How to track the expiration dates of important documents in Canada
Step-by-step guide to online renewal and ServiceOntario's reminder system. Learn how to stay on top of important deadlines.
In Canada, it's crucial to keep track of expiration dates for official documents such as driver's licenses, health cards, passports, and others. Let's look at how to set up reminders and renew documents using Ontario as an example.
ServiceOntario Reminder System
To receive timely notifications about upcoming document expirations, you need to register in advance with a special service from ServiceOntario. You can do this at https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-serviceontario-renewal-reminders.
Documents You Can Track
When registering, you need to choose which documents you want to monitor. Options include:
- Driver's license (only for full G, M, and GM licenses)
- Vehicle registration (license plate)
- Health card
- Ontario photo card
Notification Methods
You can then choose how you want to receive notifications:
- Text message (SMS)
- Automated phone call
It's recommended to choose at least two notification methods to ensure you don't miss an important reminder.
After registration, you'll receive reminders as any of your selected documents approach their expiration date. For example, you'll get an email with a reminder and renewal link 60 days before your driver's license expires.
Online Driver's License Renewal Process
You can renew your driver's license online by clicking the link in the email or directly through Ontario.ca/page/renew-drivers-licence.
Choosing the Renewal Type
On the page, you'll be asked to choose one of the following options:
- Renew only your driver's license
- Renew both your driver's license and health card at the same time
Even if your health card isn't expiring soon, it's better to choose joint renewal to sync the dates and avoid extra hassle in the future. This may also reduce the overall renewal cost.
Mandatory Safety Questions
Next, you'll need to answer two mandatory questions:
- Do you require glasses or contact lenses to drive?
- Since you last renewed your driver's license, have you had any medical conditions that may affect your ability to drive or has a doctor told you not to drive?
Gold rush grips stock markets
One in five Canadians makes painful choices f...
More than 800 kilograms of contraband cannabi...
At Vancouver airport, a record drug shipment ...
American tariffs hit neighbors' pockets
This weekend Canada switches to winter time
A Canadian family found an unusual solution t...
Hackers are attacking Canada's critical infra...
The Bank of Canada has made a cardinal decisi...
Canadian Prime Minister seeks new partners in...
Canada has allocated 3.11 million dollars for...
The Canadian minister returns to America to c...
If the answer to both questions is no, you'll be asked to enter your current driver's license number and postal code. After that, you can proceed to payment.
Cost and Payment Options
The fee for renewing a 5-year driver's license is $90 CAD. The cost may vary for those 76 and older or when renewing for a different period linked to your health card.
Payment can be made using a Visa or Mastercard (debit or credit).
Confirmation and Receiving New Documents
After payment, you'll receive a receipt which you should save. Your new driver's license will be mailed to you within four to six weeks.
The receipt itself doesn't give you the right to drive. It's only a confirmation of your order.
Is a New Photo Required?
You usually don't need to upload a new photo for online renewal — the photo from the current database is used. A new photo is typically required only every 10 years or if there have been significant changes in your appearance.
If your photo is outdated or doesn't meet requirements, ServiceOntario will send a separate notification about the need to update it through an in-person office visit.
Alternative Ways to Renew Documents
If online renewal isn't available for some reason, you can always visit your nearest ServiceOntario center. Find locations at Ontario.ca/Locations.
What to Bring When Visiting an Office
- Current driver's license
- Health card (if planning a joint renewal)
- Proof of address (if required)
- Payment method (cash, card, check)
Additional Tips for Tracking Documents
Here are some helpful tips:
- Sign up for renewal notifications for all important documents in the ServiceOntario system
- Additionally, save expiration dates in your calendar with a reminder 3-6 months before the end of the validity period
- Regularly check that your contact information is up to date in ServiceOntario and Service Canada databases
- Create a spreadsheet or document with expiration dates of all important documents for your entire family
- Update your address in the system within 6 days of moving at ontario.ca/addresschange
Validity Periods of Other Important Documents
| Document | Standard Validity Period | Renewal Cost | Where to Renew |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver's License | 5 years | $90.00 | ServiceOntario |
| OHIP Health Card | 5 years | Free | ServiceOntario |
| Permanent Resident Card (PR Card) | 5 years | $50.00 | IRCC (federal level) |
| Canadian Passport | 5 or 10 years | $120 (5 years) / $160 (10 years) | Service Canada |
| Ontario Photo Card | 5 years | $35.00 | ServiceOntario |
Tracking Document Expiry in Other Provinces
Similar reminder services exist in other Canadian provinces. While the registration system and availability of notifications may differ slightly, most regions in Canada offer the option to receive reminders about the need to renew driver's licenses, health cards, and other official documents.
