You can cancel your Ontario driver's license by submitting a written request to ServiceOntario, either by mail or in person at a ServiceOntario office

Cancelling your Ontario driver's license is straightforward but requires you to follow specific steps and submit the right documents. You do not need to provide a reason for cancellation. ServiceOntario processes cancellations by mail within two to four weeks, or you can cancel in person at any ServiceOntario office and receive confirmation the same day. Once cancelled, your license is no longer valid for driving in Ontario or anywhere else in Canada.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you cancel by mail or in person, and there are a few situations — such as a suspended license or an outstanding fine — that may complicate the cancellation. Understanding the exact steps and what documents you need will prevent delays and may support your cancellation is processed correctly.

Key Takeaways

  • You can cancel your Ontario driver's license by mail or in person at a ServiceOntario office without providing a reason.
  • Mail cancellations take two to four weeks to process; in-person cancellations are completed the same day.
  • You must submit a signed written request that includes your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and signature.
  • If your license is suspended or you have outstanding fines, you may need to resolve those issues before cancellation is processed.
  • You should keep a copy of your cancellation request and any confirmation receipt for your records.

Cancelling by Mail: Documents and Mailing Address

To cancel by mail, you need to write a letter or form that includes four pieces of information: your full name, your date of birth, your Ontario driver's license number, and your signature. The letter does not need to be long or formal. A straightforward statement such as "I request cancellation of my Ontario driver's license" is sufficient. Print or write the letter clearly so ServiceOntario staff can read it without difficulty.

Mail your signed request to: ServiceOntario, Licensing and Permits, 501 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M5B 1N6. Include your current driver's license with the letter, or a photocopy of both sides of your license. ServiceOntario will process the cancellation within two to four weeks and will not send you a confirmation letter unless you include a self-addressed stamped envelope. If you want written proof of cancellation, include the envelope; otherwise, you can assume the cancellation was processed after four weeks have passed.

Keep a photocopy of your cancellation letter and the envelope you mailed it in. If you later need to prove you cancelled on a specific date, this record will help. Do not send your original license by regular mail if you are concerned about it being lost in transit; a photocopy is acceptable and safer.

Cancelling in Person at a ServiceOntario Office

In-person cancellation is faster and gives you when ready confirmation. Find your nearest ServiceOntario office using the office locator on the ServiceOntario website. Bring your current Ontario driver's license and a piece of government-issued photo identification (such as a passport or birth certificate). You do not need to bring a written request; staff will complete the cancellation form for you.

Tell the staff member at the counter that you want to cancel your driver's license. They will ask you to sign a cancellation form and will take your license. You will receive a receipt on the spot confirming the cancellation date. The entire process takes about five to ten minutes. Keep this receipt in a safe place as proof that you cancelled on that date.

ServiceOntario offices are open Monday to Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours. Check the office locator to confirm hours before you visit, as hours vary by location. If you do not have time to visit an office, mail cancellation is the alternative, even though it takes longer.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or You Have Outstanding Fines

If your Ontario driver's license is currently suspended, you can still request cancellation. However, ServiceOntario may not process the cancellation until the suspension period ends or the reason for suspension is resolved. A suspension can be issued for unpaid fines, failure to pay child support, medical reasons, or criminal code convictions. Contact ServiceOntario before you submit your cancellation request to find out whether your suspension will block the cancellation.

If you have outstanding fines related to your license (such as unpaid traffic tickets), cancellation may be delayed until the fine is paid or a payment arrangement is made. ServiceOntario will inform you of this when they receive your request. You can pay fines online through the Ontario Court of Justice website or by phone. Once the fine is paid, resubmit your cancellation request.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended or whether you have outstanding fines, call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3556 before submitting your cancellation. They can check your status in seconds and tell you exactly what needs to happen before your cancellation can be processed.

After Your License Is Cancelled: What You Need to Know

Once your Ontario driver's license is cancelled, you cannot drive in Ontario or any other province or territory in Canada. If you cancel and later decide you want to drive again, you will need to reapply for a new license and pass the written test and road test again, just as if you were a new driver. There is no "reactivation" option; cancellation is permanent unless you reapply from the beginning.

You should not drive after your cancellation is processed, even if you still have the physical card in your wallet. Driving with a cancelled license is illegal and can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and a criminal record. If you are stopped by police, your license will show as cancelled in their system.

If you cancelled your license but still need to prove your identity, your cancelled driver's license can still be used as photo identification for non-driving purposes, such as boarding a flight or opening a bank account. However, it cannot be used to drive.

Cancelling a License You Lost or Never Received

If you never received your Ontario driver's license after you passed your road test, or if your license was lost or stolen, you can still request cancellation. In your written request, explain that the license was never received, lost, or stolen. ServiceOntario will cancel the license number associated with your name and date of birth, even though you do not have the physical card to return.

If your license was stolen, you may also want to report the theft to police and keep a copy of the police report. This protects you in case someone uses the stolen license number fraudulently. Include a note in your cancellation request mentioning the theft if this applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my Ontario driver's license if I still owe money on a traffic ticket?

ServiceOntario may delay your cancellation until the fine is paid or a payment plan is arranged. Call 1-800-387-3556 to check whether you have outstanding fines before you submit your cancellation request. You can pay fines online through the Ontario Court of Justice website.

Do I need to provide a reason for cancelling my driver's license?

No. ServiceOntario does not require you to explain why you want to cancel. A straightforward written request with your name, date of birth, license number, and signature is all that is needed.

What if I change my mind after I cancel my license?

You cannot reactivate a cancelled license. You will need to reapply for a new license from the beginning, including passing the written test and road test again. This is treated as a new process, not a reinstatement.

How long does it take to cancel my license if I mail the request?

Mail cancellations are processed within two to four weeks. If you include a self-addressed stamped envelope, ServiceOntario will send you a confirmation letter. Without an envelope, assume the cancellation was processed after four weeks have passed.

Can I cancel my license in person without an appointment?

Yes. ServiceOntario offices accept walk-in cancellation requests during regular business hours. No appointment is needed. The process takes about five to ten minutes, and you receive a receipt confirming the cancellation date when ready.