Ontario Government Services, Actually Explained

Plain-language guides for the stuff you need to get done. No bureaucratic jargon, no walls of text, no guessing which form to fill out.

Health Card Driver's Licence Birth Certificate G1/G2 Licence Change Address Change Name OHIP Photo Card
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Renew Your Driver's Licence
Your licence expires every 5 years. Renew online with your licence number and trillium number from the back of the card.
$90Online
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G1, G2 and G Licence Guide
Getting your first Ontario driver's licence from scratch. Knowledge test, road tests, wait times, restrictions, and costs at every stage.
From $159In Person
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Renew an Expired Licence
The process depends on how long your licence has been expired. Find out what tests you need to retake and where to go.
$90In Person
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Replace a Lost or Stolen Licence
Get a same-day temporary licence at any ServiceOntario centre. Your new card arrives in 4 to 6 weeks.
$35.75In Person
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Licence Plate Renewal
Most plates renew automatically at no cost. Find out if yours does, and what to do if it does not.
Free (auto)Automatic
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Licence Plate Sticker Refund
Ontario eliminated sticker fees in 2022 and issued refunds. Find out if you qualified, how much you should have received, and what to do if your cheque never arrived.
FreeAutomatic
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Exchange an Out-of-Province Licence
Moving to Ontario? Switch your licence from another province or country. The process depends on where you are from and how long you have been driving.
In PersonDriveTest
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Renew Your Health Card
Keep your OHIP coverage active by renewing every 5 years. Most people can do it online in about 5 minutes.
FreeOnline
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Apply for OHIP (First-Time)
New to Ontario? Apply for health insurance coverage and get your first health card. No waiting period.
FreeIn Person
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Register a Birth (Newborn Bundle)
Register your baby's birth, get a birth certificate, SIN, and Canada Child Benefit in one free online form. Takes about 25 minutes.
FreeOnline
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Ontario Photo Card
Government-issued photo ID for residents who do not have a driver's licence. Valid for travel within Canada.
$35In Person
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Get a Birth Certificate
Order a new or replacement birth certificate for anyone whose birth was registered in Ontario. Three types available.
From $25Online
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Get a Marriage Certificate
Order a certificate for any marriage performed and registered in Ontario. Use it to change your name or as proof of marriage.
From $15Online
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Get a Death Certificate
Order a death certificate for anyone whose death was registered in Ontario. Anyone can apply, no restrictions.
From $15Online
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Accessible Parking Permit
Apply for, renew, or replace an Accessible Parking Permit. Free for individuals with qualifying health conditions. Apply online, by mail, or in person.
FreeOnline
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Change Your Address
Update your address on your driver's licence, health card, and Photo Card all at once. Required by law within 6 days.
FreeOnline
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✏️
Change Your Name
Legal name change or assuming a spouse's name after marriage. Two different paths explained side by side.
Free or $137By Mail
Read the guide →
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Book a ServiceOntario Appointment
Skip the line by booking before your visit. Online booking up to 4 weeks ahead, phone booking up to 2 weeks, and virtual appointments for health card renewals.
FreeOnline
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Find a ServiceOntario Centre
Search 300+ locations by city or postal code. Check which services are offered, see hours of operation, and find out if a location is open right now.
Live Hours Directions Filter by Service Appointments
Search locations →

Why This Site Exists

Ontario.ca has all the information you need, but finding it and understanding it can feel like a part-time job. We read every page so you do not have to, then rewrote it in plain language with better organization.

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Organized by what you need to do

Each page starts with a quick quiz that tells you exactly what applies to your situation, instead of making you read through everything to figure it out.

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Written like a friend would explain it

No government jargon, no legalese, no run-on paragraphs. Just clear steps, document checklists, and the direct links you need to get things done.

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Always links to official sources

Every action button goes directly to the real ServiceOntario portal. We never collect your personal information or process any transactions. We just help you find the right door.

How It Works

1

Pick your service

Choose what you need from the cards above or use the search bar.

2

Answer a few questions

Each page has a short quiz that narrows down exactly what you need to do based on your situation.

3

Follow the steps

Get a clear list of documents, costs, and timelines. Then click through to the official ServiceOntario site to complete the process.

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This is not an official government website

serviceontario.online is an independent, unofficial resource. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Government of Ontario or ServiceOntario in any way. All information on this site is provided for general reference only. For the most current and authoritative details, always visit ontario.ca. We do not collect personal information, process transactions, or store any data. Every action link on this site goes directly to an official Government of Ontario website.