Lost Your Driver’s License in Ontario? Steps to Replace It
We’ve all been there: frantically searching through your wallet, pocket, or car only to realize your driver’s license has vanished into thin air. Maybe it fell out at the grocery store, got mixed up in laundry, or disappeared during that chaotic move last month. Whatever happened, you’re now stuck without the one piece of ID you need most.
Don’t panic. Losing your Ontario driver’s license is more common than you think, and getting a replacement is actually pretty straightforward once you know the steps.
The good news? You won’t have to retake any tests or start from scratch: just some paperwork, a fee, and a bit of patience.
This guide walks you through exactly what to do when your license goes missing, from reporting it as lost to obtaining your replacement. We’ll cover the fastest ways to get back on the road legally and what to do if you need to drive before your new license arrives.
What to Do Immediately After You Lose Your License
If you are certain that your driver’s license has gone missing, the first thing to do is figure out how you lost it.
Did you misplace it, or do you suspect it was stolen along with your wallet or purse? This distinction is crucial for protecting yourself from potential identity theft in the future.
If you believe your license was stolen, you must report it to your local police. While they may not be able to recover the card, filing a report creates an official record of the theft. This record is vital proof if someone tries to use your identity for illegal activities, protecting you from future complications.
How to Replace Your Lost Driver’s License in Ontario
After filing your report, you have two primary options to get a replacement driver’s license: using the online driver’s licence service or visiting a ServiceOntario centre in person.
Replacing Your License Online
For most residents, getting a license replacement online is the easiest choice. You can submit your request online 24/7 without needing an appointment or waiting in line. It is a convenient solution for a common problem.
However, not everyone can use the online service to replace an Ontario driver’s licence. To apply for a replacement online, you must meet a few conditions.
Here is a quick checklist for online eligibility:
- Your license is not expired, suspended, or canceled.
- You have not changed your address within the last 90 days.
- You do not need to update your legal name or retake your photo.
- You are not removing a vision condition, such as the requirement for glasses.
- You are not changing your licence class.
If you meet these criteria, you can proceed. You will need your driver’s license number and your postal code. The entire process takes just a few minutes on the official ServiceOntario website.
Once finished, you can download and print a temporary driver’s license for immediate use.
Replacing Your License in Person
If you do not qualify for the online service, you will need to visit a ServiceOntario centre in person. Perhaps you recently moved, or your photo is outdated and needs an update.
Going in person requires gathering the correct documents to prove your identity. Without proper personal identification, they cannot issue a new license.
You must bring original documents that prove your legal name, date of birth, and signature. Photocopies or expired documents are not accepted.
An identification document could include a valid passport, a Canadian birth certificate issued by a Canadian province, or a valid photo health card.
Fees, Photos, and Timelines
Now that you know how to apply for a replacement license, let’s discuss the practical details.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver’s license in Ontario is $35.75.
You can pay this fee online using a VISA or Mastercard credit card. If you visit a ServiceOntario centre, you have more payment options, including cash, debit, and certified cheque.
Will You Need a New Photo?
Your driver’s license photo is a key piece of identification, so it must be reasonably current. In Ontario, these photos are valid for a period of 10 years.
If your photo on file is less than 10 years old, it will be reused for your new card, which is standard for online driver’s licence replacement. However, if it has been over a decade since your last picture was taken, you will need a new one.
You can also request a new photo in person if you wish to update your profile picture.
Getting a new photo is a quick process handled at the ServiceOntario counter. There is no extra charge for this; it is included in the replacement fee. This is also an opportunity to update other information on your card, like your sex designation if you choose.
How Long Does it Take?
After you apply and pay, your new plastic card will not be issued immediately. It must be securely printed and then the licence mailed to the address on file with the Ministry of Transportation. This security measure helps protect your identity.
Whether you request online or visit in person, you will get a temporary driver’s licence. This document is a temporary licence that is valid for 90 days. You must carry it with you when driving, along with another form of photo ID, to validate it if requested.
Your new permanent license should arrive in the mail within 4 to 6 weeks. If you do not receive it within this timeframe, you should contact ServiceOntario to follow up on the status. It is essential to make sure your address on file is current to avoid any delays.
Special Circumstances You Might Face
Losing your license is not always a simple affair. Sometimes, there are added complications, such as being a student in another province or traveling abroad on vacation. You might also be a G1 or G2 driver with specific restrictions.
These situations can add extra steps to the replacement process.
What if You’re Outside of Ontario?
Realizing your license is gone while you are outside the province is particularly stressful. You cannot simply visit a ServiceOntario location and request a replacement.
You can apply for a new driver’s license online, by mail, or by fax. You will need to complete a specific application form, which can be found on the ServiceOntario website, and submit it by mail.
This process takes longer due to mailing times, so it is crucial to initiate it promptly. You will need to provide proof of identity and payment, often a money order or a credit card authorization. A friend or family member in Ontario might be able to help coordinate the application on your behalf.
Lost a Commercial or G1/G2 License?
If you are part of Ontario’s graduated licensing system with a G1 or G2, or a professional with a commercial license, the rules are mostly the same. You follow the same online or in-person replacement steps. The fee and timeline remain identical.
The key difference is the urgency. For a commercial truck driver, that license is your livelihood. For a G1 driver, you cannot practice driving without your physical permit and an accompanying driver present.
Although the process for replacing a driver’s license remains the same, please do not delay. Whether you hold a motorcycle licence or another licence class, obtaining your temporary driver’s licence promptly is essential to stay on the road legally.
My License Was Expired. Now What?
Losing a license that was already expired presents a different challenge. You cannot technically replace an expired license; instead, you must complete the Ontario licence renewal process.
This will almost always require an in-person visit to a ServiceOntario centre. You may need a new photo and a vision test. If your license has expired for a long time, you may even need to retake the written knowledge G1 test and road tests to prove your skills and keep Ontario roads safe.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common queries about replacing a lost driver’s license in Ontario.
Can I drive immediately after applying for a replacement?
Yes, you can. Once your application is successfully processed, either online or in person, you will receive a temporary driver’s license. This document is legally valid for driving in Ontario for up to 90 days.
Remember to always carry this temporary paper license with you when you drive. It is also wise to have a secondary piece of photo identification, like a valid photo health card, to corroborate your identity in case you are pulled over.
What if I find my old license after getting a replacement?
If you find your old license after you have already applied for a replacement, please note that he old card is no longer valid. The driver’s licence number will have been voided in the system to protect you from fraud. You should destroy the old card immediately by shredding it.
Using an invalidated license is illegal. Once your new card arrives in the mail, that will be your only valid driver’s license.
Do I need to update my address before replacing my license?
Yes, you must have your current address on file before you can apply for a replacement. If you have moved within the last 90 days, you are not eligible to use the online replacement service. You must first update your address, which can also be done online or at a ServiceOntario centre.
By law, you are required to update your address with the Ministry of Transportation within 6 days of moving. Keeping your address current ensures that your new license is mailed to the correct location, avoiding unnecessary delays.
What if I need to change my name on my license?
A name change on a driver’s license cannot be processed simultaneously with an online replacement. Changing your name requires an in-person visit to a ServiceOntario centre. You will need to bring original legal documents that support your name change, such as a marriage certificate or a certified copy of a legal name change document.
When you visit the ServiceOntario centre for a name change, they will process the replacement of your lost license simultaneously. You will need to bring the required identity documents for both the name change and the license replacement. This ensures all your information is accurate and up-to-date.