What you need to know about Ontario driver's licenses
An Ontario driver's license is issued by ServiceOntario and serves as your legal proof that you can operate a motor vehicle in the province. The license itself is a plastic card that expires every five years for most drivers, though the renewal process and requirements depend on your age, driving history, and whether you're getting one for the first time or renewing an existing license.
The process differs significantly between a first-time license and a renewal. First-time applicants must pass a written test on road rules, a vision test, and a road test before receiving a full license. Renewals are simpler — you typically renew by mail, online, or in person at a ServiceOntario office without retesting, unless you have medical conditions or your license was suspended.
Key Takeaways
- Ontario driver's licenses expire every five years, and you can renew up to nine months before the expiration date.
- First-time applicants must pass a written test, vision test, and road test; renewals do not require retesting unless your license was suspended or you have a medical condition.
- You can renew online through ServiceOntario's website, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office — online is the fastest option.
- The cost of renewal is $90 for a five-year license, and you will need your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residence.
- If your license is expired by more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a ServiceOntario office in person.
Getting your first Ontario driver's license
To get your first Ontario driver's license, you must progress through three stages: the G1 (written test), the G2 (road test with restrictions), and the full G license. You cannot skip stages or test out of them early.
The G1 stage begins when you pass the written knowledge test at a ServiceOntario office. You need to bring proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Insurance Number. The written test covers Ontario traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. Once you pass, you receive a G1 license valid for one year, during which you can only drive with a fully licensed driver in the car.
The G2 stage requires you to hold your G1 for at least one year and one day, then pass a road test at a DriveTest centre. During the G2 period (which lasts up to five years), you can drive alone but with restrictions: no driving between midnight and 5 a.m., and no more than one passenger under 20 years old unless they are family. Once you pass the G2 road test, you receive a full G license with no restrictions.
Renewing your Ontario driver's license online or by mail
If your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you can renew without visiting an office. Online renewal through ServiceOntario's website is the fastest method — you can complete it in minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail within 10 business days.
To renew online, you need your current license number, your date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the $90 renewal fee. You will also need to confirm your address and answer a few health questions (such as whether you have any medical conditions affecting your driving). ServiceOntario does not mail a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives.
Mail renewal is also an option if you prefer not to use the internet. You can request a renewal form by calling ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3556 or visiting a ServiceOntario office. Mail the completed form, your current license, and a cheque or money order for $90 to the address provided. Processing takes two to three weeks longer than online renewal.
Renewing in person at a ServiceOntario office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than one year ago, if you have a medical condition that may affect your driving, or if your license was suspended. You will need to bring your current license (or proof of identity if your license is lost), proof of residency, and payment of $90.
ServiceOntario offices are located across Ontario, and you can find the nearest one and book an appointment on the ServiceOntario website. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment wait times are typically shorter. If you have a medical condition, bring documentation from your doctor stating whether you are safe to drive — ServiceOntario may require a medical report form completed by your physician.
If your license was suspended, you cannot renew until the suspension period ends. Once it does, you can renew in person at any ServiceOntario office. Bring proof that the suspension has been lifted (such as a letter from the Ministry of Transportation) along with your other documents.
What documents you need for renewal
The documents required depend on whether you are renewing online, by mail, or in person. For online renewal, you only need your license number, date of birth, and a payment method. For mail or in-person renewal, you need your current license and proof of residency.
Proof of residency must show your current address and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax assessment from the past three months. If you have moved and your license still shows your old address, bring proof of your new address. If you have changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal name change document along with your current license.
If you are renewing after a suspension or medical issue, bring the relevant documentation: a letter from the Ministry of Transportation confirming the suspension has ended, or a medical report from your doctor if you have a condition affecting your driving ability.
Costs and timelines for renewal
A five-year Ontario driver's license renewal costs $90, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional fees unless you request a duplicate license (which costs $20) or need a medical report from your doctor (which you pay directly to the doctor, not to ServiceOntario).
Online renewal is the fastest: your new license arrives within 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you visit a ServiceOntario office — you receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card arrives by mail within 10 business days. You can renew up to nine months before your license expires, so plan ahead to avoid driving with an expired license.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a duplicate at any ServiceOntario office or by mail. A duplicate costs $20 and takes the same time as a renewal — 10 business days by mail. If you need to drive before your duplicate arrives, ask for a temporary paper license when you request the duplicate; ServiceOntario will issue one on the spot at an office visit.
To request a duplicate by mail, contact ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3556 and ask for a duplicate license form. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and keep a copy of the police report in case questions arise later about its use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Ontario driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to nine months before your license expires. This is useful if you are traveling or want to avoid the rush near the expiration date. The new license will have a new five-year expiration date from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Ontario and can result in a fine of up to $1,000. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew online or by mail. If it expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office.
Do I need a medical exam to renew my license?
Most drivers do not need a medical exam for renewal. However, if you have a medical condition that may affect your driving (such as vision problems, seizures, or dementia), ServiceOntario may ask you to provide a medical report from your doctor. The doctor completes a form stating whether you are safe to drive.
How long does it take to get a new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes 10 business days. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal gives you a temporary paper license when ready, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 10 business days. If you need to drive before your new card arrives, the temporary license is valid for 30 days.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
You can update your address during renewal. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the past three months) along with your current license. If you renew online, you will be asked to confirm your address during the process.