Ontario license plate renewal is important for keeping your vehicle legal and safe. Over 573,000 license plates expired in Ontario in 2023, showing how many drivers forget to renew. If you don’t renew, you could face fines of up to $1,000, and your car might be considered unregistered. This may cause issues with insurance or registration. While the process is now easier, it’s still important to understand the steps and deadlines. At G-Class Drivers School, we teach safe driving and help you stay informed about key tasks like license plate renewals. Let’s go through everything you need to know to keep your license plate up-to-date and avoid any trouble on the road.
What is Ontario License Plate Renewal?
License plate renewal is when you update your vehicle’s registration to keep it legal. In Ontario, this usually happens every one or two years. You can renew your plate up to 180 days before it expires, but it must be done by your birthday. If you don’t renew on time, you could face a fine of up to $1,000.
What’s New with Licence Plate Renewal in Ontario?
The Ontario government has made some changes to the license plate renewal process. Here’s what you need to know:
- No More Stickers or Fees:
Physical license plate stickers and renewal fees are no longer required for most vehicles like cars, motorcycles, and light trucks. You won’t need a sticker on your plate anymore. - Renewal is Still Required:
Even without stickers, you still need to renew your license plate to keep your registration valid. - Automatic Renewals for Clean Record Drivers:
Starting in 2024, drivers with no insurance issues, unpaid tolls, or fines will get their license plates renewed automatically. If you have any issues, you’ll need to renew your plate manually online or at ServiceOntario. - How to Renew Your Licence Plate:
To renew, provide your plate number, permit number, insurance details, and odometer reading, and pay any fines. You can renew online or visit ServiceOntario. Most vehicles don’t require a renewal fee.
These updates make the renewal process easier, but it’s important to stay on top of it to avoid penalties.
Who Needs to Renew Their Licence Plate?
Renewal requirements depend on the type of vehicle you own.
Automatic Renewals
If you own a passenger vehicle, light truck, or motorcycle, your plate renewal may happen automatically. Just make sure you don’t have unpaid fines or overdue documents.
Manual Renewals
Some vehicles still require manual renewal, such as:
- Heavy commercial vehicles
- Buses or school buses
- Snowmobiles
- Older vehicles (made before 1983)
How to Check if Your Licence Plate is Expired
You can easily check if your licence plate is expired using one of these methods:
- Online: Visit the ServiceOntario website and use the “Licence Plate Expiry Checker.” You’ll need your licence plate number and permit number, found on your vehicle’s green permit.
- In-Person: Go to your nearest ServiceOntario location and ask a representative to check the status of your licence plate.
- By Phone: Call ServiceOntario at 416-235-2999 or toll-free at 1-800-387-3445 for assistance.
How to Renew Your Licence Plate?
Ontario license plate renewal is quick and easy. Here’s a simple guide to help you to know the renew process.
1. Pay Any Outstanding Fees
Before Ontario license plate renewal make sure to pay any unpaid fines, tolls, or fees (such as parking tickets or speeding fines). If you have unpaid fees, you won’t be able to renew your license plate.
2. Have Your Insurance Ready
Your vehicle must have valid insurance to renew your license plate. The Ministry of Transportation will verify your insurance details during the renewal process.
3. Gather the Required Information
To renew your plate, you’ll need:
- License plate number
- Vehicle permit number (found on your green ownership slip)
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Odometer reading
4. Renew Online or In-Person
- Online: Visit the ServiceOntario website to renew your plate in just a few minutes.
- In-Person: You can also visit a ServiceOntario location and complete the renewal with help from a representative.
5. Choose Your Renewal Period
You can renew your license plate for one or two years. For most vehicles, this renewal is free of charge. After completing the renewal, you’ll receive a digital receipt (if done online) or a printed By following these steps, you can easily keep your vehicle’s registration up-to-date and avoid any fines.
What Happens If You Don’t Renew?
Driving with an expired license plate can lead to:
- Fines of up to $1,000.
- Suspension of your vehicle registration, making it illegal to drive.
