What you need to do to restore a suspended Ontario driver's license
Getting your license back after suspension in Ontario depends on why it was suspended. The process is different for administrative suspensions (usually tied to unpaid fines or insurance lapses), criminal code suspensions (from impaired driving convictions), and medical suspensions. You cannot straightforward wait out the time — you must take specific steps with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) or the court, depending on the reason. Most people need to contact the MTO directly to find out which category applies to them, because the steps and costs vary significantly.
The fastest way to start is to call the MTO at 416-235-2999 (Toronto area) or 1-800-387-3445 (toll-free). Have your driver's license number ready. They will tell you the suspension reason, how long it lasts, and exactly what you need to do to lift it. Do not assume you can straightforward reapply — most suspensions require you to complete a specific action before the MTO will restore your license.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the MTO by phone to learn the exact reason for your suspension and what steps are required to restore your license.
- Administrative suspensions often require paying outstanding fines, providing proof of car insurance, or completing a driver education course before reinstatement.
- Criminal code suspensions from impaired driving require a court order and usually a mandatory minimum suspension period that cannot be shortened.
- Medical suspensions require a doctor's report confirming you are fit to drive, submitted to the MTO before your license can be restored.
- Reinstatement fees explore in most cases, and you may need to pass a vision test or written exam depending on how long your license was suspended.
Administrative suspensions: unpaid fines and insurance lapses
An administrative suspension is the most common type. It happens when you have unpaid traffic fines, fail to pay a red light camera ticket, or let your car insurance lapse. The MTO suspends your license automatically when these things occur. To restore it, you must fix the underlying problem — pay the fine, get insurance, or both.
If the suspension is for unpaid fines, contact the court that issued the ticket (the MTO will tell you which one). You can pay over the phone, online, or in person. Once the court confirms payment, notify the MTO. Some fines can be paid directly to the MTO; ask when you call. If the suspension is for no insurance, you need to get a policy and provide proof to the MTO — your insurance company can send this electronically. The MTO typically lifts the suspension within one business day of receiving proof of payment or insurance.
If you have been suspended for more than three months for unpaid fines or insurance, you may also need to pass a vision test or written knowledge test before driving again. The MTO will tell you which one applies when you call.
Criminal code suspensions from impaired driving
If your license was suspended because of an impaired driving conviction (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs), the rules are much stricter. These suspensions are ordered by the court, not the MTO, and they have mandatory minimum periods that cannot be shortened. A first impaired conviction carries a minimum one-year suspension; a second conviction within ten years carries a minimum two-year suspension.
You cannot restore your license until the court-ordered suspension period ends. However, you may be able to request a hardship exemption from the court if the suspension causes severe financial or medical hardship. This is not common and requires you to prove to a judge that you have no other way to meet your essential needs. You would need to hire a lawyer and return to court to request this.
Before your suspension ends, you must also complete a Back on Track program (a mandatory education course for impaired drivers) and pay the reinstatement fee to the MTO. The course takes several hours and covers the risks of impaired driving and how to change the behaviour that led to your conviction. You can take it before your suspension period ends, but your license will not be restored until both the course is complete and the suspension time has passed.
Medical suspensions and fitness-to-drive assessments
The MTO can suspend your license if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — epilepsy, severe vision loss, dementia, or a heart condition that causes sudden loss of consciousness, for example. A doctor, police officer, or the MTO itself can report a concern. When this happens, the MTO sends you a letter asking you to have your doctor complete a Medical Report — Fitness to Drive form.
You must take this form to your family doctor or a specialist (depending on the condition). The doctor fills it out honestly, assessing whether you are safe to drive. You then send it back to the MTO. If the doctor confirms you are fit to drive, the MTO will restore your license. If the doctor says you are not fit, your license remains suspended until your condition improves and a new report shows you are safe again.
