Ontario Licence Renewal

Why licences need periodic renewal

A full G licence is generally valid for a multi-year period — commonly cited as up to 5 years — before it needs to be renewed. Renewal gives ServiceOntario a chance to confirm your photo, address, and other details are current, and in some cases to check vision or other eligibility requirements. Because exact validity periods can vary based on individual circumstances, your renewal notice or licence itself is the most reliable place to confirm your specific expiry date.

How you’re typically notified

ServiceOntario generally sends a renewal notice as your licence approaches its expiry date. It’s worth not relying solely on that notice arriving, though — mail can be delayed or missed, and keeping your address up to date with ServiceOntario is part of what makes the renewal notice system work in the first place.

How renewal is typically done

Licence renewal can usually be completed online, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario location, depending on your situation and licence class. Online and mail renewal are generally the most convenient options when no test or updated photo is required, while some circumstances may require an in-person visit. Because available renewal channels and any associated requirements can change, it’s a good idea to check the current options directly with ServiceOntario before you renew, rather than assuming a specific method will be available.

We intentionally don’t quote a specific renewal fee here, since fees are set by ServiceOntario and can change — confirm the current amount at the time you renew.

What happens if you don’t renew on time

Letting a licence lapse past its expiry date without renewing creates its own complications, separate from a suspension. See our page on driving on an expired Ontario licence for the general consequences of driving on an expired licence, and why timely renewal is worth prioritizing even when it feels like a routine task.

Renewal for new drivers

G1 and G2 licences also have their own validity considerations tied to the graduated licensing timeline rather than a standard renewal cycle. If your G1 or G2 is at risk of expiring before you’ve completed the next stage, see getting a G2 licence or getting a full G licence for the timelines involved.

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