Enhanced Driver's Licence Appointment Information

Before you book an appointment to get your Enhanced Driver's Licence (EDL), read the following to understand whether you qualify and whether an EDL is appropriate for you.

What is an EDL?

An Enhanced Driver's Licence (EDL) is a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document denoting identity and citizenship that can be used to as a passport alternative at Canada-U.S. land and water border crossings. A valid passport is still required to enter the United States by air. Getting an Enhanced Driver’s Licence is a multi-step process. We encourage you to read the EDL Applicant's Guide to understand the steps and the requirements fully, which are shown below.

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Step 1: Confirm you are eligible to apply for an EDL?

To apply for an EDL, you must:

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Step 2: Book an EDL appointment online

You must schedule an appointment using the ServiceOntario Online Booking system to get your EDL. To book an EDL appointment you will need:

Back to ServiceOntario Online Appointment Booking Service

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Step 3: Go to your EDL appointment

You must go to your EDL appointment and bring the following with you:

  • Bring these important documents to your EDL appointment. Print out, but do not sign, the three documents below (each link opens in a new window). Read the Guide to Completing the Citizenship Questionnaire (link opens in new window)
  • Ensure you have the mandatory identity documents in Appendix A of the Applicant's Guide
    • Ontario Driver's Licence (Section 1)
    • Evidence of Canadian Citizenship Documents (Section 2)
    • At least one item from the Proof of Identity Documents (Section 3)

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    Important information for all applicants

    Note that copies, altered or damaged originals of any of the required identity documents will not be accepted. The name on your identity documents must match exactly and be spelled the same way.

    Important information if you were born in Quebec

    Quebec baptismal or birth certificates issued prior to January 1, 1994 are not acceptable. If you do not already have one, you will need to obtain a new Quebec birth certificate from the Province of Quebec before your appointment.

    Important information if you have changed your name (e.g. due to a marriage or divorce)

    If your current legal name is different from the name shown on your citizenship document (such as a birth certificate), or you have changed your name (e.g. marriage, divorce, legal name change) you must provide all documents that link your birth name to your current name.

    Acceptable name change documents include:

    • Divorce certificate (both the married and previous names must be on the document). Please note your maiden name must be on your divorce certificate. If your current legal name cannot be linked from a divorce certificate to your maiden name on your citizenship documents (e.g. birth certificate) you will need a certified copy of your marriage certificate that provides the link from your current legal name to your maiden name
    • Change of Name certificate
    • A certified copy of a marriage certificate issued by the Province or State is required. A marriage certificate issued by a religious organization or a marriage commissioner will not be accepted
    • Press here to find out more information on how to apply for a certified copy of a marriage certificate, or a Change of Name certificate

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    EDL Fee

    There is a $40 fee to cover the costs of the EDL application. The $40 is payable at your EDL appointment and is non-refundable. If your Driver's Licence qualifies for renewal, you can renew at the time of your EDL appointment.

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    Appointment and EDL Service Locations

    The following nine ServiceOntario offices offer EDL appointments and all EDL services:

    • Cornwall – Unit 2, 720 14th Street West, Cornwall, ON, K6J 5T9
    • Kingston – 1201 Division Street, Kingston, ON, K7K 6X4
    • Ottawa – 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON, K1P 1J1
    • Sault Ste. Marie – 420 Queen Street, East, Suite 101, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1Z7
    • St. Catharines – 301 St. Paul Street, St. Catharines, ON, L2R 7R4
    • Thunder Bay – 435 James Street South, Suite 113, Thunder Bay, ON, P7E 6S7
    • Toronto Downtown – 777 Bay Street, Suite M212, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C8
    • Toronto North York – 47 Sheppard Avenue East, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON, M2N 5N1
    • Windsor – 400 City Hall Square East, Suite 205, Windsor, ON, N9A 7K6

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    EDL Card Pick Up Locations

    For a list of EDL card pick up locations nearest you, please click here.

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    Making Changes to your EDL

    Personal Identity Changes

    • All changes for name, date of birth, gender and height, must be processed at a ServiceOntario centre that offers the full suite of EDL services. Be sure to bring your EDL, your original birth certificate or evidence of citizenship, proof of your change, plus one other piece of identification from Appendix A.

