Check your license status through ServiceOntario's online portal
You can check whether your Ontario driver's license is valid, suspended, or cancelled by visiting the ServiceOntario website and using their Driver's License Status tool. The process takes about five minutes and requires your driver's license number and date of birth. You do not need to create an account or log in — the tool is available to anyone.
Go to ontario.ca/driversLicenseStatus and select "Check your driver's license status." Enter your 16-digit license number (found on the front of your card) and your date of birth in the format shown. The system will when ready display whether your license is currently valid or if there are any holds, suspensions, or cancellations on record.
If the tool shows your license is suspended or cancelled, it will usually tell you the reason — for example, unpaid fines, a medical review, or a conviction-related suspension. The status page may also show when the suspension ends or what steps you need to take to restore your license.
Key Takeaways
- The ServiceOntario Driver's License Status tool is free and available 24/7 on ontario.ca without logging in.
- You need your 16-digit driver's license number and date of birth to check your status.
- The tool shows whether your license is valid, suspended, or cancelled, and usually explains why.
- If your license is suspended, the status page tells you the end date and what you must do to restore it.
- If the online tool does not work or you cannot find your license number, you can call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445.
What different license statuses mean
Valid means your license is current and you are legally permitted to drive. The status page will show your license expiry date so you know when to renew.
Suspended means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. Common reasons include unpaid fines, failure to pay child support, medical concerns flagged during a license review, or a conviction-related suspension (such as impaired driving). The status page will show the suspension end date if one exists, or tell you what action you must take — for example, paying a fine or completing a medical assessment.
Cancelled means your license has been terminated and you cannot drive. This usually happens because of repeated violations, failure to comply with a suspension, or a serious conviction. To drive again, you will need to reapply for a license, which may require passing a written test, vision test, and road test depending on why it was cancelled.
Expired means your license is no longer valid because the expiry date has passed. You can still renew it online or in person, but you cannot legally drive until you do.
How to renew your license if it is expired
If the status tool shows your license is expired, you can renew it online through ServiceOntario if you meet certain conditions. Your license must not be suspended or cancelled, you must not have any medical conditions that need review, and your license must have been valid when it expired (not suspended at the time).
To renew online, go to ontario.ca/driversLicenseRenewal and follow the steps. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. Online renewal costs less than renewing in person and takes about 10 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days.
If you cannot renew online — for example, because your license was suspended when it expired — you must renew in person at a ServiceOntario office. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residence. You may also need to pass a vision test or written test depending on how long your license has been expired.
What to do if your license is suspended
If the status tool shows your license is suspended, the first step is to read the reason and end date on the status page. Different suspensions have different requirements to lift them.
If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, you must pay the fine to the court that issued it. Contact the courthouse listed on your ticket or fine notice, or search for the court online using the case number. Once you pay, the suspension is usually lifted within one to three business days, though you should verify by checking your status again.
If the suspension is due to failure to pay child support, contact the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) at 1-800-505-8159. They will tell you the amount owed and payment options. Once you pay or set up a payment plan, the suspension is lifted.
If the suspension is medical-related, you will need to complete a medical assessment form and have it signed by your doctor. Submit the form to ServiceOntario as instructed on the status page. The assessment usually takes two to four weeks to process.
Checking your status by phone or in person
If you cannot access the online tool or prefer to speak with someone, call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. The phone line is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times vary, especially during busy periods.
You can also visit a ServiceOntario office in person to check your status. Bring your driver's license or photo ID. Staff can print your status report and answer questions about suspensions or what you need to do next. Find your nearest office at ontario.ca/serviceontariolocations.
What happens if your license status does not match what you expected
Sometimes the status tool shows a suspension or cancellation you were not aware of. This can happen if you missed a court date, a fine was issued and you did not receive notice, or a medical review was triggered by your age or a reported condition.
If you believe the status is wrong — for example, you paid a fine but the suspension is still showing — wait one to three business days and check again. The system updates overnight, so a recent payment may not show when ready. If the status still does not match after three days, call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 with proof of payment (receipt or bank statement) and they can investigate.
If you received a suspension notice in the mail but did not understand it, or if you disagree with the reason for the suspension, you may have the right to request a review or hearing. The notice itself will explain how to request this. Act quickly — important date to request a review are usually 15 to 30 days from the date of the notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check someone else's driver's license status?
No. The ServiceOntario status tool requires the license number and date of birth of the person whose license you are checking. You cannot check another person's status without their permission and their information. If you need to know someone else's status for a legal reason, contact a lawyer or the court handling the matter.
How often should I check my license status?
You only need to check when you have a specific reason — for example, before a long drive, after paying a fine, or if you received a notice in the mail. There is no benefit to checking regularly if your license is valid and you have no outstanding issues.
What if the online tool says my license is suspended but I did not receive a notice?
Suspension notices are mailed to the address on file with ServiceOntario, but mail can be delayed or lost. Call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 to confirm the suspension reason and the address they have on record. If your address has changed, update it when ready so you receive future notices. Ask what you must do to lift the suspension.
Does checking my license status affect my driving record or insurance?
No. Checking your status online does not change anything about your license, driving record, or insurance rates. It is straightforward a way to look up information that already exists in the system.
How long does it take for a suspension to be removed after I fix the problem?
It depends on the reason. If you pay a fine, the suspension usually lifts within one to three business days. If you complete a medical assessment, it can take two to four weeks. If you set up a child support payment plan, it lifts once the plan is confirmed. Check your status again after you have taken action to see the updated information.