What happens when your Ontario license is suspended and how to get it back
A suspended Ontario driver's license means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The suspension stays in effect until you meet the specific conditions that caused it — paying fines, completing a program, serving a waiting period, or some combination of these. ServiceOntario and the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) handle reinstatement, and the process depends entirely on why your license was suspended in the first place.
You cannot straightforward wait out a suspension or pay a flat fee to make it go away. Each suspension type has its own requirements, and you must complete them before you can drive again. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Ontario and carries heavy penalties, so understanding your specific suspension reason is the first step.
Key Takeaways
- Your suspension reason determines what you must do to reinstate — common causes are unpaid fines, medical suspension, criminal code conviction, or accumulating too many demerit points.
- You can find your suspension reason by contacting ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 or checking your MTO records online through your ServiceOntario account.
- Most reinstatement requires you to pay outstanding fines in full, and some suspensions also require a medical exam, defensive driving course, or a waiting period before you can reapply.
- Once you have met all conditions, you submit a reinstatement request to ServiceOntario either online, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office.
- Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days after ServiceOntario receives your complete request.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate, you need to know the exact reason for your suspension. The MTO suspends licenses for different reasons, and each has different reinstatement steps. Call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 and have your driver's license number ready. They will tell you the suspension type and what you need to do.
You can also check online through your ServiceOntario account if you have one set up. Log in at ontario.ca/serviceontario, go to your driver record, and look for the suspension notice. The notice will state the reason and the date the suspension began. If you do not have an online account, you can create one using your driver's license number and date of birth.
Write down the suspension reason and any dates or reference numbers mentioned. You will need this information when you contact the organization responsible for lifting the suspension — whether that is the court (for criminal convictions), the MTO (for medical or demerit point suspensions), or the Ministry of the Attorney General (for unpaid fines).
Common suspension reasons and what each requires
Unpaid fines or court-ordered fees are the most common reason for suspension. If you owe money to the court or the province, your license stays suspended until you pay in full. Contact the court that issued the fine or call the Ministry of the Attorney General at 1-800-267-8097 to confirm the exact amount owed and where to send payment. Once you pay, the court notifies the MTO, and your suspension is lifted within a few business days.
Medical suspension happens when the MTO believes a medical condition affects your ability to drive safely. You will have received a letter asking you to provide medical information or undergo an exam. To reinstate, you must submit a completed medical form (Form DL 180) signed by your doctor to the MTO's Medical Review Unit. The form confirms that your condition no longer poses a safety risk. Processing can take several weeks.
Criminal code conviction (such as impaired driving) triggers a mandatory suspension. The length depends on the offense and whether it is a first, second, or subsequent conviction. You cannot reinstate until the suspension period ends. Some convictions also require you to pass a remedial program — the court will specify this in your sentence. Once the suspension period is over and any required programs are complete, you can request reinstatement.
Demerit point suspension occurs when you accumulate too many demerit points from traffic violations. Ontario suspends your license when you reach 15 demerit points. You must wait a minimum of three months from the suspension date before you can request reinstatement. You do not need to take a course, but you start with zero demerit points after reinstatement, so future violations will count toward a new suspension.
Steps to reinstate your license
Once you have confirmed your suspension reason and completed all required conditions, you are ready to request reinstatement. Gather the documents you will need: your driver's license, proof of payment if fines were involved, any completed medical forms, proof of program completion if required, and your ServiceOntario account information or a valid photo ID.
You can request reinstatement online through your ServiceOntario account at ontario.ca/serviceontario. Log in, navigate to your driver record, and select the reinstatement option. You will answer questions about your suspension and upload any required documents. Online reinstatement is the fastest route and typically processes within 5 business days.
If you prefer to explore by mail, read the reinstatement form from the MTO website or request one by calling 1-800-387-3445. Complete the form, include copies of all required documents, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Mail processing takes 10 to 15 business days. You can also visit a ServiceOntario office in person to submit your request — staff can review your documents on the spot and tell you if anything is missing.
After you submit your reinstatement request, ServiceOntario will review it and either approve it or contact you if additional information is needed. Once approved, your license is reinstated when ready, and you will receive written confirmation. If you applied online, you can check your process status through your account.
What to do if your reinstatement is denied
ServiceOntario may deny your reinstatement request if you have not met all the conditions for your suspension type. The most common reason is an incomplete payment of fines — even a small remaining balance will keep your license suspended. Contact the court or the Ministry of the Attorney General to confirm the exact amount still owed and pay it when ready.
If your medical suspension is denied, the MTO's Medical Review Unit has determined that the medical information you provided does not support safe driving. You can request a second opinion from another doctor and resubmit the form, or you can request a hearing before the MTO to challenge the decision. Contact the MTO at 1-800-387-3445 for information about the hearing process.
For criminal code convictions, you cannot reinstate until the mandatory suspension period has ended. If you believe the suspension period has passed and your request was still denied, contact the court that issued the conviction to confirm the end date and provide proof to ServiceOntario.
Avoiding suspension in the future
Once your license is reinstated, you can drive legally again, but another suspension is possible if you accumulate demerit points, receive a new criminal conviction, or fail to pay fines. Pay any traffic fines or court-ordered fees on time — suspension for unpaid fines is preventable. Keep your medical information current with the MTO if you have a condition that could affect driving, and follow traffic laws to avoid accumulating demerit points.
If you receive a traffic ticket, you have options: pay the fine, request a trial, or request a meeting with the prosecutor. Paying when ready prevents suspension for unpaid fines. If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can contest it in court. Ignoring a ticket or fine is the fastest path to suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot drive legally until your reinstatement is approved and you receive confirmation from ServiceOntario. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense and can result in fines up to $1,000, jail time, and an additional suspension. Wait for written approval before you get behind the wheel.
How much does it cost to reinstate my license?
ServiceOntario does not charge a reinstatement fee. However, you must pay any outstanding fines or court-ordered fees before reinstatement is possible. The cost depends on what you owe — contact the court or the Ministry of the Attorney General to find out the exact amount.
What if I do not know which court issued my fine?
Call the Ministry of the Attorney General at 1-800-267-8097 with your driver's license number and date of birth. They can search their records and tell you which court has the fine and how much you owe. They can also provide the court's contact information and payment instructions.
Can I get my license reinstated if I still owe money but cannot pay it all at once?
Some courts allow payment plans for fines. Contact the court that issued the fine and ask about a payment arrangement. You must have an agreement in place before your license can be reinstated, and you must make payments on time to keep your license active.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?
Online requests typically process within 5 business days. Mail requests take 10 to 15 business days. In-person requests at a ServiceOntario office may be processed the same day if all documents are complete and correct. Processing time can be longer if ServiceOntario needs additional information from you.