How to Renew Your Driving License in Ontario, In Ontario, renewing your driving license is an important responsibility to ensure you remain legally able to drive. Driving with an expired license can result in fines or other penalties, so it’s essential to know when and how to renew it. Whether you’re renewing in person, online, or by mail, this guide will walk you through the entire process of driving license renewal in Ontario.
When Should You Renew Your Driving License?
Ontario driver’s licenses are valid for five years. You will receive a renewal notice from ServiceOntario about 90 days before your license expires. It’s a good idea to renew your license before it expires to avoid penalties. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you won’t be able to drive until the renewal is complete.
Ways to Renew Your Ontario Driving License
You have three main options for renewing your driving license in Ontario: online, in person, or by mail.
1. Renewing Online
One of the easiest ways to renew your driving license in Ontario is through ServiceOntario’s online platform. You can renew online if:
- Your license is not expired for more than 12 months.
- You have a full Class G, M, or GM driver’s license.
- Your address on file is up to date.
- You do not need to update your photo.
Steps to Renew Online:
- Visit the ServiceOntario website and choose the “Renew a Driver’s License” option.
- Log in using your driver’s license number, the renewal notice (if you have it), and other personal information.
- Pay the renewal fee online using a credit card or debit card.
- Once complete, you’ll receive a temporary license that you can print and use until your new one arrives by mail.
2. Renewing In Person
If you prefer or need to renew your license in person (for example, if you need to update your photo or address), you can visit a ServiceOntario center. This option is available if:
- You’ve received a renewal notice stating you must update your photo.
- Your license has been expired for more than 12 months.
- You have a Class G1, G2, M1, or M2 license.
Steps to Renew In Person:
- Bring your current driver’s license and the renewal notice to a ServiceOntario center.
- If necessary, complete an eye test and have a new photo taken.
- Pay the renewal fee.
- You will receive a temporary paper license, and the new card will be mailed to you.
3. Renewing by Mail
If you are temporarily outside of Ontario or have specific circumstances, you may be eligible to renew your driving license by mail. This option is typically used if you are living outside of the province but still maintain your Ontario residence.
Steps to Renew by Mail:
- Contact ServiceOntario to request a renewal package.
- Fill out the form and provide the required documentation.
- Pay the renewal fee by including payment information or a cheque.
- Mail the completed package to the address provided by ServiceOntario.
- Once processed, your new driving license will be mailed to your Ontario address.
Renewal Fees
The cost to renew your driver’s license in Ontario is CAD 90 for most people. If you are aged 80 or older, or if you are renewing a different class of license, the fee may vary. You can check the exact amount on your renewal notice or on the ServiceOntario website.
What Happens if Your License is Expired?
If your driving license is expired, you are not legally permitted to drive until it is renewed. If your license has expired for more than 12 months but less than 3 years, you will need to renew in person, and you may be required to retake some driving tests. If your license has been expired for more than 3 years, you will need to reapply for a new license, which includes passing a vision test, knowledge test, and road test.
Renewing for Senior Drivers (Aged 80+)
Drivers aged 80 and above must renew their driving license every two years. In addition to the regular renewal process, senior drivers are required to complete:
- A vision test.
- A group education session.
- A review of their driving record.
- Two short exercises to test memory and cognitive skills.
There are no road tests required for senior drivers unless there are concerns about their driving abilities.
Conclusion
Renewing your driving license in Ontario is a simple process as long as you keep track of when your license expires and follow the correct steps. Whether you choose to renew online, in person, or by mail, make sure to complete the renewal on time to avoid penalties and keep yourself safe on the road. With ServiceOntario’s convenient options, you can complete your renewal in a way that best fits your schedule and circumstances.
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