What your Ontario driver's license record contains

Your Ontario driver's license record is a file kept by ServiceOntario that shows your driving history — every conviction, suspension, demerit point, and collision you've reported to the province. It does not include parking tickets or minor provincial offences that did not result in a conviction. The record follows you across every vehicle you drive and every license you hold in Ontario.

The record is used by insurance companies to set your rates, by employers who hire drivers, and by the Ministry of Transportation if you're facing a suspension or license review. You can request a copy of your own record at any time, and you have the right to see what information the province holds about you.

Understanding what's on your record matters because errors do happen — a conviction may be recorded under the wrong date, a suspension may not have been removed after it ended, or a collision may be listed that you were not at fault for. Catching these mistakes early can save you money on insurance and prevent problems if you're pulled over.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Ontario driver's license record is maintained by ServiceOntario and includes convictions, suspensions, demerit points, and reported collisions.
  • You can request your record in person at a ServiceOntario office, by mail, or online through the ServiceOntario website.
  • Insurance companies and employers can see your record, so errors on it can affect your rates and job prospects.
  • Convictions and suspensions remain on your record for set periods — typically three to ten years depending on the violation — but you can request a review if information is incorrect.

How to request your driver's license record

The fastest way to get your record is online through the ServiceOntario website. You'll need your Ontario driver's license number, date of birth, and postal code. The online system shows you your record when ready and lets you print or save a copy. There is no fee for this.

If you prefer to request it in person, visit any ServiceOntario office with your driver's license and photo ID. Staff can print your record on the spot. You can also request your record by mail by sending a completed form to the address listed on the ServiceOntario website, though this takes longer.

Some people request their record through a third-party service — companies that charge a fee to retrieve it for you. This is not necessary. You can always get your record directly from ServiceOntario for free.

What convictions and suspensions stay on your record

Convictions for impaired driving, stunt driving, and racing remain on your record for ten years from the date of conviction. Most other moving violations — speeding, running a red light, failing to yield — stay for three years. Collisions you reported stay for three years from the date they occurred.

Suspensions are different. A suspension is a period when you are not allowed to drive. Once the suspension ends, it is removed from your active record, but the reason for the suspension may still appear in your history. For example, if you were suspended for accumulating too many demerit points, the suspension itself is lifted after you meet the conditions, but the convictions that caused it remain.

Demerit points are added to your record when you're convicted of certain offences. They accumulate over time, and if you reach a threshold — usually 15 points — the Ministry can suspend your license. Points expire at different rates: most expire after two years, but some take longer. You can check how many active points you have on your record.

How to dispute or correct information on your record

If you believe information on your record is wrong — a conviction date is incorrect, a suspension was not removed after it ended, or a collision is listed that you were not involved in — you can request a review. Contact ServiceOntario and explain the error. You may need to provide supporting documents, such as court records, proof that a suspension ended, or a police report.

If the error was made by the court or police, ServiceOntario will work with those agencies to correct it. This process can take several weeks. Keep copies of everything you send and note the date you submitted your request.

If you disagree with a conviction itself — not just how it's recorded, but whether it should have happened — that is a legal matter that requires a lawyer or a court appeal. Your driver's license record reflects what the courts have recorded, and ServiceOntario cannot overturn a conviction.

How your record affects insurance and employment

Insurance companies pull your driver's license record when you explore for or renew car insurance. Convictions, especially for impaired driving or at-fault collisions, can raise your premiums significantly or make you ineligible for standard insurance. Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers but charge much higher rates.

Employers who hire drivers — taxi companies, delivery services, transit agencies, and others — often request your record as part of the hiring process. A record with serious convictions can disqualify you from these jobs. Even if you're hired, a new conviction can lead to termination if driving is part of your role.

Some professional licenses also depend on your driving record. If you hold a commercial driver's license or a license in a field where a clean record is required, a conviction can affect your ability to work in that profession.

How long information stays on your record

The time information remains on your record depends on the type of violation. Here's what typically stays and for how long:

  • Impaired driving convictions: 10 years from the date of conviction.
  • Stunt driving or racing convictions: 10 years from the date of conviction.
  • At-fault collisions: 3 years from the date of the collision.
  • Most other moving violations: 3 years from the date of conviction.
  • Demerit points: 2 years from the date of conviction for most offences; some take longer.

After the time period expires, the information is removed from your record automatically. You do not need to request removal. However, if you're explore for certain jobs or licenses, you may still be asked to disclose convictions even after they've been removed from your driving record — that depends on the employer or licensing body, not on ServiceOntario.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my record online right now?

Yes. Go to the ServiceOntario website, select the option to view your driver's license record, and enter your license number, date of birth, and postal code. You'll see your record when ready and can print it. There is no fee.

Will checking my own record affect my insurance or anything else?

No. Checking your own record does not trigger any action by insurance companies or employers. Only when they request your record directly from ServiceOntario — which they can do with your permission — will they see it.

How do I remove a conviction from my record before the time period ends?

You cannot remove a conviction early. Convictions stay on your record for the set period — three to ten years depending on the type. After that time passes, the information is removed automatically. If the conviction was wrongly recorded, you can request a correction, but you cannot remove a valid conviction before its time is up.

What if I was found not guilty but the charge still shows on my record?

Contact ServiceOntario when ready with a copy of the court order showing you were acquitted. ServiceOntario should remove the charge from your record once they receive proof from the court. This may take a few weeks to process.

Do parking tickets show up on my driver's license record?

No. Parking tickets are handled separately and do not appear on your driver's license record. Only moving violations, collisions, and suspensions appear on your driving record.