How to get your Ontario license back after suspension
To reinstate a suspended driver's license in Ontario, you must first contact ServiceOntario to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take. The reinstatement process depends on the reason for suspension — whether it was unpaid fines, failure to pay court-ordered support, medical reasons, or accumulation of demerit points. Once you have addressed the underlying issue, you submit proof to ServiceOntario, pay a reinstatement fee, and your license becomes active again.
The timeline varies. Some suspensions lift automatically once you meet the conditions (like paying what you owe), while others require you to submit documents and wait for approval. You cannot drive legally while your license is suspended, even if you believe the suspension was a mistake.
Key Takeaways
- Contact ServiceOntario first to learn the exact reason your license was suspended and what you must do to lift it.
- Different suspension types require different actions — paying fines, settling support arrears, providing medical clearance, or waiting out a demerit-point suspension period.
- You will pay a reinstatement fee (the amount varies by suspension type) and submit proof that you have met the conditions.
- Some suspensions lift automatically once conditions are met, while others require ServiceOntario to review and approve your reinstatement request.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Your first step is to call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 or visit a ServiceOntario office in person. Have your driver's license number ready. The agent will tell you the suspension code and what caused it. Write down the exact reason and any conditions you must meet before reinstatement.
You can also check online through your ServiceOntario account if you have one set up. The account will show your license status and, in many cases, the suspension reason. If the reason is unclear or you disagree with it, ask the agent to explain it fully — this matters because different suspension types have different reinstatement paths.
Suspension types and what you must do
Administrative suspension for unpaid fines or court-ordered support: If your license was suspended because you owe fines to the province or have unpaid court-ordered support (child support, spousal support, or family support), you must pay the full amount owing. Once payment is received and processed, your suspension is lifted. ServiceOntario will confirm the payment and remove the suspension from their system. This can take a few business days.
Medical suspension: If your license was suspended for medical reasons — a condition that affects your ability to drive safely — you must obtain medical clearance from your doctor. Your doctor completes a form (the "Report of Physician" or similar medical assessment) confirming you are fit to drive. You submit this form to ServiceOntario along with the reinstatement fee. ServiceOntario reviews the form and either reinstates your license or requests additional information from your doctor.
Demerit point suspension: If you accumulated too many demerit points, your license is suspended for a set period (usually three months for a first suspension, six months for a second, and one year for a third or subsequent suspension). You cannot shorten this waiting period. Once the suspension period ends, your license is automatically reinstated — you do not need to take any action. However, you will need to pay a reinstatement fee if you want to drive before the automatic reinstatement takes effect, or if you want confirmation in writing.
Suspension for failure to appear in court or pay a fine: You must either appear in court on the date set or contact the court to reschedule. Once you have resolved the court matter or paid the fine, your suspension is lifted after processing.
The reinstatement fee and payment
ServiceOntario charges a reinstatement fee when you restore your license. The fee amount depends on the reason for suspension. As of the most recent update, fees typically range from around $50 to $150, but the exact amount changes and varies by suspension type. When you contact ServiceOntario, ask for the current fee for your specific suspension reason.
You can pay the reinstatement fee by phone, online through ServiceOntario, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office. If you are paying to lift a fine or support suspension, the payment for what you owe and the reinstatement fee are separate — you must pay both. Ask the agent whether you can pay both at once or if you need to pay them separately.
Submitting proof and waiting for approval
For medical suspensions, you must submit your doctor's completed medical form along with the reinstatement fee. You can submit these by mail to the address ServiceOntario provides, by email if they offer it, or in person at an office. Keep a copy of everything you send and ask for a receipt or confirmation number.
ServiceOntario will review your medical form. This review can take two to four weeks. If your doctor's assessment is clear and complete, approval is usually straightforward. If ServiceOntario has questions, they will contact your doctor directly. You can call to check on the status of your request after two weeks if you have not heard back.
For other suspension types, once you have paid what you owe or met the conditions, the reinstatement is usually processed within a few business days. You will receive confirmation by mail or email, depending on how you submitted your request.
What to do if you disagree with the suspension
If you believe your license was suspended in error or you have a reason to dispute it, you can request a review. Contact ServiceOntario and ask about the dispute process. You may need to provide documentation or attend a hearing, depending on the suspension reason.
For demerit point suspensions, you can dispute the demerit points themselves if you believe they were assigned incorrectly. This requires contacting the court or the officer who issued the ticket and challenging the conviction. This is a separate process from reinstatement and can take longer.
If your suspension is related to a court matter, you can speak with the court directly about your options. Some courts allow you to request a review or modification of the suspension order.
Driving while your license is suspended
Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Ontario and carries serious penalties, including fines up to $1,000, a jail sentence of up to six months, or both. A conviction for driving while suspended also adds demerit points to your record and can result in a longer suspension. Even if you believe the suspension is wrong, you cannot drive legally until it is lifted.
If you need to drive for work or essential purposes while waiting for reinstatement, you have limited options. Some people arrange rides, use public transit, or take time off work. If your suspension is for medical reasons and you believe you are actually fit to drive, submit your medical clearance as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license?
It depends on the suspension type. If you are paying fines or support arrears, reinstatement usually happens within a few business days of payment. For medical suspensions, allow two to four weeks for review. For demerit point suspensions, the waiting period is set (three months, six months, or one year) and your license reinstates automatically when it ends.
Can I drive to work while my license is suspended if I have a good reason?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal regardless of the reason. If you need to drive, you must first have your license reinstated. If reinstatement is delayed, arrange alternative transportation or take time off work.
What if I moved and ServiceOntario sent the reinstatement approval to my old address?
Contact ServiceOntario with your new address and ask them to resend the approval letter or confirmation. You can also call to confirm your reinstatement status over the phone. If your license was reinstated, you can use that confirmation to show police if stopped.
Do I need a new license card after reinstatement, or is my old one valid again?
Your existing license card remains valid once your suspension is lifted. You do not need to order a new card unless your current one is damaged or expired. If your license has expired during the suspension period, you will need to renew it separately.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact ServiceOntario to discuss your situation. Some programs or payment plans may be available depending on the reason for suspension. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines or support, you may be able to set up a payment arrangement. ServiceOntario can explain what options exist for your specific case.