Ontario G1 Documents: Original ID Requirements and What Gets Rejected (2026)

Bring original, valid identity documents that prove your legal name and date of birth. Depending on the document, one accepted document may satisfy both requirements, while other applicants may need a combination of documents. Photocopies are not accepted.

• Use one accepted document when it proves both your legal name and complete date of birth; otherwise, use an accepted combination of original documents.
• Photocopies, laminated cards, and hospital birth certificates are rejected at every Ontario DriveTest Centre without exception.
• Prepare with Ontario G1 practice tests.

Required Identity Documents for Your G1 Licence

DriveTest allows proof of identity through one or multiple original, valid documents, depending on what information each document contains.

A birth certificate is one option, not a universal requirement.

Birth Certificate Rules and Name Mismatches

Your birth certificate must be a government-issued certified copy. Older paper versions need a raised seal or watermark.

• Rejection Example: A Mississauga applicant was turned away at the DriveTest centre on Matheson Blvd for presenting a hospital 'Statement of Live Birth' with footprints.
• What if your birth certificate name doesn't match? Bring original bridging documents like a Marriage Certificate or Change of Name Certificate.

Order a replacement birth certificate from ServiceOntario weeks before your appointment to avoid a wasted trip.

Do all Ontario G1 documents need to show the same name? Your documents must establish your legal identity. If names differ because of a legal change or another accepted reason, bring the supporting original document that connects the names rather than assuming mismatched documents will be accepted on their own.

Identity Document Requirements

Do you need proof of residency for an Ontario G1 licence? A verbal declaration is often accepted, but bringing physical proof prevents mailing errors.

• Utility bill (hydro, gas, internet) from the last 60 days.
• Bank or credit card statement.
• Mortgage or rental agreement.
• Can you use an aunt/uncle's address? Yes, if you live there. Bring a letter from them plus a bill in their name and something like your school transcript sent to that address.

Rejection Example: An Ottawa student tried to use a cell phone bill PDF on their phone at the Walkley Road centre; staff insisted on a printed copy.

See the Ontario learner's permit guide for complete requirements.

Complete Ontario permit details are on the Ontario permit guide.

Can you show a photo or digital copy of your ID at DriveTest?

No for the standard identity check. Ontario requires original, valid identity documents; photocopies and expired documents are not accepted.

Parental Signature and Guardian Requirements

Do you need a parent signature for an Ontario G1 licence? No, not for the standard application, even if you are under 18.

The exception is if you lack a signature document (like a passport). Then, a parent must act as a guarantor using Declaration from a Guarantor (Form 023-SR-LD-040).

• What if parents are divorced? Only one parent needs to sign the guarantor form. They must be a Canadian citizen and have known you for 2+ years.
• Parents are financially liable for any vehicle they own that you drive, regardless of signing your application.

What to Bring to the DriveTest Centre

Bring your accepted original identity document or document combination, any supporting name-change document that applies, payment for the G1 package, and glasses or contacts if you use them for driving. Do not assume every applicant needs a second signed document.

Common Document Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Photocopies, expired IDs, and hospital 'souvenir' birth certificates are rejected. ✓ Valid Canadian or Foreign Passport (covers all three requirements). ⚠ Canadian Citizenship Card with photo. ⚠ Secure Certificate of Indian Status Card (issued on or after December 15, 2009). ⚠ Permanent Resident (PR) Card. ⚠ Ontario Photo Card (you must surrender it when you get your licence). ⚠ Canadian Birth Certificate (certified copy from a vital statistics office). Do you need a birth certificate for an Ontario G1 licence? No, it is one of several options. A passport is often easier. Your birth certificate must be a government-issued certified copy. Older paper versions need a raised seal or watermark.

• Rejection Example: A Mississauga applicant was turned away at the DriveTest centre on Matheson Blvd for presenting a hospital 'Statement of Live Birth' with footprints. What if your birth certificate name doesn't match? Bring original bridging documents like a Marriage Certificate or Change of Name Certificate. Order a replacement birth certificate from ServiceOntario weeks before your appointment to avoid a wasted trip. Identity Document Requirements Do you need proof of residency for an Ontario G1 licence? A verbal declaration is often accepted, but bringing physical proof prevents mailing errors. Utility bill (hydro, gas, internet) from the last 60 days. Bank or credit card statement. Mortgage or rental agreement. Can you use an aunt/uncle's address? Yes, if you live there. Bring a letter from them plus a bill in their name and something like your school transcript sent to that address
• Rejection Example: An Ottawa student tried to use a cell phone bill PDF on their phone at the Walkley Road centre; staff insisted on a printed copy. Do you need a parent signature for an Ontario G1 licence? No, not for the standard application, even if you are under 18. The exception is if you lack a signature document (like a passport). Then, a parent must act as a guarantor using Declaration from a Guarantor (Form 023-SR-LD-040). What if parents are divorced? Only one parent needs to sign the guarantor form. They must be a Canadian citizen and have known you for 2+ years. Parents are financially liable for any vehicle they own that you drive, regardless of signing your application. Your complete checklist for the permit application paperwork: Original Identity Documents: Passport OR Birth Certificate plus a signature document (e.g., Ontario Health Card)
• Proof of Residency: A printed bank statement or utility bill
• Completed Forms: Application for Ontario Driver's Licence (Form 023-SR-LD-054E)
• Fill it out beforehand. Payment: $159.75 for the full G1 package
• Credit/debit accepted. Name Change Docs: If applicable (e.g., Marriage Certificate)
• Glasses/Contacts: You must pass a vision test
• Rejection Example: A Hamilton applicant at the Kenora Ave centre brought an expired passport and had to reschedule, losing their booked test slot. Arrive with a completed application form to bypass the form-filling line and get your number faster

Call your chosen DriveTest centre (e.g., London on Exeter Road) the day before to confirm your document set, as agent interpretations can vary slightly.