How Do You Renew Your Driver's Licence in Ontario?
Renew your Ontario driver's licence every 5 years through ServiceOntario online, in person, or by mail. The cost is approximately $90 for the card renewal. You can renew up to 180 days before your expiry date. If your licence has been expired for more than 1 year, you may need to retest.
Key Facts
- Expired less than 1 year: you can renew without any retesting. Simply visit ServiceOntario and pay the renewal fee
- Expired 1 to 3 years: you must retake and pass the written knowledge test (G1 test) before your licence is renewed
- Expired more than 3 years: you must restart the entire graduated licensing process from the beginning (G1 written test, then G1 waiting period, then G2 road test, etc.)
- Driving with an expired licence is an offence under the Highway Traffic Act with fines of $200 to $1,000
In this article
How Do You Renew Your Licence?
According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, you can renew your driver's licence through three methods: online at ServiceOntario.ca (most convenient), in person at any ServiceOntario location, or by mail if you receive a renewal notice. The online option is available for straightforward renewals where no new photo is required. When a new photo is needed (typically every other renewal cycle), you must visit a ServiceOntario centre in person.
How Much Does Renewal Cost and When Should You Renew?
The cost to renew a standard Ontario driver's licence is approximately $90 for a 5-year renewal. This covers the licence card fee. You can renew up to 180 days (about 6 months) before your licence expiry date. ServiceOntario sends a renewal reminder to your address on file about 60 to 90 days before expiry. It is a good practice to renew as soon as you receive the notice to avoid forgetting.
What Happens If Your Licence Expires?
The consequences of an expired licence depend on how long it has been expired:
- Expired less than 1 year: you can renew without any retesting. Simply visit ServiceOntario and pay the renewal fee
- Expired 1 to 3 years: you must retake and pass the written knowledge test (G1 test) before your licence is renewed
- Expired more than 3 years: you must restart the entire graduated licensing process from the beginning (G1 written test, then G1 waiting period, then G2 road test, etc.)
- Driving with an expired licence is an offence under the Highway Traffic Act with fines of $200 to $1,000
What Do You Need to Bring for an In-Person Renewal?
When renewing in person at a ServiceOntario location, bring your current driver's licence (even if expired), the renewal notice if you received one, and an acceptable form of payment (credit card, debit card, cash, or cheque). If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. You will need to have a new photo taken if your current card photo is from two renewal cycles ago. The new licence card is typically mailed to your address within 4 to 6 weeks.
Are There Special Rules for Senior Drivers?
According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, drivers aged 80 and older must renew their licence every 2 years instead of every 5 years. The senior renewal process includes a vision test, a written knowledge test about the rules of the road, and a mandatory group education session at a ServiceOntario location. A road test may also be required if there are concerns about driving ability. There is no fee for the senior licence renewal itself, though the licence card fee still applies.
Related Questions
How Do You Check Your Demerit Points in Ontario?
You can check your demerit points by requesting your driver's record online through ServiceOntario for a $12 fee, or by visiting a ServiceOntario location in person. Your record shows demerit points, licence status, and any convictions.
Read answerHow Long Is Your G1 Licence Valid in Ontario?
A G1 licence is valid for 5 years from the date it is issued. You must pass the G2 road test before your G1 expires. If it expires, you must restart the entire process, including retaking the written knowledge test.
Read answerWhat Happens If Your G1 Licence Expires in Ontario?
If your G1 licence expires in Ontario before you pass the G2 road test, it becomes invalid and you cannot legally drive. You must restart the graduated licensing process from scratch: write the G1 knowledge test again, pay the fee, and wait the required holding period before attempting the G2 road test.
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