Are you after a new licence plate in Ontario? Getting a licence plate is a relatively simple process that involves replacing an old licence plate with a new one. There are a few reasons why you might need a new licence plate, with the most common one being that yours has expired. Continue reading to learn more about how to get a new licence plate in Ontario.
What are licence plate stickers in Ontario?
Licence plate stickers are no longer in use in Ontario. When they were used, they were small coloured stickers that were stuck on Ontario licence plates and they displayed when the plate and registration for the car expired. However, the Ministry of Transportation in Ontario no longer provides physical licence plate stickers when you renew your plate, which is part of the new and improved renewal process that is easier and more convenient for motorists.
Renewing your licence plate in Ontario
Similar to renewing your driver’s licence in Ontario, you must also renew your licence plate. Once you own a car, your licence plate must be renewed every two years if you want to keep your registration valid. Licence plate renewals are very easy nowadays. They can be done at a ServiceOntario location in your neighbourhood or online from the comfort of your own home. In order to renew your licence plate, you will need the following information:
Your licence plate number
Your licence plate number can easily be found on the plate itself.
Your vehicle permit number
Your vehicle permit number begins with a number and is followed by seven digits.
An insurance liability slip or your car insurance policy number
You will need to show proof that you have a valid car insurance policy. You can do this by providing policy details, like the name of your insurance company and your policy number. Remember that car insurance is mandatory in Ontario, so you must show proof of insurance when you renew your licence plate.
Your odometer reading
If renewing your licence plate online, you will be asked to input the odometer reading in your car on the website.
Your home address
You will be asked to confirm your home address. This is to ensure that your licence plate is delivered to the correct address. If you need to update your address, do so now.
Payment of any outstanding fines
You will only be allowed to renew your licence plate if you have paid all outstanding fines. So if you have any unpaid parking tickets or speeding tickets, you will need to pay them in full before you can renew your licence plate and receive a new plate.
Choose your preferred length of renewal
If applicable, you may be asked to select the length that you wish to renew your licence plate. The options will be one year or two years, and both options are free of charge.
When should I renew my Ontario licence plate?
Ontario licence plates can be renewed online up to 180 days before they are set to expire. That said, you should plan to renew your licence plate at least one month ahead of its expiry, especially since if you let your plate expire, you will not be able to renew it online. Instead, you will be required to renew it at a ServiceOntario location. Thus, similar to how it’s always best to renew car insurance before it expires due to the expired car insurance renewal being more complicated, it’s also best to renew your licence plate before it expires.
Where can I get a new Ontario licence plate for passenger vehicles?
Drivers of passenger vehicles can obtain a new Ontario licence plate in person at a ServiceOntario location or online on the Ministry of Transportation website.
How much does it cost to get a new licence plate for passenger vehicles?
For most passenger vehicles, including motorcycles, renewing your licence plate is free of charge. However, certain commercial vehicles will cost you money. For instance, the fees to renew a motorized snow vehicle licence plate in Southern Ontario are currently $15, while the fees to renew a historical vehicle licence plate anywhere in Ontario are $18, and the fees to renew a motorized mobile home (also known as a recreational vehicle) licence plate in Southern Ontario and Nothern Ontario are $120 and $60, respectively.
