Ontario License Plate Renewal: Your Complete Guide

Are you aware that renewing your license plate is still a must in Ontario? Yes, the annual sticker fee is gone, but you could face some hefty fines if you fail to renew your plate on time.

But don't worry, we've got your back! In this article, we'll give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about your Ontario license plate renewal in 2023. Whether you're cruising on a motorcycle, driving a car, or operating a commercial vehicle, renewing your plate is crucial to avoid getting into legal trouble. In this blog, we've simplified the steps you need to take to renew your license plate. 

 

What is an Ontario License Plate Sticker?

License plate stickers used to be small coloured stickers on the back license plates of Ontario vehicles that showed when the plate and registration would expire. Now, you don't get a physical sticker anymore when you renew your license plate, and you don't have to pay for it. It's easier and more convenient now to renew your license plate in Ontario.

 

Is an Ontario License Plate Sticker Renewal Necessary in 2023?

According to the Ontario Government, having a valid license plate and insurance coverage is mandatory to legally drive in the province. Previously, renewing your license plate involved adding a new sticker to your plate every 1 to 2 years. But now, you don't need to worry about physical stickers or fees.

To renew your license plate in Ontario, you still need to connect your insurance coverage to your plated vehicle. This involves providing your insurance company with your name and policy number. This information is tied to your vehicle's license plate and helps law enforcement quickly verify that your vehicle has valid insurance coverage.

 

How to Renew Your License Plate in Ontario?

Renewing your license plate in Ontario is easier than you think. You can either do it in person at a Service Ontario location near you or online.

Remember that you're renewing your plate, not the sticker. License plate stickers are no longer used on passenger vehicles in Ontario. You won't receive a sticker to put on your license plate, and you won't have to pay a plate renewal fee anymore.

 

How to Quickly and Easily Find Your Service Ontario Location?

Here are the steps to find a ServiceOntario location for license plate renewal:

• Go to the ServiceOntario website at www.ontario.ca/page/serviceontario.

• Scroll down to the "ServiceOntario location finder" section and enter your city or postal code in the search box.

• Select "Search" to view a list of ServiceOntario locations in your area.

• Look for the location that offers the service you need, which in this case is license plate renewal.

• Click on the location name to view more details, such as hours of operation and services offered.

• Once you have found the location you want to visit, you can go there in person to renew your license plates.

 

Skip the Lineups: Renew Your Ontario License Plate Online

To renew your license plates online through the ServiceOntario website, follow these steps:

• Go to the ServiceOntario website at www.ontario.ca/page/renew-licence-plate-sticker.

• Select "Renew your license plate" to begin the online renewal process.

• Enter your plate number, vehicle permit number, and insurance information when prompted.

• Verify your vehicle and personal information to ensure accuracy.

• Choose the length of the renewal term (one or two years) and confirm your mailing address.

• Make your payment using a valid credit card.

• Review and confirm your order details.

• Once your transaction is complete, you will receive a confirmation page and a temporary digital license plate to print out and display until your new license plates arrive in the mail.

In addition, if you're renewing a heavy-duty diesel vehicle, you may need to provide your vehicle safety inspection certificate number or Drive Clean security code. 

 

When to Renew the License Plate Sticker in Ontario?

You can renew your plate up to 180 days before it expires, which is typically on your birthday. 

Once you've updated your license plate online, law enforcement databases are updated instantly. Police will be notified immediately once your plate is renewed. 

 

Ontario License Plate Renewal Cost: What You Need to Know Before You Renew?

Effective March 13, 2022, Ontario License Plate Renewal fees for various vehicle types are as follows:

• Fees for most types of permits and licenses have been reduced to $0

• Driver's Licence Original and Renewal fees remain at $90

• Heavy Commercial Vehicle, Farm Vehicle, Bus and School Bus, and Trailer Validations, as well as Off-road vehicle permits and number plates, all maintain their previous fees

• License Plate Replacements fees range from $25.13 to $127.17

Find out more about license plate renewal fees.

 

How to Renew Your Ontario License Plate Sticker Online Without HST Charges?

You just need to visit the Ontario license renewal page and have the necessary documentation on hand. Since there are no fees involved in renewing your license plate, there's no HST charge to worry about.

 

Can Someone Else Renew My License Plate Sticker in Ontario?

Online license plate renewal can be done by someone else using your required information. However, renewing in person can only be done by you.

 

Ontario Drivers Eligible for License Plate Sticker Fee Refund

In the spring of 2022, many Ontario drivers received a refund cheque in the mail, reimbursing them for a portion of the fees they paid for their last license plate sticker. This is because the sticker program (and its associated fees) were cancelled as of March 13, 2022, saving drivers between $60 and $120 per year!

But there are a few exceptions to this rule. If you own certain types of vehicles such as trailers, snowmobiles, buses, and commercial vehicles, you won't qualify for a refund and will still have to pay a fee when renewing your plates. So, keep that in mind before you get too excited.

Find out if you’re eligible for a refund.

 

Ontario License Plates vs. Driver’s license

While license plate fees and stickers have been canceled in Ontario, the same can't be said for driver's licenses. When it comes to renewing your Ontario driver's license, expect to pay a $90 fee every five years.

And speaking of license plates, did you know that Ontario uses Automatic license Plate Recognition (ALPR) to enforce traffic safety? 

This program can scan thousands of license plates per hour and compare them to a "hot list" of millions of plates in poor standing. It's a powerful tool used to track down drivers with suspended licenses, stolen vehicles, outstanding warrants, and even expired plates.

 

Fine for Not Renewing License Plate

Driving with an expired license plate could cost you up to a whopping $1,000! And if you thought that's bad, an invalid driver's license carries a hefty $260 fine and could void your insurance coverage. To avoid these penalties, make sure to renew your license plate and driver's license on time.

Don't wait around for reminders about renewing your plates; instead, opt-in to receive them from Service Ontario's digital reminders page. You can sign up for Service Ontario digital reminders here.

And while you're at it, don't forget to ensure that your rear license plate is clearly visible. Regularly check that the special lighting designed to illuminate your plate is in proper working order, and replace any burnt-out bulbs as needed. If a police officer can't read your plate, you could be in trouble.

Lastly, before installing any fancy license plate cover or frame, make sure that it doesn't block any part of the plate or its text. Otherwise, you guessed it – another potential fine could be headed your way.