How to Renew a Driver's License in Ontario
If your Ontario driver’s license expires soon, learn how to renew it by checking out our guide here. Holding a valid Ontario driver’s license allows you to commute locally and will enable you to travel across Canada and explore all that the country has to offer. However, you cannot do this with an expired license, so knowing the renewal process in Ontario is essential.
Here’s a guide on how to renew your driver’s license in Ontario to help you keep driving.
Necessary Documents Required for Renewal of Your Ontario Driver’s License?
- You must provide certain essential documents to renew your Ontario driver’s license.
- These documents are required to verify your identity and eligibility to continue driving in Ontario.
- First, bring your current driver’s license, which is your primary identification and provides the seven-digit Trillium number needed for renewal.
- Check the expiry date on your license before visiting the Service Ontario center or renewing online.
- You can only renew your license for up to six months before it expires.
You must provide your current postal code along with your driver’s license. If you have a G1 or G2 license, you must prove that you have completed a course in driver’s education. This course helps new drivers understand road rules and build the skills for safe vehicle operation. Completing this course indicates your dedication to safe driving and readiness to advance to a full G license.
To simplify your renewal process, ensure you have all the necessary documents ready before going to a Service Ontario center or renewing your license online. Please complete the required documentation to avoid delays or result in your renewal application being rejected. Therefore, carry all the essential documents before starting your Ontario driver’s license renewal process.
Having the relevant documents in hand makes the renewal process quick and smooth.
How to Renew Your Driver’s License Online in Ontario?
To make license renewal process much easier, Ontario now provides an online renewal services. This convenient service lets you renew your license from the comfort of your home, avoiding visiting a Service Ontario center.
To renew your Ontario license online, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- You must be under 80 years of age.
- Your full license (G, M, or GM) must be active, not canceled or suspended, and should be expired for up to 12 months.
- You should not change your address within the last 90 days.
- You are not required to undergo a vision, written, or road test.
- You are not dealing with a vision condition.
- There should be no new medical conditions affecting your driving ability.
- You must have no unpaid fines.
To renew your license online, visit the Service Ontario website and follow these instructions:
- Scroll to the “Renew your products online” section and select “driver’s license.”
- Choose “Renew driver’s license and health card” or “Renew driver’s license.”
- Review the details on the next page, then click “Order now” at the top.
- Enter the required details on the “Online driver’s license renewal” page, including your driver’s license number, Trillium number, and postal code. Agree to the certification at the bottom of the page and then click “Add to my order.”
- Follow the remaining instructions and enter your payment details to finalize the renewal.
Renewing your Ontario driver’s license online is quick and easy of traveling to a Service Ontario center. You can quickly complete the renewal process by following the steps. Ensure you have all the necessary documents and details ready before beginning the renewal license process to avoid delays.
How to Renew an Ontario Driver’s Licence in Person
There are situations where online renewal of your Ontario driver’s license is impossible, such as holding only a G1 or G2 license or needing a vision test. Some people also prefer to renew their license in person to avoid the possibility of mistakes on their renewal application.
If renewing in person is your preference or requirement, you can visit a Service Ontario center. The process for in-person renewal is similar to the online method, with the main difference being that a Service Ontario representative will input all your information for you.
To renew your license in person, you should:
- Provide the required documents
- Pay the necessary fees
- Take any required tests, such as a vision test
- Get your photo taken (this is optional in many situations)
- Wait for your new driver’s license to be processed and issued
Renewing your driver’s license in person usually takes longer and involves additional steps than online renewal. However, it might be required if you need to complete a test that cannot be done online.
How Seniors Renew their Driver’s License in Ontario
At age 80, the renewal process for your driver’s license in Ontario changes to reflect the physical changes that often occur with age. These changes may include new medical conditions, declining vision, and more. You will receive a driver’s license renewal application and a letter explaining the renewal process roughly 90 days before your license expires. Complete the application at your convenience.
Next, watch the educational video for senior drivers and review the Official Ministry of Transportation Driver’s Handbook. To arrange your Senior Driver Group Education session and license renewal, call the contact center between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday at 1-800-396 4233 or 413-235-3579 if you are in the Greater Toronto area. During the call, you must provide your driver’s license number, inform them of any language barriers, and indicate if you need special accommodations.
When you go to the Senior Driver Group Education session, ensure you have your driver’s license, renewal application, vision correction tools, and hearing aids if applicable. You will watch the educational video again during the session, take a vision test, and participate in a five-minute in-class screening exercise.
The screening exercise consists of three steps:
- Drawing a large circle.
- Arranging numbers to resemble the face of a clock.
- Drawing the clock hands to show the time as 10 minutes past 11.
You can renew your license once the session is complete by paying the $36 renewal fee. Remember that the Service Ontario representative may note any concerns from your session and ask you to complete a road test, schedule a doctor’s appointment, or consult an optometrist for vision correction before your renewal can be finalized.
Get Ready to Become a Pro Driver with Our Canada Learners Practice Test
In conclusion, renewing your driver’s license is simple when you have the necessary documents and follow the guidelines. Embark on your journey to get an Ontario Driver’s License with our G1 Practice Test Online. Our questions are equivalent to the G1 test. Attempting our mock tests will boost your confidence to take the actual test. Our G1 Practice Test Ontario focuses on driving aspects covered in the official driver’s manual. These inputs will guide you in preparing for the G1 Knowledge Test, through which you can easily pass the exam. All our practice tests are carefully crafted to provide you with the same interface as the official G1 exam. Become comfortable with the questions and build confidence along the way.