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Automobile license plates renew automatically

August 15, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Eligible license plates in Ontario will now renew automatically.

The new system went into effect on July 1, 2024.

To be eligible for automatic renewal, your vehicle must have a valid license plate and be insured to drive legally in Ontario. Your plate may automatically renewed if you drive a passenger vehicle, a light commercial vehicle under 3,000 kg, a motorcycle, or a moped. 

You must have valid insurance and no outstanding fines or tolls.

When your license plate automatically renews, it will be valid for one year. Law enforcement will be instantly aware your license plate was renewed.

You will not be contacted to confirm your plate was renewed, and you will not receive a new sticker for the license plate. Automatic renewal is free.

There are some license plates that do not automatically renew.

These include commercial and business vehicles, motorhomes, vehicles manufactured before 1983, buses and school buses, off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, and trailers. If you own one or more of the vehicles, you must continue to renew your license plate online or in person at a ServiceOntario location.

There are outstanding issues which may stop your license plate from being automatically renewed.

These include driver fines and fees. You must pay outstanding fines, penalties, or tolls, and make sure you have valid vehicle insurance.

You can check online to find out if your plate is currently valid or if it is expired, if the vehicle weighs 3,000 kg or less, and is a passenger vehicle, light commercial vehicle under 3,000 kg, motorcycle, or moped.

If you have to pay fines or get valid insurance, you must renew your plate manually either online or at a ServiceOntaro Centre. 

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