Starting July 1, 2024, in Ontario, eligible licence plates renew automatically for passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles under 3,000 kg, motorcycles, and mopeds.
The automatic renewal of car licence plates has simplified the process for many vehicle owners. For eligible vehicles, automatic renewal can save time and effort, ensuring that your licence plate remains valid without needing to take any action. However, if your plate is not renewed automatically, it’s essential to know the steps to resolve the issue promptly and avoid potential fines.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of what to do if your car licence plate cannot be automatically renewed. We’ll cover why this might happen, how to resolve it, and the steps you can take to complete your renewal manually.
Why your licence plate MAY NOT renew automatically
Automatic renewal is convenient, but not every vehicle or driver is eligible. Several factors could cause your licence plate not to renew automatically. The most common reasons include:
- Expired or Incorrect Insurance Information: Automatic renewals require up-to-date vehicle insurance. If your insurance policy has expired, been canceled, or hasn’t been updated with the Ministry of Transportation, your renewal will be blocked.
- Outstanding Fines or Penalties: Any unpaid fines or penalties related to your vehicle, such as traffic tickets, toll violations, or parking fines, could prevent automatic renewal. You must clear these debts before your licence plate can be renewed.
- Ineligible Vehicle Type: Not all vehicles are eligible for automatic renewal. Passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and light-duty trucks may qualify, but commercial vehicles and trailers typically require manual renewal due to additional regulatory requirements.
- Change in Vehicle Ownership: If you recently purchased a vehicle or transferred ownership, the automatic renewal system may not have your updated information, requiring manual renewal.
- Issues with Renewal Notifications: If there was a problem with your email notifications from ServiceOntario, such as an incorrect email address or technical issues, you might not have received renewal updates.
Step-by-Step Process to Renew Your Licence Plate Manually
If your licence plate hasn’t been renewed automatically, don’t worry – you can still complete the process manually. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get your renewal done:
Step 1: Check Your Licence Plate Expiry Date
Before you begin, verify the expiry date of your licence plate. While physical licence plate stickers are no longer used in Ontario, you can check your renewal status online through the ServiceOntario website or the ServiceOntario app.
To check the status:
- Visit ServiceOntario’s licence plate renewal page.
- Enter your licence plate number and vehicle permit number (found on your vehicle ownership document).
- Review your vehicle’s renewal status, including whether it is expired or close to expiry.
If your plate has expired or is approaching its expiry date, proceed with the manual renewal steps.
Step 2: ServiceOntario will contact you
Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) via ServiceOntario 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.
If you have not signed up for digital renewal reminders, we will mail you a letter 90 days before your licence plate expires.
Make sure your contact info is updated
Make sure your email address and phone number are apdated. update your home address within 6 days after you move so you receive mail from ServiceOntario.
After they contact you, you will need to take action.
Step 3: Fines, tolls and insurance
If you have outstanding fines or unpaid fees, prepare to settle those before proceeding with the renewal. Pay any outstanding fines or penalties. If you have any unpaid traffic tickets, parking violations, or toll fees, these must be cleared before renewal is allowed.
- Pay defaulted driver fines and fees
- Pay outstanding vehicle fines, penalties or tolls
- Make sure you have valid vehicle insurance
Step 4: Gather required documents and information
Before renewing, you’ll need a few key pieces of information and documents to complete the process:
- Vehicle permit (ownership): This contains your vehicle’s information, including the permit number and licence plate number.
- Valid driver’s licence or ID: Ensure that your identification is current and accessible.
- Insurance information: You will need to confirm that your vehicle’s insurance is valid and up-to-date.
- Email address: A valid email is necessary to receive confirmation and updates from ServiceOntario.
Step 5: 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:
- online
- in person at a ServiceOntario centre
Manage your licence plate with an account
Create an account with ServiceOntario that can:
- manage your Ontario products and services
- view a history of your orders
- get notifications and alerts
Create or log in to an account
Renew online
Renewing your licence plate online is often the fastest and most convenient method. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the ServiceOntario website and navigate to the licence plate renewal section.
- Enter your vehicle details, including the licence plate number and permit number.
- Verify your insurance status. If your insurance is not valid, you will need to update your insurance information with your provider before continuing.
- Complete the renewal and provide a valid email address to receive confirmation of the renewal.
Once you’ve submitted the renewal, you’ll receive confirmation via email, and your vehicle’s plate will be updated in the system. You will not receive a physical renewal sticker, as Ontario no longer issues them for passenger vehicles.
Renew in-person at a ServiceOntario centre
If you’re unable to renew online, or if you prefer handling things in person, you can visit a ServiceOntario centre. Be sure to bring the necessary documentation with you:
- Driver’s licence or government-issued ID.
- Vehicle ownership (permit).
- Proof of valid insurance.
- Payment: If you have any fines, bring a form of payment (such as credit or debit card) to clear them during the renewal process.
ServiceOntario staff will assist you in completing your renewal, updating your insurance information if necessary, and ensuring that your licence plate is current. You’ll receive immediate confirmation of the renewal, and your vehicle’s status will be updated in the system.
Renew through the ServiceOntario App
For added convenience, you can also use the ServiceOntario app to renew your licence plate from your mobile device. The process is similar to the online renewal:
- Download the ServiceOntario app from your app store.
- Enter your vehicle information (licence plate and permit number).
- Confirm your insurance status and pay any outstanding fines.
- Submit the renewal request and receive confirmation through the app.
The mobile app allows for quick renewals on the go and provides access to your vehicle information whenever needed.
What to Do if You Encounter Issues
If you run into any issues during the renewal process, such as being unable to renew online or problems with your insurance, here are some steps to troubleshoot:
Verify Insurance Details
If your insurance information is incorrect or expired, contact your insurance provider to resolve the issue. Ensure that the Ministry of Transportation has the most recent details.
Settle Outstanding Fines or Fees
Check for any unpaid fines, parking tickets, or toll charges that could be blocking your renewal. These can usually be paid online through the ServiceOntario website or at a ServiceOntario centre.
Contact ServiceOntario
If you’re still unable to renew your plate, contact ServiceOntario directly for assistance. They can help resolve any issues with your account, insurance, or vehicle details.
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.
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.
Avoiding Future Renewal Issues
To avoid problems with future licence plate renewals, consider the following:
- Keep your insurance up to date: Always ensure that your vehicle insurance information is current and valid with your insurance provider and the Ministry of Transportation.
- Settle fines promptly: Pay any traffic tickets, parking violations, or tolls as soon as possible to prevent them from interfering with your renewal.
- Verify your email address: Ensure that the email associated with your licence plate renewal is correct to receive reminders and notifications from ServiceOntario.
Take Control of Your Licence Plate Renewal
While automatic renewal is convenient for many Ontario drivers, there are various reasons why your licence plate might not renew automatically. Whether it’s due to expired insurance, unpaid fines, or vehicle ineligibility, knowing how to resolve the issue promptly is essential to avoid fines and keep your vehicle legal on the road.
By following the manual renewal steps outlined above – either online, in person, or through the ServiceOntario app – you can quickly renew your plate and get back on the road without worrying about an expired licence plate.
