Service Ontario extends the validity period of driving products, services and health cards

Ontarians will be given a grace period to update their license plate validation stickers and health cards during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

According to a release from the provincial government, ServiceOntario centres are attempting to limit the number of in-person visits to its public and private offices and DriveTest centres by “extending the validity period of driving products, services and health cards."

The intent is to promote social distancing and keep customers from being in queue together where the potential for spread is greater. Marmora and Lake's Service Ontario office is currently closed and will remain so until at least April 6.

In an effort to assist residents despite the closure, ServiceOntario will offer extensions on drivers licences, licence plate validation (sticker), Ontario Photo Cards and Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration certificates. Customers who require vision tests or medical reports from their doctor to renew their licences will also be granted more time.

This “ensures that patients do not need to visit their doctors, helping the health system to focus on containing COVID-19,” according to the release.

Finally, those with health cards that have expired or will soon expire will still receive health care coverage “until such a time that, based on the advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and public health officials, the current situation improves.”

Minister of Government and Consumer Services Lisa Thompson said Ontarians shouldn’t be visiting a ServiceOntario centre unless it’s absolutely necessary, and instead encouraged everyone to utilize government services offered online or take advantage of the extension for the time being.

Although the province is urging everyone to stay at home and self-isolate, it also recognizes that Ontarians are feeling the strain of these restrictions, and are aiming to help relieve some of that stress with these additional measures.

"We're working with all partners across the system to do everything we can to contain this virus and ensure that the system is prepared to respond to any scenario," said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. "These changes will help relieve the burden already faced by Ontarians and businesses by providing more time to renew their licences and permits without being penalized.”

For more information about services offered online, visit www.serviceontario.ca.