Driver's Licence Renewal in Ontario: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Co-Authored by Michelle Bragg, VP Personal Lines, RIBO-Licensed Broker, BIG

How Do I Renew My Driver's License in Ontario?

To renew your driver's licence in Ontario, you can complete the process online through ServiceOntario if you're eligible, or visit a ServiceOntario centre in person. You'll need your current licence, payment for the renewal fee, and a vision test if renewing in person. Most Ontario drivers receive a renewal notice approximately six months before their licence expires, and you can renew up to 180 days in advance.

Renewing your driver's licence is one of those tasks that sneaks up on you—until you spot that expiry date and realize it's closer than you thought. The good news? Ontario makes the renewal process straightforward, whether you prefer handling it online from your kitchen table or visiting a ServiceOntario centre in person. This guide walks you through every step, from checking your eligibility to understanding renewal fees, so you can stay legally licensed without the last-minute scramble.

Your driver's licence isn't just a piece of plastic, it's tied to your insurance record, your driving abstract, and your ability to drive legally in Ontario. Keeping it current matters for more than just avoiding fines. Let's break down exactly how to renew your licence, what it costs, and what to do if yours has already expired.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Always consult a licensed insurance broker for advice specific to your situation. For official information about driver's licence renewal in Ontario, visit Ontario.ca.

Who Needs to Renew Their Driver's License in Ontario?

Every Ontario driver's licence has an expiry date printed on the card, typically on your birthday in the fifth year after issue. According to the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), most Class G licences are valid for five years, and you're required to renew before the expiry date to continue driving legally.

You should renew your licence if:

• Your current licence expires within the next 180 days
• You've received a renewal notice from the MTO
• Your licence has already expired (you can still renew, but there are restrictions)
• You're updating personal information like your address or name

Ontario automatically sends renewal notices approximately six months before your licence expires. These notices include your renewal reference number, which you'll need for online renewal. If you didn't receive a notice, you can still renew; it just means you'll need to visit a ServiceOntario centre in person.

Your licence status appears on your driver's abstract, which insurance companies check when setting your premiums. A lapsed or expired licence can raise red flags during policy renewals or when you're shopping for car insurance. Keeping your licence current demonstrates to insurers that you're maintaining your legal driving status.

How to Renew Your Ontario Driver's Licence Online

The fastest way to renew most Ontario driver's licences is through ServiceOntario's online portal. Online renewal is available for standard Class G licences if you meet specific eligibility criteria.

Who Can Renew Online?

You're eligible for online renewal if:

• You hold a Class G, G1, or G2 licence
• Your licence is not expired by more than three years
• You don't require a vision test (required every second renewal for drivers under 80)
• You haven't changed your name, gender, or organ donation status since your last renewal
• You're not required to submit medical documentation

If you need a vision test or are updating personal information, you'll need to renew in person at a ServiceOntario centre.

Step-by-Step Online Renewal Process

1. Gather your information: You'll need your current driver's licence, renewal reference number (from your notice), and a valid credit or debit card
2. Visit the ServiceOntario website: Go to Ontario.ca and select the online renewal option
3. Enter your details: Input your licence number, renewal reference number, and date of birth
4. Confirm your information: Review your name, address, and other details on file
5. Pay the renewal fee: The standard five-year renewal fee is $90 as of 2026
6. Receive confirmation: You'll get an email confirmation, and your new licence arrives by mail within two to three weeks

Your temporary licence confirmation allows you to drive legally while waiting for your new card. Keep the email confirmation accessible, as you may need to show it if you're pulled over or need to provide proof of licence to your insurance broker.

How to Renew Your Licence in Person at ServiceOntario

If you're not eligible for online renewal, or if you simply prefer handling the process in person, visiting a ServiceOntario centre is straightforward. In-person renewal is required if you need a vision test, are updating personal information, or are renewing an expired licence that's been lapsed for more than three years.

