How to renew your license plate in Ontario?

In Ontario you are required by law to have a valid license plate and insurance on your vehicle. However, in February 2022 the process changed. You will still receive reminders by mail to renew your license plates (however you will not receive reminders by mail for your drivers license or healthcard). In an effort to reduce mail there is now also an option for digital reminders from Service Ontario. Either way as the owner of a vehicle you still need to renew your license plate every year (or two depending on how you have your vehicle set up). You also need to renew your drivers license, health card and other government issued cards but for the purpose of this blog we are going to focus on your license plate renewal process.

Our experienced auto insurance brokers in Ontario are here to provide you with detailed advice and guidance. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them to get the most comprehensive information tailored to your needs.

How to renew your license plate?

To renew your license plate you need a few items but the process can now all be done online. You will need:

• Your license plate number
• Your full address on your drivers license
• Your insurance company name and policy number
• Your odometer reading
• Your vehicle permit number (found on your vehicle ownership)

Any outstanding fees or fines registered to the vehicle need to be paid. An example would be an unpaid parking ticket. You may also need to provide a copy of a valid safety or emissions test but this will be indicated to you.

If you would like to or need to renew your plates you can do so online by clicking here.

You can also receive digital reminders to renew your plates each year. But don’t worry, if you can not renew your license plates online you can still visit your nearest Service Ontario.

When you renew your license plates there are a few changes:

• You no longer have to pay license plate fees when you renew your plates. Can I get a boo yah!
• You no longer receive a sticker you need to place on your vehicle

All of these changes were done in an attempt to make the process more efficient, better on the environment and less expensive for Ontario drivers. Still it is important to remember to renew your plates and drivers license. Failure to do so can lead to complications with your insurance in the event of a claim or dispute. Not to mention you can receive a ticket if pulled over by a police officer.

A good rule of thumb is to put a reminder in your calendar a few weeks before your birthday as that is typically when your plates renewal date is. Happy birthday!