Questions and Answers French Slogan Passenger Vehicle Licence Plate

Why did the Province of Ontario introduce a French slogan passenger vehicle licence plate?

On May 30, 2008, the Province of Ontario introduced a French slogan plate in response to requests received from the Office of Francophone Affairs (OFA) and the Francophone community.

What is the difference between a French slogan passenger vehicle licence plate and an English passenger vehicle licence plate?

The only difference between the plates is that one has the English slogan “YOURS TO DISCOVER” and the other has the French slogan “TANT À DÉCOUVRIR”.

How does a customer obtain French slogan plates?

The French slogan plate is available for purchase at any Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office, or ServiceOntario counter locations providing driver and vehicle licensing services.

How much does the new French slogan plate cost?

The French slogan plate is available to customers who wish to exchange their current English slogan passenger vehicle plate for a French slogan passenger vehicle plate. The current plate replacement fee is $20.00. If the customer does not currently own an English slogan passenger vehicle plate, a French slogan passenger vehicle plate can be purchased for is $20.00. The cost of the new French slogan passenger vehicle plate is the same as an English slogan plate - $20.00.

Will the customer be reimbursed for their existing licence plate if they purchase a French slogan plate?

Refunds will not be given for the English slogan plate. However, the time remaining on the validation sticker will be transferred over to the new French slogan plate.

Can a French slogan plate be ordered at the Kiosk or via the Personalized Licence Plate Call Centre (1-800-288-6758) or over the Internet?

Plates are not available through the Kiosk, the Internet or the Call Centre. At present, the French slogan plate is only available for purchase at issuing offices and ServiceOntario counter locations that provide driver and vehicle licensing services.

Can a customer order a Personalized Plate Program (PLP), a graphic plate or a sample plate with the French slogan?

Production of the new French slogan passenger vehicle plate is limited to regular series plates only. Depending on their popularity, the ministry may consider offering the French slogan on personalized, graphic or sample plates in the future. However, at present, there are no plans to do so.

Can French slogan plates be ordered as a gift?

The French slogan plates cannot be ordered as a gift. Depending on their popularity, the ministry may consider allowing French slogan plates to be ordered as gifts in the future.

Can an existing French slogan plate be converted to a personalized plate?

Conversion of a French slogan plate to a personalized plate cannot be done. The French slogan is not available on any personalized plates, including converted plates.

Are French slogan plates available for motorcycles?

There is no slogan on motorcycle plates.

Do emissions testing requirements need to be satisfied in order to attach my French slogan plates?

If the customer is attaching the French slogan plate to a plated vehicle, an emissions test is not required. However, if the customer is purchasing validation within the same transaction, the current emissions test policy requirements will apply.

Can a customer get a French slogan plate if they have outstanding fines?

The customer’s record will be checked before their order is filled. All outstanding fines (e.g. DFCC - Parking Fines, Hwy. 407 charges, Non Sufficient Funds, etc.), must be paid prior to the issuance and attachment of any plate.

Are plate slogans for Ontario licence plates available in any other languages?

The ministry only offers two slogans, one in English and one in French.

Why was “TANT À DÉCOUVRIR” chosen as the French slogan?

This slogan is consistent with the French catch phrase used by the Ministry of Tourism. As part of the official tourism logo, "Tant à découvrir" was the French equivalent for the English catch phrase "More to Discover" until early 2006 when the Ministry of Tourism changed the English to "Yours to Discover". "Tant à découvrir" was retained as the French equivalent.

Ontario is multicultural - so why are French and English the only languages that appear on the plate?

The decision to offer a French slogan passenger licence plate reflects the Province of Ontario’s commitment to comply with the French Languages Services Act R.S.O. 1990, which guarantees each individual the right to receive provincial government services in French in 25 designated areas of the province. (Visit http://www.ofa.gov.on.ca/english/FLSA.html or information related to this Act).

Where can customers get more information?

Customers requesting information on the new French slogan passenger vehicle plate can call the ServiceOntario Call Centre at 1-800-387-3445 or 416-235-2999. General information is available on the Ministry of Transportation’s website in English, French and also on ServiceOntario's website.

Why should people have to pay to exchange their English slogan plate for a French one?

Ordering a French slogan plate is essentially ordering a new plate. The cost of processing the order and manufacturing the plate is covered in the cost to the purchaser.

What other licence plates will have the French slogan “TANT À DÉCOUVRIR”?

The French slogan option is only available on the passenger vehicle licence plate. The French slogan is not available on personalized licence plates, licence plates with a graphic or any other type of Ontario licence plate.

Do other provinces offer a choice of French or English slogans on their plates?

With the exception of Quebec and Prince Edward Island, Ontario is the only other province to offer a French slogan plate.

What are the current statistics of French Language Service available in the Province of Ontario?

Currently there are 58 private issuing offices which offer French Language Services (FLS) to the public.