Renewing an expired driver’s licence in Ontario may feel overwhelming, but the process is more straightforward than many drivers expect. Whether your licence has expired for a few weeks or several years, the steps you’ll need to take depend on how long it’s been since the expiry date. Knowing the rules, timelines, and requirements can save you stress, prevent costly penalties, and help you get back on the road legally and safely. So let’s learn how to manage expired licence renewals.
What to Know Before Renewing
In Ontario, you need to renew your driver’s licence card usually every five years. You may receive a renewal notice in the mail or by email about two or three months before your licence expires. It is illegal to drive with an expired, cancelled, or suspended driver’s licence.
You can sign up for digital reminders to receive your renewal notices by email or text.
Online Licence Renewal Eligibility
You can renew online if you:
- Have a full licence (G, M or GM class) that isn’t cancelled or suspended
- Have a combination class of G1M, G2M, GM1, or GM2 (only the full portion will be renewed online)
- Haven’t updated your address within the last 90 days
- Don’t need tests (vision, written, or road)
- Are not removing a vision condition
- Have no new medical conditions that may prevent you from driving
- Don’t have outstanding fines or penalties
You may be able to renew both your driver’s licence and Ontario photo health card if they expire at the same time and you don’t need a photo.
Expired Licence Renewal: Renew Online
To renew online, you need:
- Your driver’s licence number
- The seven-digit trillium number found on the back of your driver’s licence
- Your postal code
- Your health card (if you are renewing it)
In-Person Expired Licence Renewals
If your driver’s licence had expired or been cancelled before March 1, 2020, you cannot renew online. Instead, you must:
- Visit a DriveTest centre or book an appointment at ServiceOntario Bay and College (Toronto)
- Bring original identification that shows your legal name, date of birth, and your signature
- Pass any required tests, such as vision, written, or road tests
- Pay a $90 fee, plus the cost for any tests you may have to take
Cost and Delivery of New Licence
The fee is $90 for a five-year licence. The costs may vary if:
- The renewal period is not for a full five years. For example, the expiry date on your driver’s licence is changing to match the expiry date on your health card.
- You are over 76 years of age.
After you renew, your new driver’s licence card will be mailed to you within four to six weeks. In many cases, you may be able to renew online if your licence has expired or been cancelled. Special renewal rules were introduced for licences, vehicle permits, and carrier products that expired on or after March 1, 2020. Most of these remained valid until February 28, 2022, but must now be renewed. Novice drivers (G1, G2, M1, or M2) have until December 31, 2022, to complete their testing to keep or upgrade their licence.
For full details on affected products and deadlines, visit ontario.ca/RenewalDeadlines.
Length of Expiry Matters
The amount of time that has lapsed since your last renewal will determine how and where you may renew your expired licence:
Less than 12 months: You can renew it at ServiceOntario or online
- Online: If your licence has expired for less than a year, and no information like your address has changed, you can renew online at the Ontario website.
- ServiceOntario: If your address has changed or you prefer to renew in person, visit a ServiceOntario centre.
- Required: You’ll need your licence, acceptable identification (like a passport or birth certificate), and the renewal fee (currently $90).
One to Three-Year Expiries
- DriveTest Centre: You need to visit a DriveTest Centre for a vision test.
- Required: You’ll need your expired licence, acceptable identification, and the vision test fee.
Important Notes: You will need to present original, acceptable identification (like a passport or birth certificate) at the DriveTest Centre or ServiceOntario.
Three to 10-Year Expiries
- DriveTest Centre: You’ll need to visit a DriveTest Centre for the following:
- A vision test for your eyes
- A written knowledge test
- Two road tests (G1 and G2)
- Required: You’ll need your expired licence, acceptable identification, and the necessary test fees.
You can book your first road test as soon as you pass your written and eye tests. As soon as you pass your G1 road test, you are allowed to schedule your G2 road test.
For expirations more than 10+ years
If your licence has expired for more than 10 years, you must reapply as a new driver and cannot fast-track the process. You must serve all mandatory waiting periods.
- DriveTest Centre: You will need to complete the entire Graduated Licensing Program, starting with the vision test, written knowledge test, and both road tests (G1 and G2).
- Required: You’ll need your expired licence, acceptable identification, and the necessary test fees.
Fees for Expired Licence Renewal
There are fees associated with renewing an expired licence, including the renewal fee and any test fees.
- Temporary Licence: If your application is in order, you may receive a temporary driver’s licence on the spot, valid for a limited time while you wait for your new one to be mailed.
- Consequences of Driving with an Expired Licence: Driving with an expired licence can result in fines, penalties, and insurance complications.
Additional Timeline Details & Special Considerations for Licence Renewal in Ontario
1. Grace Periods & Online Renewal Eligibility
Licences expired less than one year ago (for full G or M classes) may still be renewed online, provided there have been no changes to your address, medical or vision status, and you don’t need a new photo.
Novice licences (G1/G2, M1/M2) do not offer grace periods—once expired, you must start the process over as a new driver.
2. Commercial & Novice Licences
Novice licences (G1/G2, M1/M2): No grace period—expired licences require reapplication as a new driver unless you already booked a road test before expiration (in which case, limited extensions or a one-day temporary licence may be granted).
3. Commercial Licences (A-F)
Expired less than three years: Visit DriveTest, complete vision and written knowledge tests (plus RoadTest if required), and submit a medical exam report.
Expired more than three years: Must reapply for a Class G licence (with complete testing) before reapplying for the commercial class—additional requirements may include criminal record checks, vision, written and road tests, and medical exam.
4. Drivers Aged 80 or Older
Licence renewals must be done every two years, not five.
Each renewal requires a vision screening, attendance at a group learning session, possibly another road test, and an update to your driving record.
5. Temporary Driver’s Licence (TDL)
If renewing in-person or online when the licence is expired or nearing expiry (within 28 days), you’ll receive a Temporary Driver’s Licence—valid for 90 days, allowing you to drive while you wait for your permanent card to arrive. Keep it with your expired licence while driving.
Expired Licence Renewal: Final Thoughts
Renewing an expired licence in Ontario may feel overwhelming, but with proper preparation, it’s a straightforward process. Keeping your driver’s licence and car insurance up to date is key to maintaining both independence and peace of mind. For more driving resources or questions about insuring your vehicle as a senior, contact isure for expert guidance or request a quote today.
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