Lost Ontario G1 Licence: How to Replace It at ServiceOntario and the Fee (2026)

If you are in Ontario, replace a lost or stolen G1 licence in person at ServiceOntario and pay the applicable replacement fee. If you are outside Ontario, Ontario provides separate remote replacement options, including online, mail or fax routes where applicable.

• If you are in Ontario, replace a lost G1 licence in person at ServiceOntario and pay the applicable replacement fee. If you are outside Ontario, use the province's out-of-province replacement options where eligible.
• You can legally drive once you have the temporary paper receipt from ServiceOntario, even before the plastic card arrives.
• Prepare with Ontario G1 practice tests.

How do you replace a lost or stolen Ontario G1 licence at ServiceOntario?

When you are in Ontario, replacement is handled in person at ServiceOntario. Drivers who are outside Ontario can use the province's separate out-of-province replacement options where eligible.

Replacement Methods and Legal Driving Status

What if you lose your temporary paper G1 before the plastic card arrives?

Do not rely on a photo of the paper licence. If you are in Ontario, visit ServiceOntario for help replacing the temporary document or licence before driving again. Ontario also directs drivers to ServiceOntario if a temporary validation document is lost. See Ontario driver's licence service guidance.

Is the replacement process different for a damaged G1 licence? No separate replacement route is listed. Ontario groups lost, stolen, and damaged driver's licences under the same replacement service.

Can someone else replace your lost G1 licence for you?

If you are in Ontario, plan to attend ServiceOntario yourself for the replacement. If you are outside Ontario, the licence holder can use the province's eligible online, mail, or fax process and must provide the required signed authorization.

The replacement route depends on where you are when the licence is lost or stolen.

• In Ontario: Visit a ServiceOntario centre in person for the replacement.
• Outside Ontario: Follow Ontario's out-of-province replacement instructions; online, mail or fax options may be available depending on the situation.
• Temporary document: If ServiceOntario issues a temporary paper driver's licence, use that valid document while waiting for the replacement card.

Required Documentation and Fees

Does replacing a lost G1 change the licence number or expiry date?

A replacement does not start a new G1 validity period. Ontario's replacement process keeps the existing licence record and expiry date; use the information printed on the newly issued document once it arrives.

Bring original documents. Photocopies are not accepted for a duplicate driving permit.

• Proof of Identity: Original birth certificate or passport.
• Proof of Residency: A recent utility bill or bank statement.
• Parental Consent for Minors: If under 18, a parent or guardian must accompany you to sign the application form again.
• Replacement Fee: $35.75. The fee is the same whether your permit was lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Police Report: Not mandatory for ServiceOntario, but file one if your permit was stolen to protect against identity theft.

How Long G1 Replacement Takes and Common Scenarios

After applying, you get a temporary permit valid for 90 days. The permanent plastic card arrives by mail.

Check the Ontario learner's permit guide for current rules and fees.

• Standard Processing: Plastic card arrives by mail within 4-6 weeks.
• Scenario 1, Lost Permit in Toronto: A driver in Scarborough booked a 9:15 AM appointment at the Victoria Terrace centre. They brought only a health card, which was insufficient as primary ID. They were rejected and had to reschedule, delaying their G1 replacement by a week.
• Scenario 2, Stolen Permit in Ottawa: A student at Carleton University had their wallet stolen. They visited the ServiceOntario on Catherine Street without a police report. The agent processed the replacement but strongly advised filing a report with Ottawa Police to prevent fraudulent use of their driver's licence number.

If the G1 is already expired: replacement and re-application rules are different. Use the Permit Validity & Renewal article for that scenario rather than treating it as a normal lost-card replacement.

Using Your Temporary and Replacement G1 Licence

What should you do if you find your old G1 after getting a replacement?

Use the newest issued licence and do not keep using the old card. Once a replacement is issued, treat the earlier card as void and dispose of it securely.

Driving without a physical permit is illegal and can result in a fine. The temporary paper permit has the same restrictions as your original G1.

• Driving Legally: Do not drive after losing your G1. You can only drive once the ServiceOntario agent hands you the temporary paper permit.
• Permit Validity: The temporary paper driver's licence is valid for 90 days. Use it until the plastic card arrives.
• Replacement Limits: Frequent requests for a duplicate driving permit may trigger fraud alerts and require extra verification.

Complete the application form before your appointment to avoid form errors that cause rejection. Common mistakes include missing parent signatures for minors or incorrect current address.

Bring two original pieces of ID, not just a health card. ServiceOntario in Hamilton often turns applicants away who only have a health card, as it cannot always be used as standalone primary ID for licence reissue.