Many drivers in Ontario believe that once licence plate stickers were eliminated, vehicle permit renewal no longer matters. Unfortunately, that misunderstanding is costing Ontario drivers fines, traffic stops, and serious inconvenience every single day.
If you own a vehicle in Ontario, your vehicle permit still must be renewed – even though there’s no sticker on your plate. Here’s what many drivers overlook, what happens if you don’t renew on time, and why ignoring this simple requirement can snowball into bigger problems.
What Is a Vehicle Permit in Ontario?
A vehicle permit (often called the ownership) proves that:
- Your vehicle is legally registered
- You are the lawful owner
- Your licence plate is valid
It has two parts:
- The plate portion (kept in the vehicle)
- The ownership portion (kept in a safe place)
Even without stickers, the permit must be renewed every 1 or 2 years, depending on your chosen renewal cycle.
The Big Misconception: “There Are No Stickers, So I’m Fine”
This is one of the most common and costly misunderstandings. Ontario eliminated licence plate stickers, but not licence plate renewal.
You still must:
- Renew your vehicle permit on time
- Confirm your insurance is valid
- Clear any outstanding fines or tolls
If you don’t, your plate becomes invalid, even though it looks perfectly normal.
What Happens If You Forget to Renew Your Vehicle Permit?
You Can Be Fined for an Invalid Plate
Driving with an expired vehicle permit is an offence under the Highway Traffic Act. Possible consequences include:
- Fines starting at $85–$110+
- Additional court fees and surcharges
- Traffic stops once police run your plate
Because there’s no sticker reminder, many drivers don’t realize their plate is expired until they’re already pulled over.
Plate Renewal Can Be Blocked
You cannot renew your permit if you have:
- Unpaid parking tickets
- Outstanding traffic fines
- Unpaid tolls (such as highway tolls)
- Certain court-ordered penalties
This creates a frustrating loop:
You can’t renew → because of unpaid fines → but driving without renewal creates more fines.
Issues with Insurance Claims
This is rarely discussed, but important. If your vehicle permit is expired:
- Insurance claims can be delayed
- Insurers may ask additional questions
- Claims investigations may become more complicated
While insurance isn’t automatically void, non-compliance raises red flags, especially after a collision.
Problems When Selling or Transferring a Vehicle
An expired permit can cause:
- Delays during vehicle sales
- Issues transferring ownership
- Extra steps at ServiceOntario
- Frustration for buyers and sellers
Many private sales fall apart because the seller forgot to renew the permit.
How Often Do You Need to Renew?
Most Ontario passenger vehicles must be renewed:
- Every 1 year or
- Every 2 years (driver’s choice)
Renewal is free for most personal vehicles, but it is not optional.
How to Renew Your Vehicle Permit
You can renew:
- Online
- In person at ServiceOntario
- By mail (in limited cases)
You’ll need:
- Valid insurance
- No outstanding fines
- Current personal information
The process usually takes minutes, but only if there are no issues on your record.
Why This Is So Often Overlooked
- No sticker reminder
- No renewal fee for many vehicles
- Little public awareness
- Assumption that “no news means no problem”
Unfortunately, enforcement hasn’t disappeared—only the reminder has.
Final Reminder for Ontario Drivers
If you drive in Ontario, vehicle permit renewal is still mandatory, even without stickers.
Before you start your engine, ask yourself:
- Is my permit still valid?
- Are there unpaid fines blocking renewal?
- When did I last check my plate status?
Because in Ontario, an expired permit isn’t just paperwork—it’s a ticket waiting to happen.
Carlos Perdomo, Paralegal
