How to Renew Drivers Licence in Ontario

There are countless responsibilities that come with being a fully licenced driver in Ontario. Some examples of these responsibilities include following the rules of the road, buying car insurance and ensuring that your driver's licence is valid and up to date.

Renewing your driver's licence is a simple yet crucial process that drivers must undergo in Ontario. If you've recently moved to Ontario or simply need a brief refresher, we've got you covered.

Continue reading for an in-depth guide about renewing your driver's licence in Ontario, along with a number of commonly asked questions.

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Renew drivers licence Ontario — why is it important for drivers?

As mentioned earlier, the Ontario driving licence renewal process is crucial for drivers. The process is important because it allows the authorities to obtain updated information when they pull a driver over.

What are the penalties for driving with an expired driver's licence?

If you get caught driving with an expired licence, you can face a $260 fine. Additionally, driving with an expired licence voids your car insurance policy. So, if you happen to get into an accident that results in severe damage, injury or death, you won't receive any financial aid from your car insurance company (even if you aren't deemed at fault).

Speaking of car insurance in Ontario…

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How often do you need to renew your driver's licence in Ontario?

If you're under the age of 80, you have to renew your driver's licence every five years. Drivers aged 80 and over need to renew their driver's licence every two years.

Are you worried that you'll forget to renew your driver's licence on time? Not a problem; you can sign up for 30 or 60-day reminders via phone call, text or e-mail.

*Ontarians should note that they can also sign up for reminders for their health card or licence plate sticker renewal.*

Where to renew driver's licence in Ontario?

If you need to renew your driver's licence in Ontario, there are two options that you can choose from: in person at their local ServiceOntario or online.

Renew licence online Ontario — what do you need and how do you do it?

Renewing your driver's licence online is relatively easy. In order to renew your driver's licence online, you need to be able to provide the following information:

• Driver's licence number
• Seven-digit Trillium number (this can be found on the back of your driver's licence)
• Postal code

Once you have this information on hand, you simply follow the steps laid out in the digital renewal process.

If you are unable to access the licence renewal page or have further questions about how to renew driver licence online, you will need to visit your local ServiceOntario.

Can anyone in Ontario renew their driver's licence online?

Drivers can only renew their driver's licence online if they meet the following criteria:

• You have a G driver's licence or M-class licence that isn't cancelled or suspended
• You have a combination-class licence of G1M, G2M, GM1, GM2, M1 or M2 (please note that only the full portion of the licence will be renewed)
• You haven't changed addresses within the past 30 days
• You don't need to take any tests (written, road, vision, etc.)
• You are not removing a vision-impairing condition
• You have no serious medical conditions that can affect your driving abilities, judgement or performance
• You don't currently have unpaid fines or penalties related to moving violations (speeding/racing, careless driving, driving under the influence, etc.)

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

Like most things in life, renewing your driver's licence isn't free — the standard licence renewal fee in Ontario is $90 for a five-year period. If you need to update your driver's licence photo, you'll need to pay an additional $35.75. You need to update your photo every ten years for consistency.

Please note that these fees may vary based on your age (specifically if you're over the age of 76) or if the renewal period is less than five years.

You can pay for the renewal via Visa, Mastercard or Interac Online.

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

Drivers generally receive their new licence within four to six weeks. This applies to drivers that renewed their licence online and in person.

Does renewing your driver's licence influence your car insurance rates?

No, renewing your driver's licence will not impact your car insurance rates in Ontario. But, as mentioned earlier, if you're caught driving with an expired licence, your car insurance coverage will be void.

What happens if you renew a driver's licence that's already expired?

You are able to renew your driver's licence even if it's past the expiry date. However, if your licence is expired, then you'll need to download and print a temporary copy of your driver's licence. If you happen to get pulled over by the police, you can show the authorities a copy of the temporary licence.

Please note that you'll also need to download and print a temporary copy of your driver's licence if your licence is 28 days (or less) from expiry.

Want to learn more?

We hope that this guide gives you a better idea as to how and why you need to renew your driver's licence in Ontario. If you want to learn more about car insurance, the rules of the road and safe driving habits, be sure to visit our blog.