailed to the driver's address within 4-6 weeks.

However, drivers not meeting the eligibility criteria for online renewal must renew their licenses in person at a ServiceOntario center.

What Documents Are Needed To Renew A Driver's License In Ontario

To renew a driver's license in Ontario, drivers must provide the following documents:

  • A valid Ontario driver's license

  • The 7-digit trillium number found on the back of your driver’s licence

  • Postal code

  • Health card (if you are renewing it)

  • Your Visa or Mastercard

If the driver's name or address has changed since the last renewal, additional documentation, such as a marriage certificate or a legal name change document, may be required.

Can I Drive With An Expired License In Ontario?

No, driving with an expired license in Ontario is illegal and can have severe consequences. According to the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), drivers must hold a valid driver's license to operate a motor vehicle on Ontario's roads.

What Is The Fine For Driving With An Expired License In Ontario?

According to the Highway Traffic Act, the fine for driving with an expired license in Ontario ranges from $200 to $1,000. The exact amount depends on the circumstances and the length of time the license has been expired.

Drivers may receive demerit points and have their licenses suspended for up to two years in addition to the fine. Repeated offenses can lead to higher fines and longer suspensions. To avoid these penalties, always renew your license before it expires.

How Long Does It Take To Renew A Driver's License In Ontario?

The time it takes to renew a driver's license in Ontario depends on the renewal method:

• Online renewals are processed immediately, and the new license is mailed within 5-10 business days

• In-person renewals at a ServiceOntario center are completed on the spot, and you receive your new license at the end of the transaction

• Mail renewals can take 4-6 weeks to process and receive the new license

To ensure timely renewal, starting the process well before your license expires, especially if renewing by mail is best.

Is A Medical Examination Required To Renew A Driver's License In Ontario?

In Ontario, the requirement for a medical examination to renew a driver's license depends on the driver's age and license class:

• Drivers under 65 with Class G licenses do not require a medical examination for renewal.

• Drivers under 65 with Class A, B, C, E, or F licenses must pass a vision and knowledge test every five years. Still, a medical examination is only required periodically, depending on their specific age.

• Starting July 1, 2018, drivers under 65 with Class D licenses must also pass a vision and knowledge test every five years and periodically submit a satisfactory medical report, depending on age, to maintain their Class D license.

• Drivers aged 65 to 79 with Class A, B, C, D, E, or F licenses must pass a vision, knowledge, and road test if they have an at-fault collision or accumulate three or more demerit points. They also need to submit a medical report periodically.

• Drivers 80 and over with Class A, B, C, D, E, or F licenses must pass a vision, knowledge, and road test before each license renewal and submit a satisfactory medical report.

While most Class G drivers do not need a medical examination for renewal, commercial license holders (Class A, B, C, D, E, or F) have age-specific requirements for periodic medical reports to maintain their licenses.

Do I Have To Renew A Lost Driver's License In Ontario

If a driver's license is lost, stolen, or damaged, the driver must replace it immediately. In Ontario, replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license follows a similar process to renewing an expired license:

  1. Gather the required documents:
  • Proof of identity (e.g., passport, birth certificate)
  • Proof of Ontario residency (e.g., utility bill, bank statement)

  1. Visit a ServiceOntario center in person (replacement by mail or online is not available)

  2. Report the lost, stolen, or damaged license to the ServiceOntario representative

  3. Pay the replacement fee ($33.75 as of 2023)

  4. Have a new photo taken

  5. Receive a temporary driver's license to use until the permanent one arrives by mail (within 4-6 weeks)