Renewing Your Manitoba Driver's Licence: A Complete MPI Guide

Renewing your driver's licence in Manitoba is a routine but essential task for all drivers. It's a process that ensures your photo is current, your personal information is accurate, and you continue to meet the vision standards required for safe driving. The entire process is handled through Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and its network of Autopac agents.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know for a simple and efficient renewal experience, covering how often you need to renew, the required fees, and what to expect when you visit your Autopac agent.

When to Renew Your Manitoba Licence

A standard Manitoba Class 5 licence is valid for a term of five years and expires on your birthday.

• Renewal Reminder Notice: MPI will mail you a renewal notice about five to six weeks before your licence is set to expire. This notice will be sent to the address that MPI has on file for you, so it's crucial to report any change of address to your Autopac agent.
• It's Your Responsibility: While the reminder notice is helpful, it is ultimately your responsibility as a driver to know when your licence expires and to renew it on time. The expiry date is printed clearly on the front of your licence card.

The In-Person Renewal Process

In Manitoba, you must renew your driver's licence in person at an authorized Autopac agent or an MPI Service Centre. Unlike some other services, online renewal is not an option for your driver's licence.

What to Expect at Your Renewal Appointment:

1. Visit an Autopac Agent: You can go to any of the hundreds of Autopac agent locations across the province. No appointment is necessary for a simple renewal.
2. Bring Your Current Licence: You will need to present your expiring driver's licence as your primary piece of identification.
3. Take a New Photo: A new photograph will be taken for your updated licence card. This is required at every renewal to ensure your photo is current.
4. Pass a Vision Test: The agent will conduct a simple vision screening test. You'll be asked to look into a machine and read a series of letters or identify symbols. If you need glasses or contact lenses to drive, make sure you are wearing them for the test. If you fail the screening, you will be required to have a vision report completed by an eye care professional before you can renew.
5. Answer Eligibility Questions: You will be asked to confirm your personal information, such as your address and height, and declare if you have any new medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive safely.
6. Pay the Renewal Fee: You will need to pay the required fee for the five-year renewal. The fee is based on your position on the Driver Safety Rating (DSR) scale. Drivers with a positive rating will pay less, while drivers with a negative rating will pay a surcharge. You can pay with cash, debit, or credit card.

Once the process is complete, the agent will give you a temporary paper licence certificate. Your permanent new card will be mailed to you and should arrive within a few weeks.

Medical Requirements and Renewals

For some drivers, a medical report may be required as part of the renewal process.

• Age-Related Requirements: Drivers are asked to self-declare their medical fitness up to age 75. At age 75, 80, and every two years after that, drivers are required to undergo a medical examination with their doctor.
• Known Medical Conditions: If you have a known medical condition that could affect your ability to drive, MPI may require you to submit periodic medical reports regardless of your age.
• If a medical report is required, MPI will notify you by mail. You must have the report completed by your doctor and submitted to MPI's Medical Standards section for review before you can renew your licence.

Renewing an Expired Licence

It is illegal to drive with an expired licence. If you forget to renew on time, the process depends on how long it has been expired.

• Expired for Less Than 4 Years: You can still renew your licence by visiting an Autopac agent. You will need to meet all the standard renewal requirements, including the vision test.
• Expired for More Than 4 Years: Your licence is considered lapsed. You will be required to re-qualify by starting the licensing process over. This means you will have to pass the knowledge test and a road test to be issued a new licence.

Renewing While Temporarily Out of Manitoba

If you know you will be out of the province when your licence is due for renewal (e.g., for school, work, or extended travel), you can apply for a re-assessment before you leave. This allows you to renew your licence early. If you are already out of the province, you should contact MPI directly to discuss your options for a possible extension to avoid having your licence lapse.

By keeping your expiry date in mind and knowing the simple, in-person process, you can ensure your Manitoba licence renewal is a quick and easy task.