How to Renew Your Ontario Licence Plate & Vehicle Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you unknowingly driving around with an expired vehicle registration? Although Ontario eliminated license plate stickers and fees back in 2022, vehicle registration renewal is still legally required - and this may surprise some drivers.  

A common misconception is that free registration means you can skip the renewal process altogether. But driving with expired plates can still result in hefty penalties and fines. Here’s everything you need to know about the renewal process and how to keep your plates valid. 

What is licence plate renewal in Ontario? 

In Ontario, vehicle registration and licence plate renewal refer to the same administrative process: keeping your vehicle legally registered with the provincial government through ServiceOntario and The Ministry of Transportation (MTO), even though physical plate stickers are no longer issued or required.  

Registering your car proves you own it and links it to your insurance, allowing you to legally drive on Ontario roads. The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) states that all vehicles operated in Ontario must carry valid auto insurance coverage under provincial law.  

You cannot register or renew your plates without insurance and unpaid fines. 

Options for renewal 

Online renewals are available for most passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and light commercial vehicles. Some Ontario vehicle classes still require renewal fees and, in some cases, physical stickers.  

Fees still apply to specific categories such as heavy commercial trucks (over 3,000 kg), farm vehicles, buses, snowmobiles, and historic vehicles. Rates vary widely according to vehicle weight and use, so be sure to consult the MTO website for exact pricing and eligibility details. 

Ontario drivers can renew or check their registration status through several channels: 

1. Online: Directly through the ServiceOntario website. 
    
2. In Person: At any ServiceOntario centre across the province. 
    
3. By Mail: Available in limited situations (e.g., specific vehicle classifications or special accommodations). 
    

According to the MTO, drivers can renew their vehicle registration up to 180 days (approx. 6 months) before it expires — a date typically tied to the registered owner’s birthday.  

Since physical reminder notices are no longer mailed out, signing up for free email, text, or phone alerts directly through ServiceOntario is the best way to ensure you never miss a deadline.

How much does it cost? 

The mandatory ServiceOntario fees for registering a passenger car in Ontario vary and depend on taxes and vehicle history. Here’s the breakdown of the costs: 

$32 to transfer existing plates to your new vehicle. 

$59 if you need a new vehicle permit plus new licence plates. 

$0 for renewals as long as you have valid insurance and no unpaid tickets. 

Steps for renewal 

To make the renewal process as smooth as possible, have all your documents ready. You will need to provide the following information: 

• Ontario licence plate number 
• Vehicle permit number (which can be found on the green ownership document) 
• Insurance company name 
• Insurance policy number 
• Current odometer reading 
• Valid driver information linked to the vehicle 

Renewal issues 

Several outstanding issues can prevent your vehicle registration renewal from going through. These typically include unpaid fines or tolls such as Highway 407 ETR charges, municipal parking tickets, red-light camera or automated speed enforcement violations, administrative monetary penalties, and driver’s licence reinstatement fees. You must pay these fees or fines to complete your renewal. 

Insurance is also a factor in your renewal. Ontario requires active auto insurance for all vehicle registration renewals. If the MTO cannot automatically verify your policy against your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), your renewal will be denied or delayed. Confirm with your insurance advisor (or provider) that your policy status is active and vehicle details are current to prevent renewal stalls. 

Automatic renewals 

In 2024, Ontario introduced the automatic licence plate renewal system. For eligible vehicles, ServiceOntario automatically renews vehicle registration up to 90 days before expiry without requiring the driver to log in or visit a branch, provided the vehicle and owner meet all criteria: 

Clean driving & toll record: No unpaid parking tickets, highway tolls (407 ETR), red-light camera fines, or automated speed enforcement (ASE) penalties. 

Active, verifiable insurance: Valid auto insurance that can be electronically verified by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) via the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). 

Valid vehicle status: No required emissions tests, outstanding safety recalls, or licensing suspensions. 

Each automatic renewal is valid for one year and applies to passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles, and mopeds.  

If you are not eligible and have signed up for renewal reminders, then you will receive notifications from ServiceOntario 90 days, 45 days, and 10 days before your licence plate expires so you can clear up any account discrepancies. 

Heavy commercial vehicles, business-owned plates, and snow vehicles must still be renewed manually. 

Avoid penalties and fines 

Don’t let a missed renewal catch you off guard. Driving with an expired vehicle registration in Ontario can lead to costly fines, enforcement penalties, and unwanted complications during routine traffic stops. Being caught without valid registration can result in fines starting at $110, with penalties reaching up to $500 in court. 

To avoid this, take a few minutes to verify your status on the ServiceOntario portal and sign up for free email or text reminders. If you’ve recently changed vehicles, moved, or updated your coverage, contact your insurance advisor to confirm your vehicle details and policy information are accurate and up to date.