How to reinstate your suspended Ontario license
To reinstate a suspended Ontario driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended, then complete the specific steps that ServiceOntario or the Ministry of Transportation requires for that reason. The process differs depending on whether you were suspended for unpaid fines, medical reasons, accumulating too many demerit points, or failure to pay court-ordered support — and some suspensions lift automatically once a condition is met, while others require you to take action.
You cannot drive legally while suspended, and driving with a suspended license carries serious penalties including fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. The first step is always to contact ServiceOntario or check your suspension notice to understand the exact reason and what you need to do to resolve it.
Key Takeaways
- Contact ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 or visit a ServiceOntario office to find out the specific reason your license was suspended and what steps are required to lift it.
- If suspended for unpaid fines or court-ordered support, you must pay the full amount owed; ServiceOntario will confirm payment and process reinstatement.
- If suspended for medical reasons, you need a doctor's letter confirming you are fit to drive, which you submit to the Ministry of Transportation along with a reinstatement fee.
- If suspended for demerit points, you must wait out the suspension period (usually three months to two years depending on how many points you had) before requesting reinstatement.
- Reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks after you have met all conditions and paid any required fees.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Your suspension notice should state the reason, but if you no longer have it or need clarification, call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445. Have your driver's license number ready. They will tell you the suspension type, the date it began, when it ends (if there is an end date), and what you must do to lift it.
You can also visit a ServiceOntario office in person. Bring photo identification and your driver's license if you still have it. Staff can print a record of your suspension and explain the reinstatement process for your specific situation.
Reinstatement for unpaid fines or court-ordered support
If your license was suspended because you owe fines or have not paid court-ordered support (such as child support or spousal support), you must pay the full amount owing. Once payment is received and processed, the suspension is lifted automatically — you do not need to request reinstatement separately.
Pay through ServiceOntario, by phone at 1-800-387-3445, online through the Ministry of the Attorney General website, or in person at a ServiceOntario office. Ask for a receipt or confirmation number. ServiceOntario will update their records within one to two business days, and you can then legally drive again.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court or the support enforcement office listed on your notice to ask about payment arrangements. Some courts allow installment plans, which may allow your suspension to be lifted once you begin payments.
Reinstatement for medical suspension
A medical suspension means the Ministry of Transportation believes you may not be safe to drive due to a medical condition. To lift this suspension, you need a letter from your doctor stating that you are fit to drive and that any condition affecting your driving has been managed or resolved.
Submit the doctor's letter to the Ministry of Transportation along with a reinstatement fee (currently $75, though this may change). Mail it to: Ministry of Transportation, Driver Fitness Unit, 2680 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M6M 4Z6. Include a cover letter with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number.
The Ministry will review the letter and contact you if they need more information. If approved, they will send you a new license or a document confirming reinstatement. This process typically takes two to four weeks.
Reinstatement for demerit point suspension
If you accumulated too many demerit points, your license is suspended for a set period. The length depends on how many points you had: 15 points triggers a three-month suspension, 25 points triggers six months, and 35 or more points triggers two years. You cannot shorten this period — you must wait it out.
Once the suspension period ends, you can request reinstatement. Contact ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 or visit an office to confirm the suspension has ended and to pay the reinstatement fee (currently $75). Your license will be reinstated when ready after payment is processed.
Your demerit points do not disappear after reinstatement — they remain on your record for two years from the date of the violation. If you accumulate points again before the original points expire, you risk another suspension.
Reinstatement fees and processing time
Most reinstatements require a fee. The standard reinstatement fee in Ontario is $75, payable to ServiceOntario. Some suspensions (such as those for unpaid fines) do not have an additional fee beyond what you already owe.
Pay the fee when you contact ServiceOntario or visit an office. You can pay by debit, credit card, or cash at an office. Online payment is available through the Ministry of the Attorney General website for some suspension types.
After you have met all conditions (paid fines, submitted a doctor's letter, waited out the suspension period) and paid any fees, reinstatement usually takes one to two weeks. ServiceOntario will notify you by mail or phone when your license is active again. You can then legally drive.
What to do if you received a suspension notice you do not understand
If your suspension notice is unclear or you believe it was issued in error, contact ServiceOntario when ready at 1-800-387-3445. Explain the issue and ask them to review your file. They can clarify the reason, the suspension period, and the steps to reinstatement.
If you disagree with the suspension itself — for example, if you believe the demerit points were assigned incorrectly — you have the right to request a review. Ask ServiceOntario for information about the review process. You may need to provide evidence (such as a copy of the ticket or court documents) to support your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my license is suspended?
No. A suspended license means you cannot legally drive for any reason, including work, medical appointments, or emergencies. Driving while suspended is a criminal offense in Ontario and can result in fines up to $1,000, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive for work, you must wait until your license is reinstated.
What if I do not know when my suspension ends?
Call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 with your driver's license number. They will tell you the suspension start date, end date (if applicable), and what you need to do to lift it. If there is no end date listed, it means you must complete a specific action (like paying a fine or submitting a doctor's letter) to end the suspension.
Do I need to retake the driving test to get my license back?
No. For most suspensions, you do not need to retake any test. You straightforward complete the required steps and pay the reinstatement fee. However, if your suspension was for a medical reason and the Ministry of Transportation has concerns about your fitness to drive, they may require you to pass a medical exam or driving test before reinstatement.
What happens if I drive while suspended and get caught?
You will face criminal charges, a fine of up to $1,000, possible jail time, and your suspension will be extended. A second offense within five years carries harsher penalties. Your vehicle may also be impounded. It is not worth the risk — wait until your license is reinstated.
Can I get a hardship license while suspended?
Ontario does not issue hardship or conditional licenses during a suspension. You cannot legally drive for any reason until the suspension is lifted. If you need transportation, use public transit, ride-sharing, or ask someone with a valid license to drive you.