Q: What is a vehicle licence?
A: It is a permit to use the roads of the province for a certain period of time, and for which fees must be paid. In Ontario the licence fee must be paid by the plate owner
Once the fees are paid, the Ministry of Transportation issues a sticker which must be affixed to the rear plate on passenger vehicles or to the front plate on commercial vehicles (buses, trucks, vans)
Q: When should I renew the licence plates of my personal vehicle?
A: Owners of passenger vehicles must renew their plates ON or BEFORE their birthday, whether you receive or no an invitation to renew from the Ministry of Transportation., and as long as the vehicle is using the roads in Ontario.
Q: When should I renew the licence plates of my commercial vehicle?
A: Owners of commercial vehicles must renew their plates ON or BEFORE their Staggered Date, whether you receive or no an invitation to renew from the Ministry of Transportation.
Q: What happens if I don't renew my plates?
A: The Ontario Highway Traffic Act and regulations, establishes fines for using the public roads without a proper licence. The amounts of those fines can be obtained from our page on Fees and Fines.
Q: Do I have to renew my plates even though I am not going to use my vehicle for several months.
A: No. However, you must renew when you are about to put your vehicle on the road, and you will pay only from that moment on until your next birthday. If you have renew already and you don't want to use your vehicle for a while, you may apply for a licence refund
Q: What is a Staggered Date?
A: This is a name use to designate the date of your renewal, which normally is your birthday. Corporations have a staggered date according to the first letter of their name. Companies may request a different staggered date from that on the table.
If the first letter of the Legal name is: | Plates must be renewed by: |
A to F | October 31 |
G to O | November 30 |
P to Z , and all Numbered Corporations | December 31 |
Q: What is an Invitation to Renew (IRD) ?
A: It is a reminder sent by the Ministry of Transportation 6 to 8 weeks before your renewal date. The Ministry is no obligated to send such a reminder and you must renew whether or no you receive it. The courts normally don't accept as excuse for not renewing, the argument that you did not received the reminder.
Q: What if I did not receive or I lost the invitation to renew ? How can I renew ?
A: The licensing office will print out a new one for you.