Ontario Licence Plate Renewal
How to renew your licence plate in Ontario
Whether you drive a commercial vehicle, a motorcycle or an automobile, renewing your plate is essential to legally drive in Ontario. Even though the province has removed physical licence plate stickers and the associated fees, you still need to renew your plate every two years, free of charge.
It is important to understand how to renew your licence plate because it is part of car ownership in Ontario. We simplified what you need to do when renewing your licence plate and what to do if it’s expired.
What is a licence plate sticker?
Before 2022, a licence plate sticker was the smaller coloured sticker on the rear licence plate in Ontario. It represents your plate and registration expiry date. Previously, when you renewed your Ontario vehicle registration, you were provided with a new sticker to add to your licence plates.
The new process of renewing a licence plate is similar, but you will not receive a physical sticker, and you do not have to pay for it.
Ontario eliminates licence plate sticker renewal and fees
Effective March 13, 2022, Ontario will be removing licence plate renewal fees and the requirement to have a valid licence plate sticker for motorcycles, mopeds, light-duty trucks, and passenger vehicles.
All vehicles owned by individuals will receive a direct refund for licence plate sticker fees paid between March 1, 2020, and March 12, 2022. To ensure you receive the refund, check online to ensure your vehicle has the correct address. Make sure you pay any outstanding fees, fines and tolls by March 7, 2022.
Eliminating these fees will save vehicle owners $120 a year in Southern Ontario. Northern Ontario drivers and light commercial vehicles will save $60 per year. Refunds are not eligible for cars registered to a business or company.
What do I need to renew my licence plate?
Once you own a vehicle, much like your Ontario driver’s licence, you must renew your licence plate to keep your registration up to date. In Ontario, you must renew every two years. This can be done at a ServiceOntario location near you or online.
To renew, you will need the following information :
- Licence plate number
- Permit number (RIN number)
- A valid insurance pink slip or policy information
- Odometer reading
- Payment of any outstanding fines
You may also be required to provide your vehicle safety inspection certificate number or Drive Clean security code if you renew a heavy-duty diesel vehicle. If you recently moved, you need to notify the MTO before you apply for a sticker renewal.
How to renew Ontario licence plate sticker online
Although licence plate stickers are a thing of the past, you will need to renew your plate online. If you drive a passenger vehicle, you must visit ServiceOntario or go online to renew your plate every two years. Here’s how to renew your Ontario licence plate online.
- Plate and permit : Get your licence plate and vehicle permit number. The permit number begins with a letter, followed by seven digits (example: B1234567).
- Policy details : Ensure your Ontario car insurance is up to date and valid. Have it handy just in case you need to provide your insurance company and policy number.
- Odometer reading : Input your odometer reading on the website.
- Conform Address : Ensure your delivery and licence address are up to date.
- Outstanding fees and fines: If applicable, pay any outstanding speeding tickets, parking tickets, or toll fees.
- Length of renewal : Choose if you want to renew for one or two years, free of charge.
- Payment : Choose to pay with Mastercard, debit, or VISA.
- Proof of purchase : You will be redirected back to the site to obtain your digital proof of purchase. There is an option to print it, and it will be emailed to you.
- Stickers will not be mailed out : You will not receive a sticker in the mail if you are renewing the plate for a passenger vehicle, light commercial vehicle, moped, or motorcycle.
When should I renew my licence plate?
You can renew your Ontario licence plate online up to 180 days before it is set to expire. Plan for at least a month to ensure you don’t miss the window. You also cannot renew online once it has expired.
Where can I renew my licence plate sticker?
You can renew your plate by visiting ServiceOntario near you or simply online. If you are renewing a farm or heavy commercial vehicle over 3,000 kg, you will need to go in person. It is easy to find a ServiceOntario location close to you to renew your licence plate. Note that not all locations accept cash.
How much does a licence plate sticker renewal cost?
Depending on your vehicle and where you live, you’ll have to pay for a licence plate renewal. Most passenger vehicles do not have to pay for a plate renewal, but many commercial vehicles do.
Here is a look at the different types of vehicles and their cost :
| Type of Vehicle | Southern Ontario | Northern Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycle | $0 | $0 |
| Commercial vehicle (gross weight 3,000 kg and less, commercial use) | $0 | $0 |
| Commercial vehicle (gross weight 3,000 kg and less, personal use) | $0 | $0 |
| Mopeds | $0 | $0 |
| Motorized snow vehicle | $15 | $0 |
| Motorized mobile home | $120 | $60 |
| Historical vehicles | $18 | $18 |
Renew heavy commercial licence plate in Ontario
Commercial vehicles (buses, school buses, farm plated and commercially plated with a Registered Gross Weight (RGW) greater than 3,000 kg) must renew their plates every three to 12 months. The vehicle must have active commercial vehicle insurance before you can renew.
Commercial drivers will continue to receive a licence plate sticker; the fee is based on the type of vehicle and gross weight. After you finish the process, law enforcement will be alerted your plate was renewed.
- Licence plate number
- Vehicle permit number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Your odometer reading
- Pay any fines, tolls or fees
- Pay for your renewal fees
- An emissions test, if you are renewing for a heavy-duty diesel vehicle
- Maximum seating capacity (only for buses or school buses)
You can renew plates for commercial vehicles for up to 90 days before it expires. Business owners and joint registrants can check the vehicle permit for the expiry date.
Can I renew my plate if I have outstanding fines?
No. You will have to pay all outstanding fines to renew your plate and Ontario vehicle registration. This includes 407 tolls, licensing fees, traffic tickets, red light camera tickets, and outstanding licensing fees.
What is the fine for driving with an expired licence plate?
By law, you are required to renew your licence plate. If you neglect to renew your licence plate in Ontario, you could face a fine between $60 and $1,000 under the Highway Traffic Act. If you have renewed online, but have not received it in the mail, make sure you have a copy of the Extended Vehicle Validation Period Receipt to prove that you have renewed.
How to get an Ontario licence plate sticker refund
The province will automatically send drivers their refunds based on the address they have on file associated with the driver’s licence. Be sure to check your mailbox. If you still have not received your refund, contact ServiceOntario.
Keep in mind that the following vehicles are not eligible for refunds and will still need to pay a fee when renewing their plates :
- Heavy commercial vehicles (over 3000 kg)
- Farm vehicles
- Busses and school busses
- Motorized snow vehicles (snowmobiles)
- Off-road vehicles
- Trailers
Sticker renewal FAQs
Can someone else renew my licence plate?
Someone else can renew for you online. They will need all the required information to complete the process. However, you are the only person who can renew in person.
Can I renew my licence plate without insurance?
No. You cannot complete the renewal process without your Ontario car insurance. You will need the insurer’s name and policy number to renew.
How much does a licence plate sticker cost in Ontario?
As of March 2022, passenger vehicles and motorcycles no longer have to pay for a licence plate sticker. The renewal process takes a few minutes and won’t cost you a dime unless you have a farm or commercial vehicle.
Do you need a licence plate sticker in Ontario?
There is no physical licence plate sticker in Ontario, but you still need to renew your licence plate to be a legal driver in the province.
Is there HST on licence plate renewal in Ontario?
Since there are no fees associated with renewing your licence plate in Ontario, there is no HST charge.
Do I have to renew my license plate sticker for my snowmobile?
Yes, you need to renew the stick for your snowmobile yearly. However, it is not necessary to provide snowmobile insurance.
A final word on Ontario licence plate renewals
Renewing your licence plate is part of being a responsible driver in the province. Don’t forget to take a quick minute to find out how you can get the best savings on car insurance to protect you.