Getting a new licence plate after losing yours
If you need to get a new licence plate, not because yours is expiring but because you lost yours, then you will need to visit a ServiceOntario centre to get a replacement. Unlike how renewing your licence plate is free for most vehicles, it will cost you to get an early replacement if you lose yours. Specifically, it will cost you $59. In addition, if you need a new licence plate after losing yours, make sure that you bring the following information and documents with you:
- Valid identification
- Proof of a valid car insurance policy
- The original vehicle permit
- A completed replacement declaration form (police services information is not required)
Getting a new licence plate after yours was stolen
If your licence plate was stolen, you can and must obtain a new one. The process is very similar to if you lost your licence plate, in that you must visit a ServiceOntario centre to get a replacement. The cost is also $59, and you must bring the following items with you:
- Valid identification
- Proof of a valid car insurance policy
- The original vehicle permit
- A completed replacement declaration form (note that police services information is required, so you must visit your local law enforcement agency)
Getting a new licence plate after yours was damaged
If your plate is damaged to the point that you need a replacement, you can obtain one from a ServiceOntario centre near you. The cost will be $59, and you will need to provide:
- Valid identification
- Proof of a valid car insurance policy
- The original vehicle permit
- The damaged plate
Changes to the Ontario licence plate renewal process in 2024
In February 2024, the Ontario Government introduced a new automatic licence plate renewal process. However, this process is only applicable to drivers with a clean record. This means that if you have unpaid tolls, fines, tickets, or car insurance issues, then your licence plate will not be automatically renewed, and you will still need to follow the process outlined above, renewing your licence plate online or in person at a ServiceOntario centre before it expires.
Is renewing my licence plate mandatory in Ontario?
Yes. It is a legal requirement if you wish to continue driving your vehicle to renew your licence plate before it expires. It is the same for car insurance. You must have a valid car insurance policy in Toronto if you wish to drive legally.
Is it free to renew my licence plate in Ontario?
For some vehicles, yes. In the past, it cost $120 per year to renew licence plate stickers for most passenger vehicles in Ontario. However, the provincial government has eliminated these fees, and licence plate renewals are now free of charge for most passenger vehicles.
Will I be fined for driving with an expired licence plate?
You can be. Since renewing your licence plate is mandatory, driving with an expired licence plate is against the law. As such, if you do not renew your licence plate in time, whether accidentally or intentionally, you can be fined between $60 and $1,000 under the Highway Traffic Act. If you recently renewed your licence plate online but have yet to receive your new licence plate in the mail, make sure that you have a copy of the Extended Vehicle Validation Period Receipt in your car so that you can prove your plate is renewed if you are pulled over and questioned.
What happens if I get into a car accident while driving with an expired licence plate?
You want to avoid getting into a car accident with an expired licence plate. Why? Not only will you likely receive a fine for driving around with an expired licence plate, which can be as much as $1,000 under the Highway Traffic Act, but your car insurance company might deny your insurance claim. This means that you would be on the hook for the cost of the accident on your own, which could add up to a lot, especially if both property damage and bodily injury are involved.
Ontario licence plates vs. Ontario driver’s licences
Please note that renewing your Ontario licence plate is not the same as renewing your driver’s licence. They are entirely separate processes, and unlike renewing your licence plate, renewing your driver’s licence is not free. Currently, most drivers must pay $90 every five years to renew their licence. For more information on driver’s licence renewals and to find out if you need a new driver’s licence if you move, contact BrokerLink.
Getting a custom licence plate
Finally, although getting a new licence plate is relatively simple in Ontario, it is a bit more complicated and expensive if you wish to obtain a custom licence plate. A custom or personalized licence plate is a plate number that is requested by the driver. In exchange for paying a fee between $310 and $336.40 in Ontario, you will get to choose the combination of letters and numbers on your licence plate, so long as it is not already taken by someone else.
Get in touch with BrokerLink
If you want to learn more about getting a new licence plate in Ontario, reach out to BrokerLink today. We know all about how to renew licence plates, driver’s licences, and car insurance policies. We can also explain how much car insurance costs per month in Ontario and how you can save money on your policy. For instance, if you follow these safe driving tips and keep your record clean, you can qualify for a cheaper premium.
As car insurance experts, we can help you find many types of auto insurance, including both mandatory and optional coverage, like:
Reach out to BrokerLink today to get started and request your free car insurance quote. BrokerLink is pleased to provide free auto insurance quotes to all customers. They can be obtained online, over the phone, or in person at any one of our 200+ locations across Canada. We look forward to helping you navigate the world of car insurance.
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