Ontario government has decided to ditch paper renewal notices for driver’s licences, licence plate stickers, and health cards.
The government says by eliminating paper renewal notices, Ontario will be saving up to $29 million over five years in postage and mailing costs with funds being re-invested into critical programs and services like education. Further, it will benefit the environment by saving approximately 80 million pieces of paper – roughly 16,000 boxes or 362 tonnes – over five years, reducing unnecessary waste and protecting our forests.
“Our government is taking another big step in our digital first approach by shifting away from snail mail to a modern alternative, saving taxpayer dollars and eliminating excess paper waste. Providing Ontarians with digital reminders is a fast and convenient way to ensure they don’t miss their renewal deadlines,” said Ross Romano, Minister of Government and Consumer Services. “As part of our commitment to improving access to government services for the people and businesses of our province, Ontarians can now benefit from secure and timely reminders and renew their products right from the comfort of their own homes.”
Moving to a digital model for renewal notices builds on the numerous initiatives the government has taken to make services more convenient, accessible, and easier to use for Ontarians, including:
- Enabling over 40 services online through ServiceOntario with 24/7 access, with products mailed directly to you and the option to print proof of renewal right at home.
- Launching the new Ontario Business Registry to support businesses and not-for-profit corporations at every stage of their lifecycle with quick and easy access to over 90 transactions online, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Making the land registry completely paperless as an accessible web portal that provides worldwide remote access to search land registration records.
- Enabling the online renewal of permanent Accessible Parking Permits and Ontario Photo Cards.
- Providing more payment options for driver and vehicle products.
“More seamless digital services make it easier for people across Ontario to access important information such as licence renewals either at home or on the go,” Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Our government continues to provide more opportunities to deliver in-demand digital services in a way that meets people’s needs where they are and where they are going.”
Ontarians with products that expired on or after March 1, 2020, and were not renewed because of the temporary extensions that were put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will receive a final letter in the mail letting them know that it’s time to renew. For a complete list of renewal deadlines, visit Ontario.ca/RenewalDeadlines.
“Our government is building a strong foundation for a digital Ontario and will continue to modernize for better, faster services,” said Kaleed Rasheed, Associate Minister of Digital Government. “Ontarians expect and deserve digital services at their fingertips.”
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