Where to check your suspension status in Ontario

You can check whether your Ontario driver's license is suspended through the ServiceOntario website or by calling the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) directly. The fastest way is online at ontario.ca/driversLicenseStatus, where you enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system tells you when ready whether your license is valid, suspended, or cancelled.

If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445. Have your driver's license number ready. Wait times vary depending on the time of day, but the phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

You can also visit a ServiceOntario office in person if you want to speak face-to-face. Bring your driver's license or another piece of photo identification. Office locations and hours are listed on the ServiceOntario website.

Key Takeaways

  • The ServiceOntario online tool at ontario.ca/driversLicenseStatus shows your suspension status when ready using your license number and date of birth.
  • You can call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., to speak with someone about your license status.
  • A suspension means you cannot legally drive in Ontario, and driving while suspended carries serious penalties including fines and possible jail time.
  • Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, medical conditions reported to the MTO, and accumulating too many demerit points.

What happens when your license is suspended

A suspension is a temporary removal of your driving privileges. You cannot legally drive in Ontario while your license is suspended, even if you have a valid license card in your wallet. Driving while suspended is a criminal offense in Ontario and can result in fines up to $1,000, a jail sentence of up to six months, or both.

Your vehicle can also be impounded if you are caught driving while suspended. The impound costs money to recover, and you will need to pay towing and storage fees on top of any fines. A second offense within five years carries even steeper penalties.

The length of a suspension depends on the reason. Some suspensions last a few months; others last years. The ServiceOntario tool will tell you when your suspension ends, if a date has been set.

Common reasons your license might be suspended

The MTO suspends licenses for several reasons. Unpaid traffic fines are one of the most common — if you do not pay a fine by the important date, your license can be suspended automatically. Demerit points also trigger suspension: if you accumulate 15 or more demerit points within a two-year period, your license is suspended for 30 days. A second suspension within five years lasts 90 days; a third lasts two years.

Failure to pay child support can result in a license suspension through the Family Responsibility Office. If you owe child support and are in arrears, your license may be suspended even if you have no driving violations.

The MTO can also suspend your license if you report a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if a doctor reports one on your behalf. Some conditions require a medical examination or a driving test before your license is reinstated. Suspensions for medical reasons are typically longer than those for traffic violations.

How to get your license reinstated

The steps to reinstate your license depend on why it was suspended. If your suspension was due to unpaid fines, you must pay the fine in full. You can pay online through the Ontario Court of Justice website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a courthouse. Once payment is processed, your suspension is usually lifted within one business day.

If your suspension was due to demerit points, you must wait out the suspension period. You cannot shorten it by taking a driver improvement course or paying a fee. When the suspension period ends, your license is automatically reinstated — you do not need to take any action.

If your suspension was due to a medical condition, you will need to complete a medical examination or a driving test, depending on what the MTO requires. Contact ServiceOntario to find out what documents or tests you need. Some medical suspensions require a letter from your doctor confirming that you are fit to drive again.

If your suspension was due to unpaid child support, contact the Family Responsibility Office to arrange a payment plan or settlement. Once you have made arrangements or paid what you owe, the office will notify the MTO, and your suspension will be lifted.

What to do if you disagree with the suspension

If you believe your license was suspended in error, you can request a review. The process depends on the reason for the suspension. For traffic-related suspensions, you can contact the MTO directly through ServiceOntario to ask for a review of the decision.

If the suspension is related to demerit points and you believe the points were assigned incorrectly, you may be able to dispute the original traffic ticket. This must be done through the court system, not through the MTO. You have a limited time to dispute a ticket after it is issued, so act quickly if you believe the ticket was wrong.

For medical suspensions, you can request a reassessment if your condition has improved or if you believe the MTO made an error in evaluating your fitness to drive. You will likely need to provide updated medical documentation or take a new driving test.

Driving with a suspended license: what you need to know

Driving while your license is suspended is illegal in Ontario, even if you are driving carefully and have not caused any accidents. Police can stop you for any reason and check your license status. If they discover your license is suspended, you will be charged with driving while suspended.

The penalties increase with each offense. A first offense can result in a fine of $400 to $1,000 and a possible jail sentence of up to six months. A second offense within five years carries a fine of $1,000 to $2,000 and up to six months in jail. A third or subsequent offense within five years can result in a fine of $2,000 to $3,000 and up to six months in jail.

Your vehicle can be impounded for up to 14 days if you are caught driving while suspended. You will have to pay for towing and storage, which can cost several hundred dollars. If you are a repeat offender, the impound period can be longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn about my license is suspended?

The online tool at ontario.ca/driversLicenseStatus shows your status when ready. If you call ServiceOntario, you will get an answer within minutes, though you may wait on hold depending on call volume. In person, you will know your status the same day you visit.

Can I drive to work if my license is suspended?

No. A suspension means you cannot drive for any reason — not for work, not for emergencies, not for medical appointments. Driving while suspended is a criminal offense regardless of where you are going or why.

Will my suspension show up on a background check?

A driver's license suspension is a provincial record and may appear on background checks depending on what the check covers. Criminal convictions for driving while suspended will definitely appear on a criminal record check.

What if I moved out of Ontario — is my suspension still valid?

Yes. An Ontario license suspension follows you if you move to another province or country. If you try to get a license in another province while suspended in Ontario, most provinces will honor the suspension and deny your request.

Can I get a hardship license while suspended?

Ontario does not issue hardship licenses or restricted licenses that allow you to drive while suspended. You must wait out the suspension period or resolve the issue that caused it (such as paying fines or completing a medical assessment).