To drive legally in Ontario, your car must have a valid licence plate and be insured. Renewing your licence plate is an essential task for every car owner. Keeping your plate current not only ensures that you are compliant with provincial regulations but also helps avoid unnecessary fines and penalties.
Renewing your licence plate in Ontario is now simpler than ever, especially with online, in-person, and mobile app options available. While the elimination of renewal fees for most vehicles has lightened the financial load, it’s still crucial to ensure your plate is always current.
Remember to check your eligibility for automatic renewal and verify that your insurance details are accurate. Also, keep track of your renewal date to avoid potential fines and penalties. If your plates are expired, renew them as soon as possible to prevent complications on the road.
Here is an overview of the process of renewing your licence plate, the eligibility criteria for automatic renewal, and other vital aspects. Let’s get started.
What is a Licence Plate Renewal?
In Ontario, vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles require a licence plate that must be renewed regularly to stay valid. This renewal helps ensure that vehicles on the road meet legal requirements.
The province previously required annual renewals with a fee, but in March 2022, Ontario removed licence plate renewal fees for passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles, and mopeds. However, despite the removal of fees, plate renewals remain mandatory.
Automatic Licence Plate Renewals
Starting July 1, 2024, eligible licence plates renew automatically for passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles under 3,000 kg, motorcycles, and mopeds.
Eligibility criteria for automatic licence plate renewal
Ontario offers automatic licence plate renewals under specific circumstances, reducing the need for manual intervention every year. To be eligible for automatic renewal, you must:
- Have a passenger vehicle, light-duty truck, motorcycle, or moped.
- Ensure your vehicle insurance information is up-to-date with your insurance provider.
- Have no outstanding fines, toll fees, or other penalties related to your vehicle.
If your vehicle meets these criteria and you have opted for automatic renewal, ServiceOntario will automatically process the renewal. It’s important to note that certain vehicles, such as commercial trucks, may not qualify for automatic renewal.
When your licence plate automatically renews
If your licence plate is automatically renewed:
- it will be valid for 1 year
- law enforcement will be instantly aware your licence plate was renewed
- Ontario Ministry of Transportation will not contact you to confirm your plate was renewed
- you will not receive a sticker
- you will not have to pay a fee
Types of vehicle that licence plates DO NOT renew automatically
Licence plates will not renew automatically for the following types of vehicles:
- commercial and business vehicles
- motorhomes
- vehicles manufactured before 1983
- snowmobiles
If you own 1 or more of these vehicles, you must renew your licence plate online or in person at a ServiceOntario location.
Important highlights of automatic licence plate renewals
- 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, Ontario Ministry of Transportation will not contact you.
- You do not have to pay a fee – it’s FREE
- If you have not signed up for digital renewal reminders, Ontario Ministry of Transportation will mail you a letter 90 days before your licence plate expires.
How to Check the Status of Your Licence Plate
It’s crucial to ensure your licence plate is always up-to-date to avoid fines or penalties. You have two options to check your licence plate status:
- Online
- In person at ServiceOntario (Visit a ServiceOntario centre if you cannot check your plate status online.)
You can easily check the status of your plate renewal online by:
- Logging into the ServiceOntario website or app.
- Entering your vehicle information (licence plate number and permit number).
- Reviewing the current status, including renewal confirmation and expiry dates.
This feature is particularly useful if you’ve renewed online or through automatic renewal and want to verify that everything is in order.
How to Renew Your Car Licence Plate in Ontario
You can renew your licence plate in Ontario in several ways, each offering flexibility and convenience. These options include renewing online, in-person, or through ServiceOntario’s app.
Renew online
Renewing online is often the easiest and fastest option for most drivers. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the official ServiceOntario website (ontario.ca/page/licence-plate-renewals).
- Enter your licence plate number and vehicle permit number (found on your vehicle ownership document).
- Confirm your insurance information and pay any outstanding fines or fees if applicable.
- Ensure you have a valid email address for renewal confirmation and updates.
Once renewed, you’ll receive confirmation via email. You may continue driving your vehicle without a physical renewal sticker, as Ontario no longer issues these for passenger vehicles.
Renew in-person
If you prefer to renew in person, you can visit any ServiceOntario centre. Bring the following:
- Your driver’s licence or ID.
- Your vehicle permit (ownership).
- Proof of valid insurance.
This option may be necessary if you need to update information or if there are any complications with your renewal.
Renew through the ServiceOntario App
For added convenience, ServiceOntario also offers a mobile app that allows you to renew your licence plate on the go. The steps are similar to online renewal: simply enter your vehicle details, confirm your insurance, and submit your renewal request.
How much does it cost to renew your plates in Ontario?
As of March 2022, the Government of Ontario eliminated the licence plate renewal fees for most passenger vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, and light-duty trucks. Previously, the cost was approximately $120 annually, or $240 for a two-year renewal. However, heavy commercial vehicles and trailers are still subject to renewal fees, which vary based on the type and weight of the vehicle.
While passenger vehicle renewals no longer incur a fee, fines for unpaid traffic tickets, tolls, or other outstanding charges may still need to be settled during the renewal process.
What is the Fine for Expired Plates in Ontario?
Driving with expired licence plates in Ontario can result in fines and penalties. Under the Highway Traffic Act, the fine for driving a vehicle with expired plates is $85, but a police officer can issue a ticket up to $1,000, depending on the situation. Although licence plate stickers are no longer used for visual confirmation, police have access to databases that can quickly check the status of your plate and issue tickets if it is expired. Law enforcement officers can cite people for driving a vehicle with a licence plate that hasn’t been properly renewed and issue these fines during routine traffic stops or roadside checks. So, it’s essential to ensure your plates are always current.
Additional Considerations for Licence Plate Renewal
While the process of renewing your licence plate has been simplified in recent years, there are still a few additional points to consider for specific cases:
Commercial vehicles and trailers
If you own a commercial vehicle or trailer, your renewal process will differ slightly. These vehicles are still subject to renewal fees, and the process may require additional documentation, such as proof of heavy vehicle emissions testing. Commercial vehicle owners can renew their plates for one or two years, depending on their preference and the weight class of the vehicle.
Out-of-province or international drivers
If you are a new resident to Ontario or have recently returned from an extended trip abroad, ensure that your vehicle is properly registered and that your licence plate is valid in Ontario. New residents have 60 days to register their vehicle and obtain Ontario plates.
Updating vehicle information
If you’ve recently made changes to your vehicle, such as modifications, changes in insurance, or address changes, ensure that this information is updated with the Ministry of Transportation. Failure to provide accurate details could lead to complications when renewing your licence plate.
Stay Compliant with Your Ontario Licence Plate Renewals
By staying on top of your licence plate renewals, you’ll not only remain compliant with Ontario’s laws but also contribute to a safer and more organized driving environment. Keep your vehicle legal, avoid fines, and enjoy smooth driving across the province!
