renew ontario license plate sticker

How To Renew Ontario License Plate Sticker In 2024?

You can not legally drive in Ontario without a valid license plate sticker. We'll show you how to renew Ontario license plate sticker in this article. Let's go!

Updated at March 31, 2022

You may know that your vehicle must have a valid plate sticker to drive legally.  It’s unavoidable for everyone who wants to drive without suffering a fine in Ontario: you must renew Ontario license plate sticker every year. Renewal of your sticker is required to legally drive in Ontario, whether you drive a commercial vehicle, a motorcycle, or a car.

But why is that? You may be wondering the same thing as many other Canadians who believe it is an unnecessary extra cost to drive on top of car insurance. But the reality is, the Ministry of Transportation uses those funds to keep our roads in good condition and safe for us all. Nobody likes to pay a fee once a year, but it is necessary.

We’ve simplified the process of renewing your license plate sticker, including what you’ll need and what to do if it’s already expired.

On this website, you can find lots of necessary driving tips with our free Ontario G1 practice test to always stay safe on the road.

What is a license plate sticker?

In Ontario, a license plate sticker is the smaller colored sticker that appears on the rear of your license plate. It demonstrates your license plate as well as the Ontario license plate sticker expiry date. You will receive a new sticker to place on your plates when you renew your Ontario vehicle registration. They have a one-year or two-year validity period.

It must be shown in the upper right corner of every driver’s rear license plate. Your green vehicle permit must additionally include the secondary sicker.

Remember that your renewal is only valid if you add the new one to your plate and wait for the new one to arrive before removing the old one.

Good news: Ontario eliminates license plate sticker renewal and fees

renew ontario license plate sticker

For motorcycles, mopeds, light-duty trucks, and passenger vehicles, Ontario will eliminate license plate renewal costs and the obligation to hold a valid license plate sticker (update on March 13, 2022).

All license plate sticker fees paid for cars owned by people between March 1, 2020, and March 12, 2022, will be refunded in full. Check online to make sure your car has the right address to ensure you get your refund. By March 7, 2022, make sure you’ve paid all outstanding fees, penalties, or tolls.

In Southern Ontario, eliminating these fees will save vehicle owners $120 each year. Drivers and light commercial vehicles in Northern Ontario will save $60 per year.

Every five years, drivers must renew their driver’s license online or at a ServiceOntario location and pay the $90 price.

What is the Ontario license plate sticker renewal process?

The process of Ontario licence sticker renewal differs from the process of Ontario vehicle registration for the first time. The steps for renewing your license differ depending on your vehicle, registration restrictions, and other reasons.

If you do Ontario sticker renewal online, you will receive a new one in the mail. Meanwhile, your online receipt will act as legal proof that you renewed your subscription. Maintain a copy of your receipt in your car until the new one arrives in the mail.

Ontario sticker renewal for commercial vehicles

The procedures for Ontario vehicle sticker renewal are slightly different if you operate a commercial vehicle. Here are some crucial points to keep in mind as a driver:

  • Your heavy-duty commercial vehicle must pass an emissions test if it is more than seven years old. A notification will be mailed to you, or you may check online. 
  • Before renewing, make sure it has been active for at least 72 hours
  • If your international registration plan (IRP) expired on or after March 1, 2020, you must renew it and pay a portion of the payments in one lump sum or overtime
  • Heavy commercial vehicles (non-IRP) operating in Ontario: By December 31, 2022, you must renew your license plate sticker.

How to renew my sticker at ServiceOntario?

Similar to car insurance, you must renew your license plate sticker to keep your registration valid after you buy a vehicle. In Ontario, you must renew Ontario drivers license at least once a year. For an extra fee, you can maintain your subscription for another two years. This may be done in person or online at a ServiceOntario facility near you.

You’ll need the following information to renew:

  • License plate number
  • Permit number (RIN number
  • A pink slip or policy information from an Ontario vehicle insurance company that is valid
  • Odometer reading
  • Any outstanding fines must be paid.

If you renew a heavy-duty diesel vehicle, you may be asked to produce your vehicle safety inspection certificate number or your Drive Clean security code.

Locations of ServiceOntario

It’s simple to locate one near you to renew your license plate sticker. Please keep in mind that not all places accept cash.  Here are a few of the central locations:

  • Barrie
  • Brampton
  • Guelph
  • Hamilton
  • Kingston
  • Kitchener
  • Ottawa
  • Toronto – 47 Sheppard

How much does it cost to renew plates in Ontario?

renew ontario license plate sticker

The price of a new license plate sticker varies depending on where you live. The cost of a passenger vehicle in Southern Ontario is $120 per year. The charge is $60 per year if you live in Northern Ontario. You have the option of paying the yearly price or paying for two years at once for $240.

