Book a ServiceOntario Appointment2026-03-30T19:30:50+00:00
Book a ServiceOntario Appointment
Skip the line by booking before your visit. Appointments are available online at select centres up to 4 weeks in advance, or by phone up to 2 weeks ahead at other locations.
2Select the ServiceOntario centre you want to visit
3Choose the service you need (you can book multiple services in one appointment)
4Pick a date and time slot
5Enter your contact information
6Receive a confirmation email with your appointment details
You will also get a reminder email the day before your appointment. The services available may vary from centre to centre, so the booking tool will only show you the options available at the location you select.
You can book a single appointment for your entire family. You do not need separate bookings for each person.
Some ServiceOntario centres accept appointment bookings by phone up to 2 weeks in advance. Call the general ServiceOntario line and they will help you find a centre near you that accepts phone bookings.
Call: 1-800-387-3445 (TTY: 1-800-268-7095) Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time (excluding holidays)
ServiceOntario offers video call appointments for health card renewals. This lets you renew from home without visiting a centre. It is a pilot program and availability may be limited.
You may qualify if:
Your health card has not expired yet
You are 18 years of age or older
You have a valid photo health card that does not require a new photo and signature
To book a virtual appointment, call ServiceOntario at 1-866-532-3161. They will confirm your eligibility, schedule a date and time, and send you a link by email for the video call.
For the video call, you need:
A computer, tablet, or phone with a working camera and microphone
Proof of identity showing your full name and signature (driver's licence or Ontario Photo Card)
Which Services Accept Appointments
Not every service is available at every centre. When you book online, the system will only show you the services available at the location you choose. The most commonly available appointment services include:
Health card renewal, replacement, or new photo
Driver's licence renewal, replacement, or new photo
Ontario Photo Card (new, renewal, or replacement)
Apply for OHIP (first-time health card)
Change of address on driver's licence, health card, or Photo Card
Vehicle permit and licence plate transactions
Accessible parking permit
Name change or sex designation change
Some services like birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and name changes can only be processed in person at the Toronto (47 Sheppard Ave E) or Ottawa (110 Laurier Ave W) ServiceOntario centres. Check the specific guide for your service to confirm which locations handle it.
Phone-Only Booking Centres
Some smaller ServiceOntario centres accept appointments by phone only (not through the online booking system). You can book up to 2 weeks in advance by calling the centre directly. These include locations in smaller communities such as Dresden, Alexandria, Orangeville, Stittsville, Petawawa, and Simcoe, among others.
To find out if a specific centre offers phone booking, call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 or visit the official appointment page which maintains the current list.
On the Day of Your Appointment
Arrive a few minutes early. If you are late, you may need to rebook
Bring your confirmation email (printed or on your phone) and a valid photo ID
Bring all required documents for your specific service. Missing a document means you may not be able to complete your transaction
Bring payment if your service has a fee. In-person payment options vary by centre but usually include cash, debit, Visa, and Mastercard
Make sure the centre is open before heading out. Check for holiday closures or unexpected closures
If you booked for your whole family, bring documents for each person
If you miss your appointment, it will be marked as a no-show and you will need to book a new one. There is no penalty, but you will have to wait for the next available slot. If you know ahead of time that you cannot make it, cancel through the link in your confirmation email so the slot opens up for someone else.
Appointments vs Walk-Ins
Appointments are not mandatory at most locations. You can still walk in without one. However, people with appointments are served before walk-ins, which means walk-in wait times can be significantly longer, especially at busier centres in the GTA, Ottawa, and Hamilton.
If no appointment slots are available at your preferred location, try a less busy centre nearby, try a different date (midweek mornings tend to be quieter), or arrive as early as possible for a walk-in visit.
Before visiting in person, check whether you can complete your transaction online instead. Many services like driver's licence renewals, health card renewals, address changes, and birth certificate orders can be done entirely online without visiting a centre at all.
What to Bring
What you need depends on the service. Here are the most common:
Health card renewalFull guideCurrent health card + ID
Check the full guide for each service (linked above) for the complete document checklist before your visit.
Cancelling or Changing Your Appointment
Follow the instructions in your confirmation email or reminder email. To change the time, cancel your current appointment and book a new one. If the centre has an unexpected closure, ServiceOntario will contact you by email before your appointment to let you know.
Accessibility
If you need a sign language interpreter, deafblind intervenor, or any other accommodation at your appointment, email [email protected] at least 2 to 3 days before your visit so the team can prepare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book an appointment at any ServiceOntario centre? +
No. Online appointment booking is only available at select centres. Smaller or less busy locations may only accept walk-ins or phone bookings. When you use the online booking tool, it will show you which centres near you accept online appointments.
How far in advance can I book? +
Online appointments can be booked up to 4 weeks in advance. Phone appointments at select centres can be booked up to 2 weeks in advance. Slots fill up quickly at popular locations, so book as early as you can.
Can someone else go to the appointment on my behalf? +
For most services, you need to be there in person since a photo or signature may be required. However, for some transactions like health card renewals with a medical exemption, someone can attend on your behalf with the proper documentation. Contact ServiceOntario at 1-866-532-3161 to find out if your specific situation qualifies.
Is the appointment free? +
Booking the appointment itself is free. However, the service you are there for may have a fee (for example, $90 for a driver's licence renewal or $35 for a Photo Card). The appointment just reserves your time slot.
What if there are no appointment slots available? +
Try a different centre nearby, check for cancellations by refreshing the booking page over the next few days, or try booking for a midweek date which tends to have more availability. You can always walk in without an appointment, though wait times may be longer.
Can I do multiple things in one appointment? +
Yes. The online booking system lets you select multiple services for a single appointment. For example, you can renew your health card and update your address in the same visit. You can also book for multiple family members at once.
