You can cancel your Ontario driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a ServiceOntario office

To cancel your Ontario driver's license, you submit a written request to ServiceOntario with your license number and signature, or use the online cancellation form on the ServiceOntario website. You do not need to provide a reason. The cancellation takes effect on the date ServiceOntario processes your request, and you should stop driving when ready after you submit it. If you hold a license with a medical condition restriction, you may need to notify your doctor's office as well, depending on the restriction type.

The process is straightforward because Ontario treats license cancellation as a voluntary surrender rather than a disciplinary action. You keep your license card until ServiceOntario officially closes your file, though it becomes invalid the moment your cancellation is processed. If you later want to drive again, you will need to reapply for a new license and pass the required tests based on how long your cancellation lasted.

Key Takeaways

  • You can cancel online through the ServiceOntario website, by mail with a signed letter, or in person at any ServiceOntario office.
  • Your license becomes invalid on the date ServiceOntario processes your cancellation, so you should not drive after you submit your request.
  • You do not need to provide a reason for cancellation, and ServiceOntario will not ask you to justify it.
  • If you want to drive again after cancellation, you will need to reapply and may need to retake tests depending on how long you have been without a license.

Cancelling online through ServiceOntario

The fastest route is the online cancellation form on the ServiceOntario website. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and postal code. The form takes about five minutes to complete. ServiceOntario will send you a confirmation email once your cancellation is processed, usually within one to three business days.

Online cancellation works only if your license is currently valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is already under suspension or revocation, you cannot use the online form and must contact ServiceOntario by phone at 1-888-570-6555 or visit an office in person to discuss your situation.

Cancelling by mail

Write a letter to ServiceOntario that includes your full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature. State clearly that you are requesting cancellation of your license. Mail the letter to: ServiceOntario, 2680 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M6M 4Z6.

Processing by mail takes longer than online — typically two to four weeks from the date ServiceOntario receives your letter. Include a phone number or email address so ServiceOntario can contact you if they need clarification. Keep a copy of your letter for your records. You can also send your request by email to the ServiceOntario customer service inbox, though phone or mail remains the more reliable method for cancellation requests.

Cancelling in person at a ServiceOntario office

Visit any ServiceOntario office with your driver's license and a piece of government-issued photo identification. Tell the staff member you want to cancel your license. They will process your request on the spot and give you a receipt. Your cancellation takes effect when ready, though you will receive a formal confirmation letter in the mail within one to two weeks.

ServiceOntario offices are located in most towns and cities across Ontario. You can find the nearest office and check hours on the ServiceOntario website. No appointment is needed for license cancellation, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Cancelling in person is the fastest way to may support your request is processed correctly and to ask questions about what happens next.

What happens to your physical license card

You do not need to return your physical license card to ServiceOntario. Once your cancellation is processed, the card is straightforward invalid — it has no legal value even though you still hold it. You can destroy it, keep it as a record, or leave it as is. ServiceOntario will not ask for it back.

If you want proof that your cancellation was processed, keep the confirmation email or receipt you receive. This document shows the date your license was cancelled and can be useful if you need to explain to an employer, insurance company, or other organization why you no longer hold a valid license.

Reapplying for a license after cancellation

If you cancel your license and later want to drive again, the process depends on how long you have been without one. If you reapply within two years, you may be able to renew your license without retaking the written or road test, depending on your age and the class of license you held. If more than two years have passed, you will need to reapply as a new driver and pass both the written knowledge test and the road test.

You can reapply online, by mail, or in person at ServiceOntario. The reapplication fee is the same as a standard license renewal. Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Insurance Number. If you had any medical conditions noted on your previous license, you may need a new medical report from your doctor before you can reapply.

Medical conditions and cancellation

If your license includes a medical condition restriction — such as a requirement to wear corrective lenses or to take medication — you should notify your doctor's office when you cancel. Some medical conditions require the doctor to report to the Ministry of Transportation if the patient is no longer licensed to drive. This is especially true for conditions affecting vision, hearing, or cognitive function.

You are not legally required to tell your doctor, but doing so prevents confusion in your medical file and ensures your doctor knows you are no longer driving. If you later reapply for a license, your doctor may need to provide an updated medical report, so keeping your doctor informed makes that process smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to cancel my license if I am moving out of Ontario?

No. If you are moving to another province or country, you can straightforward stop using your Ontario license and explore for a license in your new location. You do not need to formally cancel it with ServiceOntario. However, if you want to close your file with ServiceOntario for clarity, you can cancel it before you leave.

What if my license is already suspended or revoked?

You cannot cancel a suspended or revoked license online. Contact ServiceOntario by phone at 1-888-570-6555 or visit an office in person to discuss your options. In some cases, you may need to wait until the suspension or revocation period ends before you can cancel.

Can I cancel my license if I have unpaid traffic fines?

Yes. Unpaid fines do not prevent you from cancelling your license. However, cancelling your license does not erase your fines or stop collection efforts. You should resolve any outstanding fines separately through the court or the Ministry of Transportation.

How long does it take to cancel my license?

Online cancellation takes one to three business days. In-person cancellation is when ready, with a formal confirmation letter arriving in one to two weeks. Cancellation by mail takes two to four weeks from the date ServiceOntario receives your letter.

Can I cancel my license temporarily and reactivate it later?

Cancellation is permanent until you reapply. There is no "temporary suspension" option through cancellation. If you want to stop driving for a short time but keep your license valid, you can straightforward not drive and let your license remain active. If you need to formally suspend your driving privileges, contact ServiceOntario to discuss other options.