How to reinstate your licence after a suspension in Ontario
To reinstate your Ontario driver's licence after a suspension, you must contact the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to find out what conditions you need to meet before you can drive again. The steps depend on why your licence was suspended — whether it was for unpaid fines, medical reasons, accumulating too many demerit points, or failing to pay a court-ordered fine. The MTO will tell you exactly what you need to do, and in most cases you will need to pay a reinstatement fee and provide proof that you have met the specific requirements for your type of suspension.
You cannot straightforward start driving again when you think your suspension period is over. Your licence remains suspended until you formally reinstate it with the MTO. Driving on a suspended licence is a criminal offence in Ontario and carries serious penalties, including fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the MTO directly by phone, mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office to learn the exact requirements for your suspension type.
- You will need to pay a reinstatement fee (the amount varies depending on why your licence was suspended) before the MTO will process your request.
- Some suspensions require you to complete additional steps, such as paying outstanding fines, passing a medical exam, or taking a driver improvement course.
- After you reinstate your licence, you will receive a new licence card in the mail within two to three weeks.
Find out why your licence was suspended
Before you can reinstate your licence, you need to know the reason for the suspension. The MTO suspends licences for different reasons, and each type has different reinstatement requirements. Common reasons include unpaid fines or court-ordered payments, accumulating 15 or more demerit points within two years, failing a medical assessment, or not paying a reinstatement fee from a previous suspension.
To find out why your licence was suspended, call the MTO at 1-800-387-3445 (toll-free in Ontario) or visit a ServiceOntario office in person. Have your driver's licence number ready when you call. The MTO will tell you the suspension reason and what you must do to reinstate your licence. If you received a suspension notice in the mail, that letter will also explain the reason and may list some of the steps you need to take.
Pay any outstanding fines or court-ordered amounts
If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or a court-ordered payment, you must pay the full amount before the MTO will reinstate your licence. This includes fines for traffic violations, parking tickets, or other court orders. Contact the court or the municipality that issued the fine to find out the exact amount you owe and how to pay it.
Once you have paid, ask for a receipt or confirmation of payment. Keep this document — you may need to show it to the MTO as proof that you have settled the debt. Some fines can be paid online through the court website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a courthouse.
Complete any required medical or driver assessments
If your suspension is due to a medical condition or a failed medical assessment, you will need to pass a new medical exam before reinstatement. The MTO will direct you to a physician or specialist who can perform this assessment. You pay for the medical exam yourself — the cost varies depending on the type of assessment and the healthcare provider.
Some suspensions also require you to take a driver improvement course or pass a written knowledge test. The MTO will tell you if this applies to your case. These courses are offered by approved driving schools throughout Ontario, and you pay the school directly for enrollment.
Pay the reinstatement fee
The MTO charges a reinstatement fee to process your request. The fee amount depends on the reason for your suspension and ranges from approximately $75 to $250. You can pay this fee when you submit your reinstatement request. Payment methods include cash, debit, credit card, or cheque, depending on whether you are paying in person at a ServiceOntario office or by mail.
If you are paying by mail, include the fee with your reinstatement request letter. If you are paying in person, bring the fee to the ServiceOntario office. The MTO will not process your reinstatement until the fee is received.
Submit your reinstatement request to the MTO
Once you have completed all the requirements for your suspension type, you can submit your reinstatement request. You have three options: visit a ServiceOntario office in person, mail your request to the MTO, or call the MTO to submit your request over the phone.
If you are mailing your request, send it to the address provided in your suspension notice or call the MTO to confirm the correct mailing address. Include your driver's licence number, the reinstatement fee, proof that you have met all requirements (such as a receipt for paid fines or a medical assessment form), and a signed letter requesting reinstatement. Mail your package using regular mail or a tracked service so you have proof of delivery.
If you visit a ServiceOntario office in person, bring your driver's licence, the reinstatement fee, and proof that you have met all requirements. A staff member will review your documents and process your request on the spot. You can find the ServiceOntario office nearest you on the Ontario government website.
Receive your reinstated licence
After the MTO approves your reinstatement request, you will receive a new driver's licence card in the mail within two to three weeks. Your licence will be valid from the date the MTO processes your reinstatement, not from the date you receive the card in the mail. You can begin driving as soon as the MTO confirms your reinstatement — you do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive.
If you do not receive your new licence card within three weeks, contact the MTO to confirm that your reinstatement was processed. Keep your old licence card until the new one arrives, as it may be useful for identification purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your licence remains suspended until the MTO officially approves your reinstatement. Driving during this time is a criminal offence. You must wait for written confirmation from the MTO before you drive again.
What if I cannot pay all my fines at once?
Contact the court or municipality that issued the fine to ask about a payment plan. Some courts will set up a schedule that allows you to pay over time. Once you have a payment plan in place, contact the MTO to ask whether you can reinstate your licence while you are making payments. Requirements vary by situation.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
If you submit your request in person at a ServiceOntario office and all your documents are complete, reinstatement can be processed the same day. If you mail your request, allow two to four weeks for the MTO to receive, review, and approve it. Processing times may be longer during busy periods.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my licence?
No. Reinstatement is a straightforward administrative process that you can handle yourself by contacting the MTO and following their instructions. A lawyer is not required unless you are disputing the suspension itself or dealing with a complex legal issue related to your case.
What happens if I drive on a suspended licence?
Driving on a suspended licence is a criminal offence in Ontario. You can face fines up to $5,000, jail time up to six months, or both. Your licence suspension will be extended, and you may face additional penalties. A criminal record can affect employment, travel, and insurance rates.