How to restore your license after suspension
To get your license back after suspension in Ontario, you must first find out why it was suspended — the reason determines what you do next. The most common causes are unpaid fines, failing to pay court-ordered costs, not paying a reinstatement fee, or accumulating too many demerit points. You cannot straightforward reapply; you have to address the specific reason the Ministry of Transportation suspended it, then request a reinstatement.
The process starts with contacting ServiceOntario or the Ministry of Transportation directly to confirm the suspension reason and what steps you need to take. Once you have completed those steps — paid what you owe, served a waiting period, or met other conditions — you submit a reinstatement request and pay the reinstatement fee. The fee varies depending on the suspension type.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact ServiceOntario or the Ministry of Transportation to find out the exact reason your license was suspended before taking any action.
- Different suspension reasons require different steps: some require payment only, others require a waiting period or a medical exam.
- A reinstatement fee applies when you request your license back, and the amount depends on the type of suspension.
- You can request reinstatement online, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office once all conditions are met.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 or visit a ServiceOntario office in person with your driver's license or proof of identity. Have your license number ready. The staff member will tell you the suspension reason and what you need to do to lift it. Write down the exact reason and any conditions you must meet — this information is essential for the next step.
You can also check online through the ServiceOntario website if you have a valid Ontario driver's license number and date of birth, though calling is faster if you need when ready clarity. If your license was suspended for unpaid fines or court costs, you will see the amount owing. If it was suspended for demerit points, you will learn how long you must wait before requesting reinstatement.
Common suspension reasons and what to do
Unpaid fines or court-ordered costs: Pay the full amount owing to the court or the fine collection agency. Once payment is confirmed, you can request reinstatement when ready. Contact the court that issued the fine or call the fine collection agency to confirm the exact amount and payment methods.
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. You cannot shorten this waiting period. Once the waiting period ends, you can request reinstatement. The Ministry will tell you the exact date you become may be able to access.
Failure to pay a reinstatement fee: If your license was suspended because you did not pay a previous reinstatement fee, pay that fee now. The current reinstatement fee for a standard suspension is $198.50, though this amount can change. Confirm the exact amount with ServiceOntario before paying.
Medical or administrative suspension: If your license was suspended for medical reasons or because you failed to renew it, you may need to provide a medical report or complete other documentation. ServiceOntario will explain what documents are required when you call.
Paying the reinstatement fee
Once you have met all conditions for your suspension (paid fines, completed a waiting period, or provided required documents), you must pay the reinstatement fee to restore your license. The standard reinstatement fee in Ontario is $198.50 for most suspensions, but confirm the exact amount with ServiceOntario because fees can vary by suspension type.
You can pay by credit card, debit card, or certified cheque. If paying online or by phone, you will need your driver's license number and the fee amount. If paying in person at a ServiceOntario office, bring a valid form of ID and the payment method of your choice. Keep your receipt — you may need it to prove payment.
Requesting reinstatement
You can request reinstatement online through the ServiceOntario website, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office. Online is the fastest option if you have all required information and payment ready. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and confirmation that you have met all suspension conditions.
If requesting by mail, send a letter to the Ministry of Transportation with your name, license number, date of birth, the reason for suspension, proof that you have met all conditions (such as a payment receipt), and the reinstatement fee. Mail it to the address provided on the ServiceOntario website. Processing by mail typically takes two to four weeks.
In-person requests at a ServiceOntario office are processed the same day if all documents are in order. Bring your driver's license or proof of identity, proof of payment for any fines or fees, and the reinstatement fee if you have not already paid it. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and to ask if you need to book an appointment.
What happens after you request reinstatement
If you request reinstatement online or in person and everything is in order, your license is usually restored when ready or within one business day. You will receive confirmation by email or in writing. If you requested by mail, allow two to four weeks for processing.
Once your license is reinstated, you can drive legally again. However, if your suspension was due to demerit points, your demerit point record resets to zero when your license is reinstated — but only for that specific suspension. If you accumulate demerit points again in the future, they will count toward a new suspension.
If your reinstatement request is denied
A reinstatement request can be denied if you have not met all conditions for the suspension. For example, if fines remain unpaid, if the waiting period has not ended, or if required medical documentation was not provided. ServiceOntario will send you a letter explaining why the request was denied and what additional steps you need to take.
If you believe the denial was an error, you can request a review. Contact ServiceOntario to ask about the review process for your specific situation. You may also have the right to appeal to the Licence Appeal Tribunal if the suspension was related to medical reasons or if you believe the Ministry made a procedural error.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back?
If you request reinstatement online or in person at a ServiceOntario office and all conditions are met, your license is usually restored the same day or within one business day. Requests by mail take two to four weeks. The timeline depends on whether you have completed all required steps, such as paying fines or waiting out a demerit point suspension period.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the Ministry confirms reinstatement. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in additional fines, demerit points, and criminal charges. Wait for written confirmation that your license has been reinstated before driving.
What if I cannot pay the full fine amount right away?
Contact the court or fine collection agency that issued the fine and ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay in installments. Once you have arranged a payment plan, inform ServiceOntario — your license may be reinstated while you pay the remaining balance over time, depending on the court's decision.
Do I need to take a driving test to get my license back?
For most suspensions, no test is required. However, if your suspension was medical-related, the Ministry may require a medical report or a road test to confirm you are safe to drive. ServiceOntario will tell you if a test is needed when you contact them about reinstatement.
What if I was suspended for unpaid court costs, not a fine?
Court-ordered costs are treated the same way as fines. Contact the court that ordered the costs to confirm the amount owing, pay it in full or arrange a payment plan, and then request reinstatement. Bring proof of payment to ServiceOntario when you explore.