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Expired Licenses and Renewals

If you want to drive anywhere in Ontario, you must have a valid driver’s license. If it is expired, canceled, suspended, or invalid, you cannot legally operate a vehicle anywhere in Ontario. It is common to renew every 5 years, although some renewal cycles can differ. Here is a complete rundown of the process.

Expired Licenses and Renewals

Renewing Your Driver’s License

To renew, you should visit Service Ontario. They process most renewals for G Class and M Class licenses. If you are a commercial driver, DriveTest will process those license renewals.

To keep you ahead of the renewal time, check your license expiry date printed on your license photo card. You are responsible for keeping it valid. You would typically get a renewal notice in the mail when it is due for renewal, provided the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has your correct address.

If Your License Has Expired

If your driver’s license has expired, you must renew it in person at Service Ontario and not online. You do not need to visit DriveTest unless you need to take a test or are renewing a commercial license.

The requirements to renew an expired G or M Class license will differ from an expired A, B, C, D, E, and F Class commercial license.

Out of Province During Time of Renewal

For Ontario drivers, you can renew up to 180 days prior to the expiry date. You may want to do it early if you know you will be out of the province when it expires. If you are out of Ontario more than 180 days prior to the expiry date, you may be eligible for a one-time extension.


G Class or M Class Expiries and Renewals

There is a difference in renewal processes for novice drivers and fully licensed drivers.

Out of Province During Time of Renewal

Renewal Requirements for Novice Drivers of G1,
G2, M1, or M2 Classes

Once a novice class of G1, G2, M1, M2, or M2 with condition L expires, it is not renewable. You re-apply as a new driver at a DriveTest Centre unless you have a road test.

If you have booked a road test before the expiry date:

Renewal Requirements for Novice Drivers of G1 or G2 Classes

G1 or G2 Classes

You may be able to qualify for an extension until the date of your road test date by visiting a DriveTest Centre.

Renewal Requirements for Novice Drivers of M1 or M2 Classes

M1 or M2 Classes

Any M1 Class license holder who has a road test booked before the license expiry date may obtain a temporary license valid only for the day of the road test.

If your novice class license has expired for less than three years, you generally do not need to serve the mandatory waiting periods, as per the Graduated Licensing Program.

Renewal Requirements for G or M Class Licenses

If you have a full license but it has expired, the process to renew it depends on how long the license has
expired. For those under 80 years of age, the following provides further information.

Full License Expired Less Than 12 Months

  • Visit Service Ontario to renew
  • No tests are required

Full Licence Expired for 1 – 3 Years

  • Visit any DriveTest Centre
  • Must successfully complete a vision test

Full License Expired for 3 – 10 Years

  • Visit any DriveTest
  • Successfully complete the written knowledge test
  • Successfully complete a vision test
  • Pass both road tests, the G2 and G, or M2 and M. You are able to book your first road test once you pass your knowledge test and vision test, with no required waiting period. You are able to book your G or M road test once you successfully pass your first road test, with no required waiting period.

Full License Expired for 10+ Years

  • Visit any DriveTest Centre
  • Successfully complete the written knowledge test
  • Successfully complete a vision test
  • Must pass both road tests after meeting the waiting period requirements as it applies to G2 and G, or M2 and M Classes.

Commercial License Expiries and Renewals

As a commercial driver, renewing well before it expires is very important.

An expired commercial license of A, B, C, D, E, and F Class means that your G Class license is also expired as well. If it has been more than three years since it expired, you will need to re-apply for a G Class license. You must meet all the requirements of G Class graduated licensing, including passing all the required G Class tests. Once this is complete, you can be eligible to re-apply for any commercial licenses.

The following provides the requirements for people under 80 years of age who need to renew a commercial license.

Commercial License Expiries and Renewals

License Expired for Less Than 3 Years

  • Visit any DriveTest Centre
  • Pass a vision test
  • Pass a written knowledge test
  • Take and pass a road/practical test if required, but generally not required
  • Submit a clean medical examination report

License Expired for More Than 3 Years for A, C, D, and F Class

  • Visit any DriveTest Centre
  • Must re-apply for your G Class license
  • Re-apply for your commercial license
  • Pass a vision test
  • Pass a written knowledge test
  • Take and pass a road/practical test
  • Submit a clean medical examination report
  • If applying for a B or E Class license, participate in a criminal record search

Process for Renewing an Expired Licence

The process for renewing an expired license is essentially the same for all
classes of license and is as follows:

1

Visit Service Ontario or DriveTest Centre.

If your G Class or M Class license has expired for less than 12 months, you must visit a Service Ontario office. If you require any test or have a commercial license, you must go to DriveTest.

2

Bring identification.

To renew an expired license, bring your expired license if you have it, as well as identification that shows your legal name, date of birth, and signature. For any variation between the name on the legal identification pieces you provide and the name on your expired license, you will need to provide an appropriate identification to link the name.

3

Take any required tests.

Any tests needed would include vision, written knowledge, and road tests.

4

Retake your photo taken if required.

A photo may be required to update your new license.

5

Pay fees.

Set fees by the MTO are subject to change.

6

Obtain your temporary license.

Once you have met each requirement, you will receive a temporary license. This license allows you to drive and is valid for 90 days. You should receive your permanent license in the mail within 90 days. If you do not receive it before the expiry date of your temporary license, please visit Service Ontario.

7

Enjoy your license

You’ve earned the privilege of driving in Ontario. Give yourself reminders of the renewal dates that it does not expire. If it does and you need help renewing it, let Trubicars help you!

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