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Ontario Extending Validation Periods for Driver Licenses and OHIP Cards
Thursday, March 19, 2020
The Government of Ontario is extending the validity period of driving products, services and health cards. These changes reduce the need for in-person visits to ServiceOntario, and DriveTest centres during the COVID-19 outbreak, and help to promote social distancing while work is being done to contain the spread of the virus.
These new regulations include extensions for driver licences, licence plate validation, and Ontario Photo Cards; among others. Expiring and expired health cards will continue to provide access to health services.
There will also be an extension of due dates for medical or vision reports, required by the Ministry of Transportation, which both reduces the need for in-person visits and ensures that patients do not need to visit their doctors. This will help the health system to focus on containing COVID-19.
These extensions will be in place until the current situation improves, based on the advice of Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health and public health officials.
The Government of Ontario also urges the public not to visit a ServiceOntario centre unless absolutely necessary. People can complete transactions online or use the extended validation period. It is advised that people follow the advice of medical professionals and stay at home.
For more information about the services and extensions mentioned, you can visit the ServiceOntario website.