Renewing on time will help you avoid these problems and keep your vehicle roadworthy.
Can I Renew My Ontario Licence Plate Online & is There an HST Charge?
Yes, you can renew your Ontario license plate online, and it’s easy! You can do it from home, saving time and effort. Just visit the Ontario license renewal page with the necessary information, and you’ll get a confirmation email in minutes.
There is no HST charge for renewing your licence plate.
Also, keep in mind that you won’t get a new sticker in the mail, as they’re no longer needed for most vehicles.
What Happens If I Get Into an Accident with an Expired Plate?
If your license plate is expired and you get into an accident, your insurance claim might be denied. Many insurance companies won’t cover the damage if your plate is expired, and you could be stuck paying for repairs yourself. It can also cause problems when you try to renew your insurance later. Make sure to keep your license plate up-to-date to avoid these issues.
Can I Remove Old Stickers from My Licence Plate?
Yes, you can remove old stickers from your license plate if you wish, but it’s not necessary.
If you prefer to renew your license plate in person, visit a ServiceOntario location. You can find a nearby location and its hours on the ServiceOntario website.
When Should I Renew My Licence Plate?
You can renew your Ontario license plate online up to 180 days before it expires. It’s a good idea to plan at least a month to ensure you don’t miss the renewal window. Once your plate has expired, you can no longer renew it online.
Where Can I Renew My Ontario Licence Plate?
You can renew your license plate online or at a nearby ServiceOntario location. If you’re renewing a farm or heavy commercial vehicle over 3,000 kg, you’ll need to renew in person. Make sure to check the nearest ServiceOntario location, as not all of them accept cash.
Did You Receive a Refund for Your Past Licence Plate Sticker Fees?
In 2022, many drivers in Ontario received a refund for part of the fee they paid for their last license plate sticker renewal. This happened because the sticker program and its fees were canceled on March 13, 2022. This change saves drivers between $60 and $120 per year.
However, there are some exceptions. Certain vehicles still require a renewal fee and are not eligible for a refund, including:
- Trailers
- Snowmobiles
- Buses
- Commercial vehicles
For most other vehicles, license plate renewal is now free, and no sticker is needed.
How to Renew a Heavy Commercial Licence Plate in Ontario
Commercial vehicles like buses, school buses, farm-plated vehicles, and those with a Registered Gross Weight (RGW) of over 3,000 kg need to renew their plates every 3 to 12 months. Here’s a simple guide on how to do it:
- Make sure your vehicle has active commercial vehicle insurance before renewing.
- Commercial drivers will continue to receive a licence plate sticker. The renewal fee depends on the type of vehicle and its weight.
- What You’ll Need:
- Licence plate number
- Vehicle permit number
- Insurance details (company name and policy number)
- Odometer reading
- Payment for any fines, tolls, or fees
- Renewal fee payment
- Emissions test (for heavy-duty diesel vehicles)
- Seating capacity (for buses or school buses)
- You can renew your commercial vehicle plates up to 90 days before they expire. Check the expiry date on your vehicle permit.
Once you complete the renewal, law enforcement will be updated right away to confirm your plate is renewed.
How to Get an Ontario Licence Plate Sticker Refund?
The Ontario government will automatically send your license plate sticker refund to the address on file with your driver’s license. If you haven’t received it, contact ServiceOntario.
Note: The following vehicles are not eligible for a refund and will still require a renewal fee:
- Heavy commercial vehicles (over 3,000 kg)
- Farm vehicles
- Buses and school buses
- Snowmobiles
- Off-road vehicles
- Trailers
Final Thoughts
License plate renewal in Ontario has become easier, but it’s still a necessary step to keep your vehicle legal and safe on the road. At GClass Drivers School, we’re here to help you with more than just driving lessons. We’ll guide you through all the responsibilities of being a driver, from staying safe on the road to keeping your vehicle compliant with the law.
Let G-Class Drivers School be your partner in learning to drive and navigating important tasks like license plate renewal. With our help, you’ll always be prepared to drive with confidence and stay on top of your vehicle’s needs!