What to Bring to ServiceOntario

When you visit a ServiceOntario centre, bring:

• Your current driver's licence or renewal notice
• Proof of identity (if your licence has been expired for an extended period)
• Payment (credit, debit, or cash accepted at most locations)
• Proof of address if you're updating your information

The In-Person Renewal Process

1. Locate your nearest ServiceOntario centre: Use the ServiceOntario website to find hours and locations
2. Complete a vision test: If required, you'll read letters from a standard eye chart. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them
3. Update your information: Confirm your address and personal details are current
4. Have your photo taken: ServiceOntario takes a new photo for your licence card
5. Pay the renewal fee: The fee is the same whether you renew online or in person
6. Receive your temporary licence: You'll get a paper temporary licence valid until your new card arrives

Your new licence card typically arrives by mail within 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within four weeks, contact ServiceOntario to request a replacement.

Vision tests are mandatory every second renewal for drivers under 80 and at every renewal for drivers 80 and older. If you don't pass the vision test, you may be referred for a comprehensive eye exam before your licence can be renewed.

Driver's Licence Renewal Fee Ontario 2026

The cost to renew your Ontario driver's licence depends on the length of renewal you choose. Most drivers opt for the standard five-year renewal.

Standard Renewal Fees (2026):

• Five-year renewal: $90
• Two-year renewal: $36 (available in limited circumstances)
• One-year renewal: $18 (typically for medical or conditional licences)

The five-year renewal is what most Ontario drivers select. According to the Government of Ontario’s newsroom on licence fee increases, the fee covers administrative costs, and transit infrastructure maintenance.

Payment methods include:

• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• Debit card
• Cash (in-person only)

The renewal fee is separate from any outstanding fines or penalties on your driving record. If you have unpaid parking tickets or other violations, you may need to clear those before renewing. Outstanding fines can also affect your car insurance rates, so it's worth addressing them promptly.

How to Renew an Expired Driver's Licence in Ontario

Life gets busy, and sometimes your licence expires before you get around to renewing it. The good news? You can still renew an expired Ontario driver's licence, though the process depends on how long it's been expired.

Expired Less Than Three Years

If your licence has been expired for less than three years, you can renew it without retaking any tests. You'll follow the same process as a standard renewal, either online or in person, depending on your eligibility.

However, driving with an expired licence is illegal in Ontario. If you're caught driving with an expired licence, you will face fines and potential insurance complications. If your licence expires, stop driving immediately and arrange alternative transportation until you've renewed.

Your insurance company expects you to maintain a valid licence at all times. Driving without one could void your coverage in the event of an accident, leaving you personally liable for damages and injuries. A BIG broker can review your policy to help you understand how licence status affects your coverage.

Expired More Than Three Years

If your licence has been expired for more than three years, the renewal process is more complex. You'll need to:

• Visit a ServiceOntario centre in person
• Provide identification documents
• Complete a vision test
• Potentially retake written and road tests, depending on how long your licence has been lapsed

According to the MTO’s guide on renewing expired licences, if your licence has been expired for more than three years but less than 10 years, you may need to retake the G1 written test and complete the graduated licensing program again. Beyond 10 years, you'll need to start from scratch as a new driver.

Does Your Driver's Licence Renewal Affect Your Insurance?

Your driver's licence status is directly connected to your car insurance. When you renew or apply for coverage, insurance companies in Ontario review your driver's abstract: an official record maintained by the MTO that includes your licence class, status, and driving history.

Why Insurers Check Your Licence Status

Insurance companies use your driver's abstract to assess risk and set premiums. A current, valid licence demonstrates that you:

• Meet legal requirements to drive
• Have maintained your driving privileges
• Are subject to ongoing MTO monitoring

An expired licence—even temporarily—can raise concerns for insurers. It may suggest lapses in vehicle use or gaps in coverage, both of which can affect how insurers evaluate your profile.

Keeping Your Insurance Updated

When you renew your licence, you don't need to immediately notify your insurance company, they'll see the update on your next driver's abstract review. However, if you change your address during renewal, that's a different story. Your address directly impacts your car insurance rates, and you're required to notify your insurer within a specific timeframe.

If you've recently renewed your licence after a long lapse, or if you've had any changes to your driving status, it's worth connecting with a BIG broker. We can review your driver's abstract, confirm your policy reflects current information, and help you find coverage that fits your situation.

G Licence Renewal Ontario: What You Need to Know

The Class G licence is Ontario's standard full driver's licence. If you hold a G licence, your renewal process is straightforward. You'll follow the standard renewal steps outlined above, whether online or in person.

