How to change your address on an Ontario driver's license
You can change your address on your Ontario driver's license through ServiceOntario, either online, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office. The online method is fastest — you can update your address in minutes if you have your driver's license number and a valid email address. If you prefer not to go online, you can mail in a form or visit a ServiceOntario location and have it done the same day.
You do not need to pay a fee to change your address, and you do not need to take a new photo or retake any tests. Your license stays valid; only the address on file changes. The process is straightforward because ServiceOntario handles address updates separately from license renewals or replacements.
Key Takeaways
- The fastest way to change your address is online through ServiceOntario's website using your driver's license number and email address.
- You can also mail a completed form or visit a ServiceOntario office in person, and there is no fee for an address change.
- Your physical license card does not change — only your address on file with ServiceOntario is updated.
- You should update your address within a reasonable time after moving, as your license must show your current residence.
Changing your address online
Visit the ServiceOntario website and look for the driver's license address change option. You will need your driver's license number, which appears on the front of your card. You will also need a valid email address where ServiceOntario can send confirmation.
The online form asks for your new address and takes only a few minutes to complete. Once you submit it, you receive an email confirmation. Your address is updated in ServiceOntario's system right away, and you can use your license when ready — you do not have to wait for anything to arrive in the mail.
Changing your address by mail
If you prefer to mail in your address change, read or request the Change of Address form from ServiceOntario. Fill in your driver's license number, your old address, and your new address. Sign the form and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail takes longer than online — usually one to two weeks. ServiceOntario will send you a confirmation letter to your new address once the change is complete. Keep this letter as proof that your address has been updated, especially if you need it for insurance or other purposes.
Changing your address in person at ServiceOntario
You can walk into any ServiceOntario office and request an address change on the spot. Bring your driver's license and proof of your new address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other official document showing your name and current address.
The staff member will update your address in the system while you wait. You will receive a receipt confirming the change, and your license is valid with the new address when ready. This method is useful if you want to confirm the change is complete before you leave, or if you are already at a ServiceOntario office for another reason.
What counts as proof of your new address
ServiceOntario accepts several types of documents as proof of your new address. These include a utility bill (hydro, gas, water), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax assessment, a bank statement, or a government letter addressed to you at your new address. The document must show your full name and current address, and it should be dated within the last three months.
If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask ServiceOntario what alternatives they accept. Some offices may accept a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement even if it is older, depending on your situation.
When you need to update your address
Ontario law requires that your driver's license show your current address. You should update your address within a reasonable time after moving — most people do this within a few weeks. If you are stopped by police and your license shows an old address, you may be asked to explain the delay, though a recent move is generally understood.
Updating your address promptly also matters for insurance purposes. Your auto insurance company needs your current address on file, and your driver's license address is often used to verify this. If your license and insurance address do not match, it can cause problems when you file a claim.
Address changes when you renew your license
If your driver's license is coming up for renewal, you can update your address as part of the renewal process instead of doing it separately. When you renew, you will be asked to confirm or update your address. This saves you a step if you are renewing soon anyway.
However, if you have recently moved and your license is not due to renew for several years, it is better to update your address now rather than wait. You do not have to wait until renewal to make the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to update my address if I move within Ontario?
Yes. Your driver's license must show your current address in Ontario. You should update it within a reasonable time after moving. There is no fee, and you can do it online, by mail, or in person.
What if I move out of Ontario?
If you move to another province or country, you will eventually need a driver's license from that location. Ontario will not update your address to an out-of-province address. Contact the licensing authority in your new province or country for their process.
How long does it take to update my address online?
The online update is when ready. Your address changes in ServiceOntario's system as soon as you submit the form, and you can use your license right away. You receive an email confirmation within minutes.
Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?
You can update your address even if your license is suspended or expired. The address change is a separate transaction from the status of your license. However, if your license is expired, you will need to renew it before you can legally drive.
Do I need to bring my physical license card to change my address?
For online changes, you only need your license number, which you can read from your card. For in-person changes, bring your physical license and proof of your new address. For mail-in changes, you do not need to send your card — just the completed form.