Losing your driver’s licence or having it stolen or damaged can be a stressful experience. Fortunately, the process to replace it is straightforward, and we’ve outlined the steps you need to follow in Ontario.
If You are in Ontario:
Visit a ServiceOntario Centre:
The first step is to visit a ServiceOntario centre in person. Keep in mind that there is a fee of $35.75 associated with this process.
Required Identification:
When you visit the centre, ensure you have a personal identification document that verifies your name, date of birth, and signature.
Valid options include a passport, a photo health card, or a birth certificate issued by a Canadian province or territory.
Temporary Licence:
After your visit, you will be provided with a temporary driver’s licence. Your new licence will be sent to your mailing address within 4 to 6 weeks.
If You are Outside Ontario:
Online Request:
If you find yourself outside Ontario, you have the option to submit a request online to replace your driver’s licence.
Along with your request, you will also need to pay the $35.75 fee online. You can do this by either mailing a cheque or money order or mailing/faxing a credit card authorization form.
By Mail or Fax:
Another option for those outside Ontario is to submit your request by mail or fax.
Include a signed letter that contains your driver’s licence number (or your full name and date of birth if you don’t know the number), the duration of your stay outside Ontario, your out-of-province mailing address, telephone number, and email address.
Don’t forget to include the $35.75 fee.
Temporary Driver’s Licence for Short Stays:
If you’ll be outside Ontario for less than six months and your driver’s licence is still valid (not cancelled or suspended), you can receive a one-time, temporary driver’s licence by mail.
This temporary licence has an expiration date and will be sent to your out-of-province address. When you return to Ontario, you’ll need to visit a ServiceOntario centre to replace it with a new driver’s licence.
Replacing a Licence for Longer Stays:
For stays outside Ontario exceeding six months, you can have your licence replaced with your current photograph and expiry date if your driver’s licence is still valid (not cancelled or suspended).
Cost and Payment
- The cost to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver’s licence in Ontario is $35.75.
- There are no additional charges for postage or mailing associated with this service.
Accepted Payment Methods:
We offer multiple convenient payment options for your replacement driver’s licence:
- Cheque or Money Order (payable to: Minister of Finance (MTO) for Canadian bank accounts only)
- Visa or Mastercard
Payment Restrictions:
Please note that there are certain payment methods that we do not accept:
- American Express (AMEX)
- Visa debit
- Mastercard debit
Paying by Cheque or Money Order:
If you prefer to pay by cheque or money order, simply follow these steps:
Make the cheque or money order payable to the “Minister of Finance (MTO)” (for Canadian bank accounts only).
Mail your payment to the following address:
Ministry of Transportation
Information Services Office
Special Enquiry Unit
87 Sir William Hearst Avenue, Room 178
Toronto, Ontario
M3M 0B4
Fax: 416-235-4414
Paying by Credit Card:
To pay for your replacement driver’s licence using a credit card, please choose the appropriate method based on how you submitted your request:
If you submitted your request online, you can use a Credit Card Authorization Form.
If you are submitting your request by mail or fax, please send a signed and dated letter of authorization. This letter should include the following details:
- Name of the cardholder
- Card type (Visa or Mastercard)
- Card number
- Expiry date (month and year)
- Reason for payment (e.g., licence replacement)
- Amount to be charged
Send the Letter or Form to:
Ministry of Transportation
Information Services Office
Special Enquiry Unit
87 Sir William Hearst Avenue, Room 178
Toronto, Ontario
M3M 0B4
Fax: 416-235-4414
Choosing your preferred payment method and following these instructions will ensure a smooth and hassle-free replacement process for your driver’s licence in Ontario.
Renewing Your Driver’s Licence Online:
If your driver’s licence expires while you are outside Ontario, you may be eligible to renew it online.
Read More: How to Change Your Information On Ontario Driver’s Licence
Contact Information:
For any questions or assistance with replacing your driver’s licence, contact the Ministry of Transportation during their office hours:
- Tel: 416-235-2999
- Toll-free: 1-800-387-3445
- Tel TTY: 416-325-3408
Losing your driver’s licence doesn’t have to be a hassle. Follow these steps, whether you are in Ontario or outside of it, to ensure you get back on the road with a valid driver’s licence.