G2 to G Upgrade During Renewal

If you hold a G2 licence and it's approaching expiry, consider upgrading to your full G before renewing. Your G2 is valid for five years from when you pass your G1 exit test, but if you're nearing the expiry date and haven't completed your G road test, you'll need to renew your G2 licence to continue driving.

Upgrading from G2 to G before renewal can simplify your insurance situation. Many insurers offer better rates for full G licence holders compared to G2 drivers, particularly after age 25. According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), graduated licensing status remains a rating factor in Ontario auto insurance until drivers reach full G status.

A BIG broker can explain how your licence class affects your insurance premiums and help you understand potential savings once you upgrade to a full G licence.

How to Update Your Address During Licence Renewal

If you've moved since your last licence renewal, you're legally required to update your address with the MTO within six days of moving. You can update your address:

• During your licence renewal (online or in person)
• Separately through the ServiceOntario website
• By visiting a ServiceOntario centre

Your address affects your car insurance rates significantly. Insurers use postal codes to assess risk factors like theft rates, accident frequency, and claims history in your area. Urban addresses typically result in higher premiums than rural ones, and even moving a few blocks can change your rate.

Critical insurance note: When you update your address with the MTO, you must also notify your insurance company. Failing to update your address with your insurer can result in denied claims or policy cancellation. Your policy is specific to the address where your vehicle is principally garaged, and that must always reflect your actual residence.

What Happens If You Don't Renew Your Licence on Time?

Driving with an expired licence in Ontario is illegal and carries serious consequences. If you're pulled over with an expired licence, you face:

• Fines starting at $200 to $1,000 for a first offence
• Potential vehicle impoundment
• Ticket or charge that appears on your driving record
• Insurance complications or denied claims

Beyond legal penalties, an expired licence creates insurance risk. If you're involved in an accident while driving without a valid licence, your insurance company may deny your claim. This means you'd be personally responsible for property damage, injuries, and legal costs—potentially tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If you notice your licence has expired, stop driving immediately. Arrange alternative transportation and renew as soon as possible. The renewal process is quick and affordable—far less expensive than the legal and financial fallout of driving without a valid licence.

How Licence Renewal Connects to Your Driving Record

Every time you interact with the MTO—whether renewing your licence, reporting a change of address, or receiving a speeding ticket—the information is recorded on your driver's abstract. This official document tracks:

• Your licence class and status
• Demerit points
• Convictions (speeding, distracted driving, etc.)
• Suspensions or restrictions
• Licence renewals and gaps

Insurance companies review your driver's abstract regularly, particularly at policy renewal. A clean abstract with a current licence demonstrates responsible driving behaviour, which can help you qualify for better insurance rates.

If you're unsure what's on your driver's abstract, you can order a copy directly from ServiceOntario. Reviewing your abstract before your insurance renewal gives you a chance to address any errors or understand how recent tickets might affect your premium.

Want to understand how your driving record affects your insurance rates? A BIG broker can walk you through your abstract and help you find coverage that reflects your actual risk profile.

Special Circumstances: Medical Conditions and Licence Renewal

Some Ontario drivers are required to submit medical reports during licence renewal. The MTO may request medical documentation if:

• You've been diagnosed with a medical condition that could affect driving (diabetes, heart conditions, seizures, etc.)
• You've had a recent hospitalization or surgery
• You're over 80 years old (mandatory vision and medical review)
• You've been involved in certain types of accidents

If the MTO requests a medical review, you'll receive notice explaining what documentation is required. You may need your doctor to complete forms confirming your fitness to drive. The process can take several weeks, so start early if you know a medical review is coming.

Medical conditions don't automatically disqualify you from driving, but they may result in conditions on your licence—such as "corrective lenses required" or restrictions on night driving. These conditions appear on your licence card and are enforced by law.

Your insurance company doesn't require notification of most medical conditions, but you're obligated to maintain a valid licence with any conditions the MTO imposes. If you're unsure how a medical condition might affect your coverage, speak with a BIG broker for guidance specific to your situation.

