Ontario Licence Plate Renewal: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Ontario introduced automatic licence plate renewal for most eligible vehicles on July 1, 2024. If your vehicle qualifies, ServiceOntario renews your plates 90 days before expiry at no charge — but only if you have paid any outstanding fines and your insurance checks out. This guide explains exactly how the system works, which vehicles are eligible, and what to do if yours is not.

Last checked: 2026-05-28

Automatic renewal: Yes, starting 90 days before expiry for eligible plates · Online renewal: Available via ServiceOntario Account (6-8 minutes) · Renewal period: Every 2 years · Vehicle eligibility: Passenger vehicles, light trucks 3000kg, motorcycles, mopeds

How do I renew my licence plates in Ontario?

Ontario drivers with eligible vehicles have two main paths: automatic renewal and manual renewal. The automatic path requires no action from the owner, provided eligibility conditions are met. The manual path applies to vehicles excluded from automatic renewal and to owners who prefer to renew themselves.

Online renewal via ServiceOntario Account

Drivers who need to renew manually can do so online through the ServiceOntario website. According to one source, the process takes roughly 6–8 minutes once you have all required information at hand (MyChoice). You will need your licence plate number, vehicle permit number, insurance company name, policy number, and current odometer reading. After submitting, the system confirms whether the renewal is successful or flags any outstanding issues such as unpaid fines or insurance mismatches.

Step-by-step guide to licence plate renewals

1. Check your plate status. Use the online licence plate expiry checker on Ontario.ca to confirm whether your plate is eligible for automatic renewal or requires manual action.
2. Clear any blockers. Pay all defaulted driver fines, vehicle-related penalties, parking tickets, red‑light camera fines, and tolls before attempting renewal.
3. Verify your insurance is current. Ensure your auto insurance policy details match your vehicle identification number (VIN) in the insurer’s system, as the Ministry of Transportation checks this electronically.
4. Renew manually if needed. Log into your ServiceOntario Account, select plate renewal, and follow the prompts. Alternatively, visit a ServiceOntario centre in person or call their phone lines.
5. Select your term. Choose a one‑year or two‑year renewal period. Most personal vehicles incur no fee for either term.

Are licence plates renewed automatically in Ontario?

Yes, for eligible vehicles. The Government of Ontario states that licence plates are automatically renewed 90 days before their expiration date for vehicles that meet the criteria (Government of Ontario). This automatic renewal applies only within Ontario and does not extend to other Canadian provinces or territories.

The system works silently in the background: if your vehicle qualifies, your insurance is valid, and you have no outstanding fines or tolls, ServiceOntario renews your plate automatically with no action required from you. You will not receive a sticker in the mail. Instead, the updated registration status is recorded electronically in the ministry’s database.

If your plate is not eligible for automatic renewal — for example, because you have unpaid fines or a vehicle type that is excluded — you will receive notification and must renew manually either online or at a ServiceOntario centre.

Vehicle types excluded from automatic renewal

The following vehicle categories do not qualify for automatic renewal and require manual renewal:

• Heavy commercial vehicles over 3,000 kg
• Motorhomes
• Vehicles manufactured before 1983
• Buses and school buses
• Snowmobiles
• Farm‑plated vehicles
• Business‑owned vehicles

These vehicles still require annual or biennial registration and may be subject to renewal fees that vary by vehicle class.

Is plate renewal mandatory in Ontario?

Yes. Renewal every two years is mandatory to maintain valid registration and keep your vehicle legally drivable on Ontario roads. Even though stickers are no longer issued, failing to renew results in an expired plate status that can be detected by automated licence plate readers used by police cruisers.

For privately owned passenger vehicles and light trucks, the renewal cycle is typically linked to the owner’s birthday and covers either a one‑year or two‑year period. While automatic renewal removes the need for manual action on eligible vehicles, the underlying legal obligation to maintain valid registration remains in force.

If a plate is not automatically renewed due to fines, insurance mismatches, or an excluded vehicle type, the owner is responsible for renewing manually. Driving with an expired plate in such circumstances can result in a fine if stopped by police.

How much is plate renewal in Ontario?

For most personal vehicles in Ontario — including passenger cars, light trucks under 3,000 kg, motorcycles, and mopeds — plate renewals are free of charge. Both automatic and manual renewals cost CAD 0 for these vehicle types, provided eligibility requirements are satisfied.

Fees still apply for vehicle categories that are not eligible for free automatic renewal. According to one source, heavy commercial vehicles, buses, motorhomes, and business‑owned vehicles may incur renewal fees that vary by class (MyChoice). The exact fee depends on the vehicle type and its weight class, and the current schedule is published on Ontario.ca.

Ontario drivers can renew their licence plate up to 180 days before the expiry date manually, even though automatic renewals are performed 90 days before expiry for eligible plates.

What documents do I need to renew my plate in Ontario?

If you are renewing manually online, no physical documents are required. You will need to provide the following information digitally:

• Your licence plate number
• Your vehicle permit number
• The name of your insurance company
• Your insurance policy number
• Your current odometer reading

If you are renewing in person at a ServiceOntario centre, you may be asked to present your driver’s licence, vehicle permit, and proof of insurance in addition to the information listed above.

For automatic renewal, no documents are needed from the owner — the system checks insurance and fine records electronically. However, you should ensure your insurer has your correct VIN on file, as mismatches between the VIN and your policy details will prevent the system from verifying insurance and may block the renewal.

Timeline of Ontario licence plate renewal changes

• 2022: Ontario eliminates annual licence plate stickers and related fees for most passenger vehicles, light trucks, motorcycles, and mopeds.
• 2023: ServiceOntario consolidates web-based licence plate renewal workflows, encouraging online renewals instead of in-person centre visits.
• July 1, 2024: Automatic licence plate renewal law for eligible vehicles comes into force. Eligible plates are renewed 90 days before expiry if fines are paid and insurance checks out.
• 2025: Automatic renewal remains active for eligible vehicles. Manual renewals continue for excluded categories, with free renewals for most personal vehicles and fees for commercial categories.