Here’s a list of the many types of vehicles and their costs:

Type of VehicleSouthern OntarioNorthern Ontario
Motorcycle$42$21
Commercial vehicle (gross weight 3,000 kg and less, commercial use)$120$120
Commercial vehicle (gross weight 3,000 kg and less, personal use)$120$60
Mopeds$12$12
Motorized snow vehicle$15$0
Motorized mobile home$120$60
Historical vehicles$18$18

FAQ – How to renew Ontario license plate sticker in 2022?

Is there an extension on license plate stickers in Ontario 2022?

Your Ontario license plate sticker can be renewed online up to 180 days before it expires. However, after it has expired, you will not be able to renew it online. You will get your renewal within 5 business days if you renew online. Attach it to the upper right-hand corner of your license plate after you get it.

Where can you renew my license plate sticker?

You may renew your plate sticker in person or online at a ServiceOntario location near you. You must renew a farm or large commercial vehicle weighing more than 3,000 kg in person.

Can I do Ontario sticker renewal online?

Yes, you certainly can. You may renew your sticker online up to 180 days before it expires. If you reside in Ontario, you may renew your license online by clicking here.

If I have outstanding fines, may I renew my plate sticker?

No. To renew your plate sticker and registration, you must pay any outstanding fines. 407 tolls, licensing fees, traffic tickets, red light camera tickets, and outstanding licensing fees are all included. The following are examples of outstanding fines you may have to pay to renew your license plate sticker in Ontario:

  • Fines for speeding tickets
  • Tolls on the highway
  • Fees for vehicle registration
  • Parking tickets
  • Fines for red light camera tickets
  • Fines apply if you fail to stop by a school bus
  • Operating an unlicensed cab incurs fines.

What is the penalty for driving with an expired license plate?

By law, you must renew your license plate sticker by your birthday in the month of renewal. You will be fined $110 if you are caught driving with an expired sticker.

Make sure you have a copy of the Extended Vehicle Validation Period Receipt if you renewed online but did not get it in the mail.

Is it possible to obtain a temporary license plate sticker?

Yes. At ServiceOntario, you may acquire a temporary sticker. It allows you to drive a registered car for ten days. It can be used to fulfill the requirements for a standard sticker or to transfer ownership of a vehicle.

What does a replacement plate sticker cost?

If you lose your license plate sticker, you must pay a fee to replace it at ServiceOntario. This is also true if it was lost or stolen. It will set you back:

  • $57 for a replacement plate
  • $7 for a replacement sticker.

If you receive your sticker in the mail and it is damaged, wrong, or faulty, bring it to ServiceOntario within 31 days for a free replacement. If it is lost, damaged, or stolen after that period, you will have to pay the replacement charge.

Is it possible for someone else to renew my license plate sticker?

renew ontario license plate sticker

Someone might renew your license plate sticker online if they have all of the essential information. You must renew in person at a ServiceOntario facility if you wish to renew in person. (For farm equipment or big commercial vehicles weighing more than 3,000 kg, it must also be done in person.)

Do I need to renew my snowmobile license plate sticker?

You certainly do. The procedure for renewing your license is the same as before, with the difference that you do not need to provide your insurance details.

Is it possible to renew my license plate sticker without insurance?

No. In Ontario, driving without valid insurance is illegal. You will not be able to renew your insurance if they are unable to verify your insurance details (company and policy number). Snowmobiles, as previously stated, are excluded from this rule.

What happens if my address changes?

Within six days of moving, you must inform the Ministry of Transportation. Before reapplying for your license sticker renewal, be sure your address has changed. Here’s where you may update your address online.

Also, don’t forget to renew your driver’s license! The license will be mailed to you in 4-6 weeks, however, the permit must be picked up at a ServiceOntario location.

What if I want a replacement sticker for the same year?

You can acquire a free replacement sticker if you need one within 30 days of receiving your new one. Damaged, stolen, or lost stickers will be charged $7.00 after 31 days.

Is it possible for me to obtain a refund on my license plate sticker?

You may have moved to a different province, or you may no longer utilize the car. There are occasions when you need to get your money back. You can obtain a debit/credit refund or a check in the mail if you’re eligible for a refund.

Renewal of your driver’s license sticker is an important part of becoming a responsible driver in the province. Folks, our article pretty much covers everything to help you renew Ontario license plate sticker. We hope that this article has addressed any questions you may have regarding renewing your license plate sticker. Have fun on the road!