    Address Changes

    Address changes on Enhanced Driver’s Licences must be made in person at a ServiceOntario centre that offers EDL services or at a ServiceOntario Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office.

    Other Enhanced Driver’s Licence Changes

    The following data licensing changes for an Enhanced Driver’s Licence (EDL) holder may be made at any ServiceOntario centre:

    • Class/endorsement downgrades
    • Adding a vision condition
    • Removing the “enhanced” (E) portion of the licence to change the status to a regular driver’s licence, at the EDL holder’s request.

    Class changes, adding licence condition or endorsement

    Class changes, adding a licence condition or endorsement can only be processed by a DriveTest Centre or at the ServiceOntario centre at 777 Bay Street (College Park) in Toronto.

    When in conjunction with a driver examination service, DriveTest Centres may also process address or class changes, add or remove a licence condition or endorsement e.g. “Z” endorsements, hand controls, etc., or change the status of an EDL to a regular driver’s licence.

    Please note: Name, date of birth, gender and height changes can only be processed in person at a ServiceOntario centre that offers the full suite of EDL services.

    Licence Status Change - Voluntary Surrender of Enhanced Portion of an Enhanced Driver’s Licence

    EDL holders may voluntarily decide to surrender the enhanced (E) portion of their EDL (i.e.,
    revert back to a regular DL). In this case, surrendering an EDL does not cancel the related
    driver’s licence (DL). EDL application/licensing fees are non-refundable.

    The EDL holder must surrender their EDL card when processing a voluntary licence status
    change at a ServiceOntario centre or DriveTest Centre.

    Please note: temporary driver’s licences cannot be used for entry into the U.S.

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    Replacing An EDL

    What to do if your EDL is lost or stolen

    Immediately advise your local police department and file a report.

    As soon as possible, visit a ServiceOntario centre that offers the full suite of EDL services.

    Bring your original birth certificate or other evidence of citizenship and a second piece of original identification (see Appendix A) to confirm your signature and identity and the $10 replacement fee. You will need to provide the police report or file number.

    A temporary driver’s licence will be issued to you for use until your EDL card arrives by secure delivery or you may choose to pick it up at one of the ServiceOntario centres listed here. The new EDL card must be signed for when delivered or picked up. Please note: the temporary driver’s licence cannot be used for entry into the U.S.

    What to do if your EDL is lost or stolen while you are outside of Ontario

    An Enhanced Driver’s Licence cannot be replaced from outside of Ontario.

    If you are returning to Ontario within six months, the Ministry of Transportation can mail you a temporary driver’s licence (not an Enhanced Driver’s Licence), provided that your driver’s licence is valid and not cancelled or under suspension.

    When you return to Ontario, please visit a ServiceOntario centre that offers the full suite of EDL services to replace your card. You will be required to provide your original birth certificate or other evidence of citizenship and a second piece of original identification (see Appendix A) and pay the replacement fee.

    If you are going to be away longer than six months, the Ministry of Transportation may replace your EDL with a regular driver's licence provided it is valid and not cancelled or under suspension. When you return to Ontario, please visit a ServiceOntario centre that offers the full suite of EDL services to replace your card. You will be required to provide your original birth certificate or other evidence of citizenship and a second piece of original identification (see Appendix A) and pay the $10 replacement fee.

    For information on how to apply for a replacement from outside Ontario, please visit ServiceOntario.ca or call the ServiceOntario at 416-235-2999 or 1-800-387-3445.

    For a list of EDL card pick up locations nearest you, please click here.

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    Renewing An EDL

    EDL holders must renew their licence at a ServiceOntario centre that offers the full suite of EDL services.

    The EDL card must be presented as proof of citizenship and identity. This EDL card is kept by the renewing office. A temporary driver’s licence will be issued to you for use until your EDL card arrives by secure delivery or you may choose to pick it up at a ServiceOntario centre. The new EDL card must be signed for when delivered or picked up. Please note: the temporary driver’s licence cannot be used for entry into the U.S.

    The EDL holder completes a Driver’s Licence Renewal Application (received via mail) and then completes the EDL Renewal Questionnaire form at the office.

    The cost to renew an EDL is $40.00 in addition to any other licensing fees.

    For a list of EDL card pick up locations nearest you, please click here.

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