TORONTO — The Ontario government has confirmed that the ongoing Canada Post strike is disrupting the mailing of driver’s licences, photo cards, and health cards across the province, creating delays and forcing residents to seek alternatives to ensure their documents remain valid.
With mail service halted, renewal notices for driver’s licences and Ontario photo cards are not being sent out, and new or renewed cards cannot be delivered. The province is urging residents to renew their documents either online or at a ServiceOntario location.
Those who complete renewals should keep their transaction receipt and temporary validation certificate as proof until their new card arrives once mail service resumes. However, if a temporary driver’s licence or photo card is within seven days of expiry, residents must visit a ServiceOntario centre to receive a new temporary document at no cost.
Commercial drivers and Ontarians aged 70 or older, who typically still receive mailed renewal reminders, will also not receive notices during the strike. “Please check your licence for the expiry date. As a reminder, licences typically expire on your birthday,” the province advised.
Health cards are also being impacted. If a health card expires during the strike, residents can still access emergency care at hospitals or clinics. Many may be able to renew online, while others will need to visit a ServiceOntario centre. Receipts will serve as temporary proof of provincial health insurance and remain valid alongside the expired card until the new card can be delivered.
The province confirmed that all licences, photo cards, and renewal letters will be mailed once Canada Post operations return to normal.