Once you turn 80, you need to renew your driver’s license every 2 years. Here are the four main steps you will take to renew.
Step 1: get a notice
Starting with your 80th birthday, you will get two things in the mail:
- * a renewal form
- * a letter that will let you know what to do to renew
This letter and form will arrive about 90 days before your license expires.
Step 2: book an appointment
Once you get your form and letter in the mail, you will need to attend a renewal session.
To book the appointment, you will need to:
- * call 1-800-396-4233 (toll free) or 416-235-3579 (in Toronto)
- * give your driver’s license number
- * tell us about any language barriers
- * tell us whether you require accommodations such as a sign-language interpreter
You will get the date, time and location of your renewal session. Sessions are held at 125 locations across the province.
If you can’t attend that day, you can re-schedule your appointment once. If the next appointment is only available after your driver’s license expires, you can get a temporary permit.
If you will be out of Ontario when your license expires:
You can renew your license up to six months before it expires.
If you plan to be away in the 90 days before your license expires, you can call to book your session early.
If you cannot attend a renewal session before your license expires, you could get a one-time temporary driver’s license permit. You will only get this permit once you have booked a renewal session.
Step 3: attend a renewal session
Total time commitment required: about 90 minutes
What to bring to a renewal session:
- * your driver’s license (or temporary driver’s license)
- * the license renewal form you got in the mail
- * the eyeglasses you use for driving
- * hearing aids, if you need them
- * a bottle of water (some locations will not have water available)
- * snacks, if you need them (e.g., are diabetic or know you will need a snack)
At a renewal session, you will:
- * take a vision test
- * join others in a 45-minute interactive group education session about new traffic laws, how aging affects driving, tips for older drivers and road signs
- * complete an in-class screening exercise
- * undergo a driving record review
After the session, you may need to:
- * pass a road test before you can renew your license
- * follow up with your physician and submit medical information
This will depend on how well you performed on the in-class screening components and a review of your driving record.
If you need to see a doctor, you will receive a letter in the mail with further instructions.
A driver improvement counsellor at the group education session will discuss these requirements with you if necessary.
Step 4: get a new license card
After you finish the session and take the required tests, you will need to visit a ServiceOntario centre to get a new driver’s license card.
You will need to bring:
- * your written test results
- * original identification that shows your legal name, date of birth and signature ServiceOntario will process your test results and renew your license.