According to the law, even a professional driver is only legally mandated to drive if he has a renew drivers licence. Licences allow you to drive a particular type of vehicle. So it’s necessary to have your driving licence renewed if it expires. You might not know how to make it happen or what choices are accessible to you. Fortunately, the process is the same whether you need to replace or renew your driver’s licence in Hamilton or a smaller city.
How often do I renew?
An Ontario driver’s licence is valid for 5 years. You can renew online or at a ServiceOntario centre. The fee is $90 for a 5-year licence and may differ if the renewal period is not a full 5 years or if you are over 76. Your new licence arrives by mail in 4 to 6 weeks.
Can I renew online?
You can renew online if you:
- hold a full licence (G, M or GM) that is not suspended or cancelled
- have not changed your address in the last 90 days
- do not need a vision, written or road test
- have no new medical condition that may affect your driving
- have no outstanding fines or penalties
You need your licence number, the 7-digit trillium number on the back of the licence and your postal code.
Renewing in person
If you are not eligible online, visit a ServiceOntario centre.
What if my licence has expired?
- Less than 1 year: renew as usual.
- 1 to 3 years: a vision test is required.
- 3 to 10 years: vision test, written knowledge test and two road tests (G1 and G2).
- More than 10 years: you must re-apply as a new driver and complete the waiting periods.
- Licences that expired on or after March 1, 2020 may be renewed online. Older ones must be renewed in person.
Turning 80?
Drivers aged 80 and over renew every 2 years. See our Seniors Driving Test Ontario guide.