Some medical suspensions are temporary — for example, after surgery or while adjusting to medication. Others are permanent if the condition cannot improve. The MTO may also require you to pass a driving test with an examiner before restoring your license, especially if the suspension lasted more than a year.
Reinstatement fees and additional requirements
Most license restorations in Ontario involve a reinstatement fee paid to the MTO. The fee varies depending on the reason for suspension and how long it lasted. As of now, reinstatement fees range from around $75 to $250, but confirm the exact amount when you call the MTO because fees can change. You pay this fee when you submit your reinstatement request or when you visit a ServiceOntario office to have your license reissued.
Depending on how long your license was suspended, you may also need to pass a vision test or a written knowledge test before driving again. The MTO will tell you which one is required. Vision tests are done at ServiceOntario offices and take about 10 minutes. Knowledge tests are the same written exam you took when you first got your license. If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it, but you must pass before your license is restored.
If your license was suspended for more than two years, you may need to pass a full road test with a licensed examiner, not just a written test. This is less common but does happen. The MTO will inform you of this requirement when you contact them.
Where to submit your reinstatement request
Once you have completed all the required steps — paid fines, obtained insurance, finished a course, or submitted a medical report — you can request reinstatement. You have three options: call the MTO, visit a ServiceOntario office in person, or submit documents by mail.
Calling the MTO (416-235-2999 or 1-800-387-3445) is usually fastest. They can confirm that all requirements are met and process your reinstatement over the phone. Your license is typically restored within one business day. If you visit a ServiceOntario office, bring your driver's license, proof of payment or insurance, and any course completion certificates or medical reports. You can find your nearest ServiceOntario office on the Ontario government website. If you mail documents, send them to the address the MTO provides and allow 10 to 15 business days for processing.
Once your license is restored, you will receive a new license card in the mail within two weeks, or you can pick it up at a ServiceOntario office when ready if you visited in person.
What to do if you disagree with the suspension
If you believe your license was suspended in error or unfairly, you have the right to request a review. For administrative suspensions, you can request a review of the decision through the MTO. For criminal code suspensions, you would need to appeal the court order through the legal system, which requires a lawyer.
To request a review of an administrative suspension, contact the MTO and ask for a suspension review. Explain why you believe the suspension was wrong — for example, if you paid a fine but the MTO did not receive the payment, or if your insurance lapsed due to a billing error. The MTO will investigate and may lift the suspension if they find an error. This process takes several weeks.
If your suspension was based on a medical concern and you disagree with it, you can submit a second medical opinion from another doctor. The MTO will review both reports. If the reports conflict, the MTO may ask for an independent assessment by a physician they appoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I meet all the requirements?
If you call the MTO and they confirm all requirements are met, your license is usually restored within one business day. If you submit documents by mail, allow 10 to 15 business days. If you visit a ServiceOntario office in person, reinstatement can happen the same day, though you will receive your new license card in the mail within two weeks.
Do I have to retake my driving test to get my license back?
Not always. You will need to pass a vision test if your suspension lasted more than three months. You may need to pass a written knowledge test if your suspension lasted more than three months for certain reasons. A full road test is required only if your suspension lasted more than two years, and this is uncommon. The MTO will tell you which test applies to you.
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. You must wait until the MTO confirms your license is restored before you drive. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons during the reinstatement process, you may be able to request a hardship exemption, but this is rare and requires court approval.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
The MTO does not waive reinstatement fees. However, if you are facing financial hardship, you can contact the MTO to discuss payment options or ask whether the fee can be paid in installments. Some ServiceOntario offices may also offer payment plans. Call 1-800-387-3445 to ask about your specific situation.
Do I need a lawyer to get my license back?
For most administrative and medical suspensions, you do not need a lawyer. You can handle the process yourself by contacting the MTO and following their instructions. However, if your suspension was due to an impaired driving conviction and you want to request a hardship exemption, or if you want to appeal a court-ordered suspension, you will need to hire a lawyer to represent you in court.