How to restore your license after the suspension ends
Once your 90-day suspension period is over, your license does not automatically come back. You must take specific steps with ServiceOntario to have it restored. The process involves paying a reinstatement fee, submitting proof that your suspension has ended, and in some cases passing a medical exam or vision test depending on why you were suspended.
The exact steps depend on whether your suspension was administrative (tied to unpaid fines or insurance lapses) or medical (tied to a health condition). Both routes go through ServiceOntario, but the documents you need and the timeline differ.
Key Takeaways
- Your license does not automatically restore when the 90 days end — you must contact ServiceOntario to start the reinstatement process.
- You will pay a reinstatement fee (the amount varies by suspension type) and provide proof your suspension period has ended.
- If your suspension was medical, you may need a doctor's letter or a medical exam before ServiceOntario will restore your license.
- Processing takes one to two weeks once ServiceOntario receives your complete process, so plan ahead if you need to drive.
- You can begin the reinstatement process up to 30 days before your suspension ends, which speeds up getting your license back.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
ServiceOntario charges a reinstatement fee when you restore your license. The fee amount depends on the type of suspension: administrative suspensions (for unpaid fines, insurance lapses, or failure to pay court-ordered amounts) have one fee, while medical suspensions have another. As of 2024, administrative reinstatement fees are typically in the $150 to $200 range, though this can change. Medical reinstatement fees are generally higher.
You pay this fee when you submit your reinstatement request. ServiceOntario accepts payment by credit card, debit card, or online banking when you explore in person or by mail. If you are explore online through ServiceOntario's website, you will pay at that time. The fee is non-refundable even if your process is delayed.
Documents you need for an administrative suspension reinstatement
If your suspension was administrative — meaning it was tied to unpaid fines, an insurance lapse, or failure to pay a court-ordered amount — you will need to show that the underlying issue has been resolved. Bring your driver's license (even though it is suspended), proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID), and proof that you have paid any outstanding fines or court-ordered amounts.
If your suspension was for a lapsed insurance policy, you will need a letter from your insurance company confirming that you now have active coverage. This letter should show your policy number, the coverage start date, and confirmation that the policy is in force. ServiceOntario will not restore your license without proof that your insurance is current.
You can start the reinstatement process up to 30 days before your suspension ends. This means if your suspension ends on a specific date, you can submit your process 30 days earlier. ServiceOntario will process your process and have your license ready by the time the suspension period officially ends.
Documents you need for a medical suspension reinstatement
Medical suspensions happen when the Ministry of Transportation believes a medical condition affects your ability to drive safely. To reinstate your license, you will need a letter from your doctor stating that your medical condition no longer poses a risk to driving safety. The letter must be on the doctor's letterhead, signed and dated, and address the specific condition that led to the suspension.
In some cases, ServiceOntario may require you to pass a medical exam conducted by a physician they designate, rather than accepting your own doctor's letter. You will be notified if this is required. You pay for this exam yourself, and the cost varies by provider. Once the exam is complete, the physician sends the results directly to ServiceOntario.
You may also need to pass a vision test. ServiceOntario can conduct this at a ServiceOntario office, or you can have your optometrist or eye doctor perform it and send the results. Vision testing is standard for medical reinstatements and is usually quick.
Where to submit your reinstatement request
You have three options for submitting your reinstatement request: in person at a ServiceOntario office, by mail, or online through the ServiceOntario website. In-person submission is fastest — you can often get an appointment within a few days, and staff can tell you when ready if your documents are complete. If anything is missing, you can provide it on the spot.
Mailing your request takes longer because of postal delays and processing time. Send your completed process, all required documents, and payment to the ServiceOntario address provided on the reinstatement form. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your documents returned. Mail typically takes one to two weeks to arrive, plus one to two weeks for processing.
Online submission through ServiceOntario's website is available for some suspension types. You upload scanned copies of your documents and pay the fee online. Processing time is usually one to two weeks. Check the ServiceOntario website to see if your suspension type can be handled online.
Timeline: when to expect your license back
Processing time is typically one to two weeks from the date ServiceOntario receives your complete process. If you explore in person, this clock starts when ready. If you mail your process, add one to two weeks for postal delivery before processing begins. Online applications are processed within one to two weeks of submission.
You can start the process up to 30 days before your suspension ends. This is the fastest route because ServiceOntario can prepare your license in advance. Your license will be ready on or shortly after the suspension end date, rather than you having to wait after the suspension ends and then explore.
If your process is incomplete — for example, if your doctor's letter is missing or your insurance proof is outdated — ServiceOntario will contact you and ask for the missing item. This adds one to two weeks to the timeline. For this reason, double-check that all documents are included before you submit.
What happens if you drive while suspended
Driving with a suspended license in Ontario is a serious offense. You face a fine of $490 to $1,000, a possible jail sentence of up to six months, and a driving prohibition that extends your suspension. A second offense within five years carries a minimum fine of $1,000 and up to one year in jail. Your vehicle can also be impounded.
If you are caught driving while suspended, you will face criminal charges, not just a traffic ticket. This creates a separate legal case that must be resolved in court. For this reason, it is important to plan your transportation during the suspension period and not drive until your license is officially restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start my reinstatement process before the 90 days are up?
Yes. You can begin the reinstatement process up to 30 days before your suspension ends. This means ServiceOntario can process your process and have your license ready by the time the suspension period officially ends, so you do not have to wait after the 90 days to get it back.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
ServiceOntario does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. You must pay the full fee to restore your license. If your suspension was for unpaid fines or court-ordered amounts, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the court or the Ministry of Transportation for those amounts separately, but the reinstatement fee itself must be paid in full.
Do I need a new photo for my license when it is reinstated?
No. Your existing license photo is used when your license is reinstated. You do not need a new photo unless your license has expired or you are renewing it for other reasons. Your reinstated license will have the same expiry date as your original license had.
What if my doctor will not write a letter for my medical reinstatement?
If your doctor believes your medical condition still affects your ability to drive safely, they will not write a clearance letter. In this case, you cannot reinstate your license until the condition improves. You can reapply later if your condition changes. If you disagree with your doctor's assessment, you can request that ServiceOntario arrange an independent medical exam.
Can I get a temporary license while waiting for reinstatement?
No. ServiceOntario does not issue temporary or interim licenses during the reinstatement process. You must wait for your full license to be restored. This is why explore early — up to 30 days before the suspension ends — is important, so your license is ready as soon as the suspension period is over.