Tips for a Smooth Licence Renewal Experience

Renewing your Ontario driver's licence doesn't have to be stressful. Follow these tips for the smoothest experience:

1. Set a calendar reminder: Add a note six months before your expiry date so you're never caught off guard
2. Check your eligibility for online renewal: If you qualify, online renewal saves time and hassle
3. Keep your renewal notice: The reference number speeds up online renewal
4. Update your address first: If you've moved, update your address before renewing
5. Book ServiceOntario appointments: If you're renewing in person, book ahead during busy seasons
6. Review your driver's abstract: Check for errors or issues that might complicate renewal
7. Notify your insurance broker: If you change your address or upgrade your licence class, let your broker know

Think of licence renewal as routine maintenance, like getting your car serviced or replacing tires. It's a simple task that keeps everything running smoothly and prevents much bigger problems down the road.

Licence Renewal for Seniors in Ontario

Drivers aged 80 and older face additional requirements when renewing their Ontario driver's licence. These requirements are designed to ensure all drivers remain safe on the road as they age.

Senior Renewal Requirements

• At age 80, you must:
• Renew your licence in person every two years (instead of five)
• Complete a vision test at every renewal
• Participate in a Group Education Session (a 45-minute in-person session about senior driving safety)

Complete an in-class screening (evaluating cognitive and physical abilities)

These requirements may sound daunting, but they're designed to identify potential safety concerns early while allowing seniors to continue driving independently when appropriate. According to the Government of Ontario, many seniors maintain full driving privileges, with an estimated 700,000 senior drivers on the road by 2034.

If you're approaching 80 or helping a family member navigate senior licence renewal, the Official MTO Driver's Handbook provides detailed information about the process.

Senior drivers often qualify for insurance discounts based on years of experience and safe driving records. If you or a family member are navigating senior licence renewal, request a quote and a BIG broker will review your insurance options and help you find coverage that recognizes your experience behind the wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Driver's Licence Renewal in Ontario\

How much does it cost to renew my driver's licence in Ontario?

The standard five-year driver's licence renewal in Ontario costs $90 as of 2026. You can also choose a two-year renewal for $36 or a one-year renewal for $18 if your circumstances require shorter terms. Payment is accepted by credit card, debit card, or cash.

Can I renew my Ontario driver's licence online?

Yes, most Class G, G1, and G2 licence holders can renew online through ServiceOntario if they don't require a vision test, aren't updating personal information, and their licence hasn't been expired for more than three years. Online renewal is the fastest option.

What happens if I drive with an expired licence in Ontario?

Driving with an expired licence is illegal and can result in fines between $200 and $1,000, vehicle impoundment, and insurance complications. If you're in an accident with an expired licence, your insurance company may deny your claim, leaving you personally liable.

How long does it take to receive my new driver's licence?

If you renew online, your new licence typically arrives within two to three weeks. In-person renewals usually result in delivery within 10 business days. You receive a temporary licence confirmation to use while waiting for your card.

Do I need to notify my insurance company when I renew my licence?

You don't need to notify your insurer when you renew your licence, but you must inform them immediately if you change your address during renewal. Address changes directly affect your insurance premiums and policy validity.

What documents do I need to renew my driver's licence in person?

Bring your current driver's licence or renewal notice, payment, and proof of identity if your licence has been expired for an extended period. If you're updating your address, you may need proof of residence.

Keep Your Licence Current, Keep Your Coverage Solid

Renewing your driver's licence in Ontario is a straightforward process when you know what to expect. Whether you renew online from home or visit a ServiceOntario centre in person, staying on top of your expiry date ensures you remain legally licensed and avoid unnecessary complications with your insurance.

Your licence is more than just permission to drive, it's a key piece of your insurance profile. Insurance companies rely on your driver's abstract to assess your risk and set your premiums, and maintaining a current licence demonstrates responsible driving behaviour.

Renewing your licence? Make sure your car insurance is up to date too. A BIG broker can review your coverage, confirm your policy reflects your current licence status and address, and help you find the best rates for your situation. Whether you're a new G licence holder, a senior navigating additional requirements, or simply need to confirm your coverage is current, we're here to help.

Get a car insurance quote from BIG or visit our car insurance page to learn more about how we can support you as you stay safe, and legal on Ontario roads.