How to Renew Your Ontario Health Card (Online or In Person)

Renewing an Ontario health card is free and needed every 5 years. Most adults can renew online with a valid Ontario driver's licence or Ontario Photo Card; the new card is mailed in about 4 to 6 weeks. Otherwise, renew in person at a ServiceOntario centre with proof of residency and identity.

By Sarah Moglin Fact-checked by Samuel Athur

Last verified November 10, 2026 How we check our facts

Renew your health card and licence together

If both expire at the same time and you don't need a new photo or signature, you can renew both online in one go. The health card is free; the licence costs $90 (Visa or Mastercard).

Renewing in person

At a ServiceOntario centre, bring:

Your current health card
Original proof of Ontario residency and identity (from the Ontario Health Coverage Document List)
Your latest citizenship or immigration document, if your status changed since your last card
Your marriage certificate, if you are using your married name for the first time

If your card has expired, or you were out of Ontario more than 7 months in the last 12, you may need extra proof that Ontario is your main home.

Special cases

Who	How
Children under 15½	Usually online or by mail, following the renewal notice
Youth turning 16	In person, up to 6 months before the card expires
Seniors over 80	Usually by mail, following the renewal reminder
Can't visit for medical reasons	A doctor or nurse practitioner completes the Health Card Medical Exemption Request form

ServiceOntario also runs a pilot of virtual (video) appointments for some renewals.

Signature rules

Signatures with "add-on" statements or symbols (such as "without prejudice" or ©) are refused, and you would need to sign again.

Step by step

Check that you can renew online.
You need your most recent health card, and a current Ontario driver's licence (not suspended, expired or cancelled) or a current Ontario Photo Card.
Renew on the ontario.ca health card renewal page.
Your licence or photo card is used as proof of identity and residency. It is not renewed at the same time unless you choose the combined renewal.
Download and print your temporary document.
Carry it until the new card arrives.
Wait for your card by mail.
It takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

Ontario Health Card, Licence and Benefits A plain-language guide to the main Ontario services: renewing your Ontario health card (OHIP), renewing your driver's licence, and provincial benefits. How to Renew an Ontario Driver's Licence Online ($90) An Ontario driver's licence lasts 5 years and costs $90 to renew. Renew online if you hold a full G, M or GM licence, have not moved in the last 90 days, need no tests and owe no fines. You need your licence number and the 7-digit trillium number on the back. Provincial Services: Health Cards, Licences, Benefits Plain-language guides to renewing your health card and driver's licence in each of Canada's 10 provinces, and the provincial benefits paid along with your federal benefits.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost money to renew an Ontario health card?

No. Renewing an Ontario health card is free.

How often do I renew my Ontario health card?

Every 5 years.

Can I renew my Ontario health card online?

Yes, if you have a valid Ontario driver's licence or Ontario Photo Card to prove your identity and residency.

Sources

Renew a health card (ontario.ca) (checked 2026-11-10) (ontario.ca)

North Help Desk is an independent guide, not a government website. Rules, amounts and phone hours can change; always confirm on the official page before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.