Where to check your Ontario driver's license status
You can check your Ontario driver's license status through ServiceOntario, the government office that issues and manages licenses in the province. The fastest way is to use the online tool on the ServiceOntario website, which shows you the current status of your license without needing to call or visit an office in person.
To use the online checker, you'll need your driver's license number and your date of birth. The tool tells you whether your license is valid, suspended, expired, or cancelled. It also shows you any demerit points on your record and whether you have any driving restrictions.
If you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445. They can look up your status over the phone, though wait times are often longer than using the online tool.
Key Takeaways
- ServiceOntario's online license status checker is available 24 hours a day and requires only your license number and date of birth.
- The tool shows whether your license is valid, suspended, expired, or cancelled, plus any demerit points and driving restrictions.
- You can also call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 during business hours if you prefer phone support.
- A suspended license means you cannot legally drive; an expired license means you need to renew it before driving again.
What each license status means
Valid means your license is current and you can legally drive. The online tool shows your expiration date so you know when you need to renew.
Expired means your license passed its expiration date. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if it expired yesterday. You must renew it through ServiceOntario before driving again.
Suspended means you are not permitted to drive. A suspension usually happens because of unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or accumulating too many demerit points. The online tool does not always show the reason for the suspension, so you may need to call ServiceOntario to find out why and what you need to do to lift it.
Cancelled means your license has been permanently revoked by ServiceOntario. This is different from a suspension and usually requires you to reapply for a new license through the full testing process.
Demerit points and what they mean for your driving
Demerit points are added to your record when you are convicted of certain traffic offences. Ontario's demerit point system ranges from 2 to 7 points per offence, depending on the severity. Speeding 16 to 30 kilometres over the limit, for example, is 4 points. Failing to stop at a red light is 3 points.
If you accumulate 15 or more demerit points within a two-year period, your license is automatically suspended for 30 days. After the suspension ends, your record resets to zero. If you get suspended a second time within five years, the suspension is 60 days. A third suspension within five years is 90 days.
The online status checker shows your current demerit point total. Points stay on your record for two years from the conviction date, then drop off automatically. You do not need to do anything to remove them.
Driving restrictions and what they mean
Some licenses come with restrictions that limit how and when you can drive. These appear on your status report and are also printed on the back of your physical license card.
Common restrictions include requiring corrective lenses (glasses or contacts), an automatic transmission only, or a hand-controlled vehicle. Some restrictions require you to display a medical alert symbol or limit you to daytime driving only. If your license has a restriction and you drive without following it, you can be charged with driving contrary to your license conditions.
If you believe a restriction is no longer necessary — for example, if you had eye surgery and no longer need glasses — you can request a medical review through ServiceOntario. You will need to provide documentation from your doctor.
What to do if your license is suspended
If the online tool shows your license is suspended, the first step is to find out why. Call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 and have your license number ready. They will tell you the reason and what you need to do to have the suspension lifted.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or accumulating too many demerit points. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or child support, you will need to pay what you owe. If it is due to demerit points, you must wait out the suspension period — 30, 60, or 90 days depending on how many times you have been suspended.
Do not drive while your license is suspended. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offence in Ontario and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Renewing an expired Ontario driver's license
If your license is expired, you can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 business days. You will need your license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method.
By mail, you send your license and the renewal form to ServiceOntario. This takes longer — usually three to four weeks — because the form must be processed manually. In person, you can renew at any ServiceOntario office and usually receive your new license within a few weeks.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you have moved, update your address before renewing so your license goes to the right place. You can update your address online through ServiceOntario at the same time you renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to renew my Ontario driver's license?
Ontario driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license card. You can renew up to 90 days before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.
Can I drive if my license is expired but I have already started the renewal process?
No. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process. You can only drive once your new license is issued. If you are caught driving with an expired license, you can be fined.
What if the online tool says my license is suspended but I do not know why?
Call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445. They can tell you the specific reason — unpaid fines, child support, demerit points, or a medical issue — and explain what steps you need to take to have the suspension lifted. Have your license number ready when you call.
Do demerit points affect my insurance rates?
Yes. Insurance companies can see your demerit points and traffic convictions, and they often raise your rates if you have them. The amount depends on your insurance company and the severity of the offence. Points stay on your driving record for insurance purposes longer than they stay on your ServiceOntario record.
Can I check someone else's license status?
No. The online tool requires the license number and date of birth of the person whose license you are checking. You cannot look up another person's status without their permission and their personal information.