Your birthday is coming soon, but don't forget to renew your Ontario license plate stickers before you blow out your candles. If you are a first-time vehicle owner or if you a little rusty on the rules governing Ontario license plate stickers, then read on. In this post, we will discuss why you need to renew, where you can renew, how long it lasts, and how much it costs. If your vehicle requires a drive clean test or safety inspection before you can renew your stickers, trust the professionals at Hansma Automotive - we are committed to serving you with the best possible auto service repair at a reasonable cost
Ontario License Plate Stickers - All You Need To Know
Why You Need to Renew Your Ontario License Plate Sticker
It is the responsibility of every vehicle owner to keep their license plate stickers up to date. Service Ontario sends out reminders to renew usually 3 months before they are due as a courtesy. However, not receiving a reminder is not a valid excuse to neglect to renew.
If you are pulled over and your sticker is out of date you can be subject to a ticket and or fine.
Courtesy: Ontario.ca
You can renew online up to 180 days before your sticker expires.
Where to Get Your Ontario License Plate Sticker
There are two ways to renew your license plate sticker in Ontario. You can either renew online or you can go in person to a Service Ontario Centre. Click here to find the Service Ontario Centre closest to you, along with their hours of operation.
1. Online Renewals
You can renew your Ontario license plate sticker beginning 180 days before its expiry date up until 11:59 pm on the day of its expiry (license plate stickers in Ontario expire on your birthday). It only takes about 10 minutes to renew online.
You will need to have the following:
your license plate number
the name of your insurance company and policy number
a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or Interac Online
your vehicle's odometer reading
if applicable, your vehicle inspection certificate number and drive clean security code.
If you renew 9 days prior to the expiry of your sticker, then make sure you print off the Extended Vehicle Validation Period Receipt.
This receipt is valid for 10 days and is your proof of renewal to show in case you get pulled over. Make sure you keep it in your vehicle. You should receive your new sticker in the mail in less than 10 days.
You can renew your Ontario license plate sticker beginning 180 days before its expiry date.
2. Service Ontario Centre Renewals
If you do not want to apply for your sticker online or if your sticker has already expired, you will need to renew at a Service Ontario Centre.
Farm vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles (over 3000 Kg) can only be renewed at a Service Ontario Centre.
If renewing at a Service Ontario location, you will need to bring with you all the information that is required for online renewals (listed above).
How Long It Lasts
You can choose to renew your license plate sticker for one or two years. If your vehicle requires a drive clean test, however, you are only allowed to renew for one year.
How Much It Costs
The renewal fee is the same whether you are renewing online or in person at a Service Ontario Centre. A passenger vehicle in Southern Ontario will cost you $120 for one year and $240 for two years. If you live in Northern Ontario, the same vehicle will cost $60 for one year and $120 for two.
Click here for prices for other types of vehicles such as motorcycles, mopeds, commercial vehicles, motorized mobile homes, motorized snow vehicles, and historical vehicles.
Please remember that you will also be required to pay any outstanding fees associated with your vehicle, such as parking tickets, unpaid highway tolls, or non-sufficient funds (NSF) before your sticker will be issued.
Be sure to remove your old sticker to make room for the new one.
Trust Hansma Automotive To Keep Your Vehicle Road Ready!
So before your next birthday, make sure you go online or visit a Service Ontario centre to renew your license plate sticker. And remember to contact Hansma Automotive for all your vehicle service needs.
Hansma Automotive has been servicing the Kitchener area since 1987. We provide good old-fashioned customer service, and have built up a loyal following in the area as a result. Come and see for yourself.
We are located at 88 Shoemaker Street in Kitchener, Ontario, and offer a complimentary shuttle service to get you on with your day while your vehicle is being tended to.