Do licence plates still need to be renewed in Ontario?

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If you own a vehicle in Ontario, you likely received a cheque in the mail from the Ford government this spring amid news that licence plate stickers and renewal fees have been eliminated. That means you don’t need to worry about renewing your licence plates, right?

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Do licence plates still need to be renewed in Ontario? Back to video

Wrong. Renewals are still required, although no fees will be collected. You also won’t receive a reminder that your plate needs to be renewed, unless you sign up online to receive digital alerts.

Here’s what you need to know about the changes to licence plate registration in Ontario.

Do I still need to renew my licence plate?

Yes. In Ontario, you’re legally required to renew your licence plate every one to two years. This is so the Ministry of Transportation can ensure your insurance is up to date and that any outstanding fees, fines, or tolls have been paid on a regular basis.

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How much will it cost to renew my licence plate?

Nothing. Currently, and as of March 13, 2022, there is no cost to renew your licence plate in Ontario.

How do I renew my licence plate?

Your plate can be renewed up to 180 days before the expiry date at a ServiceOntario location or online at this link.

How can I receive reminders?

Automated renewal reminders no longer go out by mail. Instead, you can sign up to receive reminders by text message, email, or robocall at this link. This service is only available for licence plates registered to vehicles owned by individuals. If a vehicle is owned by multiple individuals or a business, those reminders will continue to go out by mail.

What happens if I forget to renew?

Your licence plate will be considered expired, and you could be fined between $60 and $1,000 for failing to renew.

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How will a police officer be able to tell if my plate is expired?

The answer varies by police force. The Ontario Provincial Police and several local police forces use automated licence plate recognition devices, which scan the licence plates of vehicles within a set radius while the police vehicle is in motion. When a plate is found with a violation on record such as a licence plate expiration, the officers inside the police vehicle are notified so that they can pull the affected vehicle over to investigate. As part of the changes to the licence plate renewal program, the Ontario government has set up funding so that more police forces can purchase and use these systems.

Do I need to remove my sticker from my plate?

You don’t have to, but you can if you’d like.

Can I leave Ontario with an expired sticker or no sticker on my licence plate?

Yes. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has informed other law enforcement agencies of this policy change. However, you may wish to be prepared with your proof of renewal and MTO documentation explaining the new policy in case you’re stopped by an individual officer who isn’t aware of the change. A vehicle’s owner can take its permit to a ServiceOntario location and ask to have a new permit with proof of renewal printed for travel or employment purposes at no cost.