What Is The Process For License Plate Renewal In Ontario?
Ontario has implemented an automatic license plate renewal system for eligible vehicles. Your license plate is automatically renewed 90 days before expiration if your plates are eligible.
For eligible vehicles (passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles under 3,000 kg, motorcycles, and mopeds), the renewal happens automatically without any action required from you.
However, you must have valid insurance and no outstanding fines or tolls for this automatic process to work.
If your plates are not eligible for automatic renewal, you'll need to renew them manually either online through ServiceOntario or in person at a ServiceOntario location.
Which License Plates in Ontario Are Not Renewed Automatically
The following license plates will not be automatically renewed in Ontario
- Commercial and business vehicles
- Motorhomes
- Vehicles manufactured before 1983
- Buses and school buses
- Snowmobiles
Additionally, heavy commercial vehicles (which includes buses, school buses, and farm plated vehicles) require manual renewal
If you own any of these vehicle types, you must continue to renew your license plate through one of these methods
Online renewal - Available for eligible vehicle types with valid insurance and no outstanding fines
In-person renewal - At any ServiceOntario location
When Should I Renew My License Plate In Ontario?
The timing of license plate renewal in Ontario depends on your vehicle type and eligibility status. For vehicles eligible for automatic renewal, the system renews your plate 90 days before expiration without any notification to you.
If your plate cannot be automatically renewed due to issues with insurance or outstanding fines, ServiceOntario will contact you at specific intervals.
- 90 days before expiration
- 45 days before expiration
- 10 days before expiration (for digital reminders)
- By mail 90 days before expiration (if not signed up for digital reminders)
You can check your license plate expiry date online to verify your current status.
Even if your license plate has expired, you can still renew it online or in person after resolving any outstanding issues.
How Can I Renew My License Plate In Ontario?
In Ontario, you can renew your license plate through the following methods:
- Online: Visit the ServiceOntario website and complete the online renewal process. You will need:
- your license plate number
- your vehicle permit number
- your insurance company name and policy number
- your odometer reading
- to pay any defaulted fines, tolls or fees
- an emissions test if you are renewing for a heavy commercial diesel vehicle
- In-person: Visit a ServiceOntario center to renew your license plate.
Can I Renew My License Plate From Ontario Online?
Yes, you can renew your license plate online in Ontario, provided you meet specific eligibility requirements. Online renewal is available for passenger vehicles, light-duty commercial vehicles under 3,000 kg, motorcycles, mopeds, and motorized snow vehicles.
To renew online, you must have:
- Valid vehicle insurance
- No outstanding fees, penalties, or tolls
- Your vehicle information (license plate number and permit number from your green ownership document)
- Insurance information (for businesses only)
- Odometer information
- A Visa or Mastercard for payment
You can also create a ServiceOntario account to manage your renewals and receive notifications.
If I Have Outstanding Fines In Ontario, Can I Still Renew My Plate?
No, you cannot renew your license plate in Ontario if you have outstanding fines, penalties, or tolls. For automatic renewal eligibility, you must pay defaulted driver fines and fees, pay outstanding vehicle fines, penalties or tolls, and ensure you have valid vehicle insurance.
If you have outstanding issues, ServiceOntario will contact you, and you'll need to resolve these matters before renewal.
You can pay driver fines online through the designated ServiceOntario system, and for other penalties like 407 ETR tolls, you should contact the issuing authority directly.
Can Someone Else Renew My License Plate For Me In Ontario?
Yes, Ontario allows authorized representatives to handle vehicle-related transactions on behalf of vehicle owners with proper documentation. For specific authorization requirements, contact ServiceOntario at 1-800-267-8097 or visit a ServiceOntario centre to understand the exact requirements. For online renewals, you would need to provide the authorized person with all necessary information, including your vehicle details and payment method.
What Is The Penalty In Ontario For Driving With An Expired License Plate?
Under the Highway Traffic Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. H. 8), driving with an expired license plate in Ontario can result in fines ranging from $60 to $1,000.
Is A License Plate Sticker Required In Ontario?
No, as of March 13, 2022, a physical license plate sticker is no longer required in Ontario. The province has eliminated the need for vehicle owners to display a validation sticker on their license plates.
What Documentation Is Needed To Renew A License Plate In Ontario?
To renew your license plate online in Ontario, you need several key pieces of information and documentation:
- Vehicle information (license plate number and permit number, found on your green ownership document)
- Insurance information (required for businesses)
- Odometer reading
- Valid Visa or Mastercard for payment
For automatic renewals, no documentation is required from you, but the system verifies that you have valid insurance and no outstanding fines or tolls.
Is Insurance Required To Renew License Plates In Ontario?
Yes, insurance is required to renew license plates in Ontario. According to the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (R.S.O. 1990, c. C.25), all vehicles registered in Ontario must have valid automobile insurance to operate on public roads.
What Is The Fee For License Plate Renewal In Ontario?
As of March 13, 2022, the Ontario government has eliminated license plate renewal fees for passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and mopeds. This means that most vehicle owners in Ontario no longer need to pay a fee to renew their license plates.