Updated October 2026

When was the last time you checked the expiry date on your Ontario driver's licence?

Most of us remember to renew our automobile insurance each year, but it can be surprisingly easy to overlook the expiry date on our driver's licence.

Driving with an expired licence can result in fines and potentially create complications if you are involved in an automobile accident.

Fortunately, Ontario has made it easier to renew your licence and receive reminders before it expires.

How Often Must You Renew Your Driver's Licence?

Most Ontario driver's licences are valid for five years.

Your expiry date is printed on the front of your driver's licence, and it is your responsibility to ensure that the licence remains valid.

You should not rely entirely on receiving a renewal notice in the mail.

Ontario has moved toward digital renewal reminders, meaning you may not receive the traditional paper notice you remember from previous years.

You Can Renew Your Driver's Licence Online

Many Ontario drivers can renew their licences online without visiting a ServiceOntario centre.

Generally, online renewal is available if you:

• Hold an eligible full driver's licence.

• Do not require a vision, written or road test.

• Have not changed your address within the previous 90 days.

• Do not have outstanding fines or penalties that prevent renewal.

• Meet the other eligibility requirements established by ServiceOntario.

You may also be able to renew your driver's licence and Ontario health card at the same time.

The standard cost of renewing a driver's licence for five years is $90, although fees may vary depending on your circumstances.

Your new licence will generally arrive by mail within four to six weeks.

To renew your licence, visit:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/renew-drivers-licence

Sign Up for Free Renewal Reminders

One of the easiest ways to avoid forgetting your renewal date is to register for ServiceOntario's free reminder service.

Eligible Ontario residents can receive reminders by:

• Email.

• Text message.

• Automated telephone call.

Reminders are generally sent 60 days and 30 days before your licence expires.

You can register for the service at:

https://www.ontario.ca/reminders

This service can also provide reminders for other eligible Ontario government documents, including health cards.

What Happens if Your Driver's Licence Expires?

If your driver's licence expires, you are no longer legally permitted to drive until your driving privileges are valid.

Depending on how long your licence has been expired, you may still be eligible to renew online.

However, if your full driver's licence has been expired for an extended period, you may be required to complete additional testing.

For example:

• Expired for one to three years: A vision test may be required.

• Expired for three to ten years: Vision, written knowledge and road tests may be required.

• Expired for more than ten years: You generally must reapply as a new driver and complete the applicable licensing requirements.

Different rules apply to novice drivers and certain other licence classes.

It is much easier to renew your licence before it expires than to deal with the additional requirements that may arise afterward.

Could an Expired Driver's Licence Affect Your Automobile Insurance?

This is an important question.

Ontario automobile insurance policies contain conditions relating to who is permitted to operate an insured vehicle.

Driving without a valid licence may create insurance complications, particularly if an accident occurs.

However, an expired driver's licence does not automatically mean that every automobile insurance claim will be denied.

The circumstances of the accident, the reason the licence was invalid, the applicable policy provisions and Ontario insurance legislation can all affect how a claim is handled.

An insurance company may also consider licensing-related offences when reviewing a driver's record, depending on the circumstances and its underwriting rules.

The best approach is to ensure that your driver's licence remains valid and that you meet all licensing requirements.

Special Requirements for Drivers Age 80 and Older

Ontario drivers who are 80 years of age or older must renew their driver's licences every two years.

The renewal process includes additional requirements, such as a vision assessment and a screening exercise.

Some drivers may also be required to complete further testing.

Information about the renewal process for senior drivers is available through ServiceOntario.

A Simple Reminder That Can Save You Trouble

Checking the expiry date on your driver's licence takes only a few seconds.

We recommend taking a moment to check your licence today and signing up for the government's free renewal reminders.

If your licence is approaching its expiry date, renew it before it expires.

At L.D. Dermody Insurance Brokers, we encourage our clients to keep their driver's licences, vehicle registrations and insurance information up to date.

A few minutes spent checking your documents today could help you avoid unnecessary problems tomorrow.

This article provides general information about Ontario driver's licence renewal requirements as of October 2026. Licensing requirements and fees may change. For current information, visit ServiceOntario or the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.