Licence plate renewals

Starting July 1, 2024, eligible licence plates will renew automatically. Find out if your licence plate is eligible for automatic renewal. Learn what to do if you need to take action to renew your plate.

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Overview

Your vehicle must have a valid licence plate and be insured to drive legally in Ontario.

Automatic licence plate renewals

Your plate may automatically renew if you drive a:

For your licence plate to renew automatically you must have valid insurance and no outstanding fines or tolls.

If your licence plate was automatically renewed, we will not contact you.

When your licence plate automatically renews:

Licence plates that do not automatically renew

Licence plates will not be automatically renewed for:

If you own 1 or more of these vehicles, you must continue to renew your licence plate online or in person at a ServiceOntario location.

Eligibility for automatic renewal

For your passenger vehicle, light commercial vehicle under 3,000 kg, motorcycle or moped licence plate to automatically renew, you must:

Check your licence plate status

Online

You can check online to find out if your plate is currently valid or if it’s expired if the vehicles weigh 3,000 kg or less and are:

In person at ServiceOntario

Visit a ServiceOntario centre if you cannot check your plate status online.

If your plate will not renew automatically

Step 1: We will contact you

We will contact you if your licence plate can’t be automatically renewed because you have an issue with your insurance or outstanding fines or tolls.

Text, email or phone

If you have signed up to receive renewal reminders by text, email or phone call, you will be notified 90 days, 45 days and 10 days before your licence plate expires.

Mail

If you have not signed up for digital renewal reminders, we will mail you a letter 90 days before your licence plate expires.

Step 2: Fines, tolls and insurance

After we contact you, you will need to take action.

  1. Pay defaulted driver fines and fees
  2. Pay outstanding vehicle fines, penalties or tolls
  3. Make sure you have valid vehicle insurance

Step 3: Renew manually

After you make sure your insurance is valid and pay your fines or fees, you must renew your licence plate manually.

You can renew your plate:

Manage your licence plate with an account

Create an account with ServiceOntario that can:

If you don’t take action before your plate expires

You will receive a final reminder or letter in the mail 72 hours after your licence plate has expired.

If your licence plate has expired, you can still renew online or in person after you pay your fines or tolls and you have valid insurance.

Renew other plate types

Automatic licence plate renewals are only for some vehicle types.

You must renew your: