Ontario to do away with paper renewal notices for licence plate stickers and health cards, among others

Ontario’s government is removing paper renewal notices and transitioning to a more digitally-convenient process.

This will include adjusting the renewal notification process for driver’s licences, licence plate stickers, and health cards.

The government will save up to $29 million in postage and mailing costs over five years as funds will be re-invested into critical programs, such as education.

Ross Romano, Minister of Government and Consumer Services, said the digital approach is a dramatic shift away from “snail mail” and a nod to the future by implementing a modern alternative.

“Providing Ontarians with digital reminders is a fast and convenient way to ensure they don’t miss their renewal deadlines,” Romano said in a news release.

“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.”

The new format will also expand to the online renewal of digital parking permits and Ontario photo cards.

The government says Ontarians with products that expired on or after Mar. 1, 2020, and were not renewed because of the pandemic-related extensions that were put in place due to COVID-19 will receive a letter in the mail informing them that it’s time for a new digital document.

Officials say the shift will benefit the environment “by saving approximately 80-million pieces of paper” over five years.

“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,” said Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy.

“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.”

On Sept. 1, the government announced the reinstatement of renewal requirements for driver’s licences, licence plate stickers, provincial photo cards and health cards that were temporarily extended due to the pandemic. The province temporarily waived requirements for people to renew their driver’s licence in person, including those aged 80 and over.

Driver’s licences can be renewed online at the Service Ontario website.

While most documents have a renewal deadline for next year, heavy commercial vehicle owners will need to renew their vehicle validations by Dec. 31, 2021.

With files from The Canadian Press