Ontario will be switching to automatic licence plate renewals on July 1, the provincial government has confirmed.
The government said licence plates for passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, motorcycles, and mopeds will automatically renew 90 days before expiry, provided the vehicle owner has valid insurance and no outstanding fines or tolls.
“By utilizing innovative technological solutions to streamline and improve government services, we are saving Ontarians precious time and money,” said Todd McCarthy, minister of public and business service delivery and procurement, said in a June 26
release.
If licence plates cannot be renewed automatically, drivers will be notified and will need to renew online or in person at a ServiceOntario location, the release said.
Ontario residents can sign up for
digital reminders that will send alerts via email, text message, or phone call.
Vehicle owners that have not opted for digital notification will get a letter in the mail 90 days before licence plates expire, and 72 hours after they expire.
Vehicle owners in Ontario can face fines up to $1,000 if they are caught driving with expired plates.
Currently, drivers must visit either the provincial government’s
website or a ServiceOntario office to re-register their licence plates before expiry, which is usually during their birthday month. To renew, drivers must have their licence plate number, vehicle permit, and active insurance policy number, as well as their vehicle’s odometer reading.
The changes will not alter the way that province, municipalities, or the 407 ETR collect unpaid fines and tolls, the government release said.
Premier Doug Ford
announced the switch to automatic renewals in February, noting the government first got rid of the sticker requirement for licence plates and was now doing away with manual re-registration.
The province said it would refund fees paid for licence plate stickers that were purchased between March 2020 and March 2022.
Canadians pay an average of $1,387 each month for vehicle costs, which includes insurance, fuel, depreciation, and maintenance, according to a financial comparison
report. The report authors also included $79 per month for licence costs.
