Automatic licence plate renewals are set to launch in Ontario next week

Today (June 26) is a major day for many Ontarians, as the provincial government has announced they are fully launching its automatic licence renewal initiative next week.  

According to an official release from the Government of Ontario, 8-million motorists will be the first to experience this new incentive. Provincial representatives also indicated that this program is the first of its kind in North America and will likely save drivers in Ontario a total of 900,000 hours navigating the red tape of re-registration. 

“The automatic licence plate renewal program stems from our government’s unwavering commitment to deliver modern, seamless and time-saving services. By utilizing innovative technological solutions to streamline and improve government services, we are saving Ontarians precious time and money,” said the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement Todd McCarthy in an official statement. 

Provincial officials also indicated that the foundation for this program has been in the making for some time, as planned changes to vehicle registration and management go back to the initial elimination of licence plate sticker fees for passenger vehicles back in 2022. 

“Providing automatic licence plate renewals underscores this government’s commitment to modernizing services. Removing the yearly hassle of reporting to the government saves people and businesses a precious commodity – their time,’ said the Director of Government Relations, Motor Vehicle Retailers of Ontario Frank Notte.

This new program will ensure that passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, motorcycles and mopeds renew automatically 90 days before initial expiry, contingent on whether the owner has valid insurance and no outstanding fines or tolls. 

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If — for whatever reason — a vehicle’s licence cannot be renewed, notifications will be sent to the owner to renew in person. 

The official launch of this program is slated for next week on July 1, 2024.