Nobody likes that sinking feeling when you unexpectedly realize it’s time to renew your Ontario licence renewal. Thankfully, the process of renewing a driver’s licence in Ontario has never been easier. It takes as little as six to eight minutes, and we’ve got an easy step-by-step guide on how to renew your driver’s licence in Ontario. 

First, a quick word of warning. It’s up to you to remember to renew your licence. Don’t put this off. Driving with an expired licence is illegal, and could result in a hefty fine under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. Depending on the circumstances, it may not result in any demerit points, but it could potentially affect your auto insurance. Not only that, but if you’re involved in a collision and need to make an auto insurance claim your insurer will want to see you have a valid licence.

(On a lighter note, here in Ontario we spell it the Canadian way “driver’s licence” not “driver’s license” in case you were wondering!)

When do you need to renew your Ontario driver’s licence?

Ontario driver’s licences must be renewed every five years. If, however, you’ve turned 80 years old, then you’ll need to renew your licence every two years.

Hot tip: Ontario offers free driver’s licence renewal reminders via e-mail, text or call. All you have to do is sign up. 

Don’t wait. Once your driver’s licence expires it gets harder and harder to renew. After three or more years with an expired licence, you’ll need to do a new driving test. (And nobody wants to go through that again!)

When can you renew your Ontario driver’s licence?

The best time to renew your Ontario driver’s licence is six to two months before its expiry date. Why? It takes four to six weeks for a new licence to arrive by mail, and you can start the licence renewal process up to 180 days (roughly six months) prior to the expiry date.

What do you need for Ontario Licence Renewal? 

To renew online, you’ll need the following:

•                              Your 15-digit driver’s licence number (found on the front of the licence)

•                              The 7-digit trillium number (found on the back of the licence)

•                              Your postal code

•                              A payment method (VISA or Mastercard)

To renew in person at a ServiceOntario location, you’ll need:

•                              Your current driver’s licence

•                              Your postal code

•                              A payment method (cash, debit, credit cards, etc.)

Where can you renew your Ontario driver’s licence? 

You can either renew your licence online or in person at a ServiceOntario location. If you’re renewing a licence at ServiceOntario, we’d highly recommend booking an appointment in advance because it’ll save you some time waiting in line.

Online driver’s licence renewal

To avoid the trip to ServiceOntario, you can easily renew your driver’s licence online if you meet the following criteria: 

•                              You have a full licence (G, M or GM class) that isn’t cancelled, suspended, or expired for more than 12 months

•                              You have a combination class of G1M, G2M, GM1, or GM2 (only the full portion will be renewed online)

•                              You haven’t updated your address within the last 90 days

•                              You don’t need driving tests (vision, written, or road)

•                              You're not removing a vision condition

•                              You have no new medical conditions that may prevent you from driving

•                              You don’t have outstanding fees, fines or penalties

In-person driver’s licence renewal

If you don’t meet all of the above criteria or if you’d rather go in person to renew your driver’s licence, then you can go to a ServiceOntario location. Again, we’d advise booking an appointment in advance to avoid what can sometimes be a very long lineup.

How to renew your Ontario driver’s licence

Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to renew your driver’s licence in Ontario: 

1.     Determine whether you can renew online, or whether you need to (or simply want to) renew in person.

2.     Gather all necessary documents as listed above.

3.     Complete the renewal process either:

a.     Online, at the official Ontario website. The driver’s licence renewal process takes roughly 6 to 8 minutes to complete online. It involves inputting information from your documents, and answering basic questions about any relevant medical conditions and your vision.

b.     In-person at ServiceOntario. You’ll be asked to present your documents to a representative from ServiceOntario. They may ask you questions about any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive, and whether you need glasses or contact lenses.

4.     Pay the renewal fee online or in person.

5.     You will receive (or be able to download and print) a temporary driver’s licence that is valid for 90 days.

6.     Congratulations! Your new Ontario driver’s licence should arrive in the mail in 4 to 6 weeks. In the unlikely event it doesn’t, visit a ServiceOntario location.

How much does it cost to renew your Ontario driver’s licence?

Typically, it costs $90 to renew your driver’s licence. However, the fees vary if you’re not getting the typical five-year licence — for example, if you are 76 or older. Of course, before you can renew your licence, you’ll need to pay any outstanding fees, fines or penalties.

What happens if you get caught with an expired licence in Ontario?

Driving with an expired licence is illegal in Ontario, and pretty much everywhere else. You could get a hefty fine from the police, although this doesn’t necessarily come with any demerit points, it could potentially affect your auto insurance. If you’re involved in a collision and need to make an auto insurance claim your insurer will want to see you have a valid licence.

Can you still renew an expired Ontario licence?

Whether or not you can renew an expired Ontario driver’s licence depends on how long it has been expired for.

•                              If your licence has been expired for one to three years, you must take a vision test.

•                              If your licence has been expired for three to 10 years, you must take a vision test, written knowledge test and two driving tests (G1 and G2) although you can skip the customary waiting period between tests.

•                              If your licence has been expired more than 10 years, you must re-apply as a new driver.

How can I save on auto insurance when renewing my driver’s licence?

Keeping your licence up to date is a key part of being a responsible driver. With Sonnet auto insurance, anyone that has a history of safe, responsible driving could be eligible for certain discounts or savings. For example, being claims-free for six years and showing good driving behaviour — going three years without a driving conviction — are just some of the ways you can save on auto insurance with Sonnet.