Check your suspension status through ServiceOntario's online portal
You can check whether your Ontario driver's license is suspended by logging into your ServiceOntario account at ontario.ca/drivetest or by using the ServiceOntario portal. The system will show you your current license status, any active suspensions, and the reason for the suspension if one exists. This takes about five minutes and requires your driver's license number and date of birth.
If you do not have an online ServiceOntario account, you will need to create one first. You can set this up using your email address and a password you choose. Once logged in, navigate to "Driver and Vehicle Services" and select "Check Your Driver's License Status." The portal will display whether your license is valid, suspended, or cancelled.
The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You do not need to call ServiceOntario or visit a DriveTest centre to find out your status — the portal gives you an when ready answer.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your ServiceOntario account at ontario.ca/drivetest to see your license status when ready, without waiting for a phone call or office visit.
- You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to check your status online.
- The portal shows not only whether your license is suspended, but also the reason for the suspension and how long it will last.
- If you do not have a ServiceOntario account yet, you can create one using your email address in about five minutes.
- Suspensions in Ontario are usually tied to unpaid fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court — the portal will tell you which one applies to you.
What the online status check will tell you
When you log in and check your status, the portal displays your license condition — either valid, suspended, or cancelled. If your license is suspended, the system will show you the reason for the suspension. The most common reasons are unpaid Provincial Offences Act fines, failure to pay court-ordered child support, failure to appear in court, or medical suspension ordered by a doctor.
The portal also shows the suspension start date and, in most cases, when the suspension will end. If the suspension is indefinite (meaning it will not lift automatically), the system will tell you that as well. You will also see whether the suspension is a hard suspension (you cannot drive at all) or a driving prohibition (you cannot drive certain vehicle types or during certain hours).
This information is the same information that police officers see when they run your license during a traffic stop. Knowing your status before you drive prevents you from unknowingly breaking the law.
Steps to create a ServiceOntario account if you do not have one
If you have never used ServiceOntario online before, you will need to set up an account. Go to ontario.ca and look for the "Log in" or "Create Account" button in the top right corner of the page. Click "Create Account" and enter your email address.
ServiceOntario will send you a verification email. Open that email and click the link to confirm your address. You will then be asked to create a password — make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol. Once you have set your password, your account is active.
After your account is created, you can log in at any time using your email and password. The first time you check your driver's license status, you may be asked to verify additional information (such as your address or license number) to confirm your identity. This is a one-time step.
What to do if your license is suspended
Once you know the reason for your suspension, your next step depends on what caused it. If the suspension is due to unpaid fines, you must pay those fines to the court or the Ministry of the Attorney General. You can often pay online through the court's website or by calling the court directly.
If the suspension is due to failure to pay child support, you must contact the Family Responsibility Office (FRO) or the court that ordered the support. They will tell you the amount owed and accept payment. Once payment is made or a payment plan is agreed to, you can request that the suspension be lifted.
If the suspension is due to failure to appear in court, you must contact the court listed in your suspension notice and reschedule your appearance or resolve the matter. The court will then notify ServiceOntario to lift the suspension.
Medical suspensions work differently — a doctor or the Ministry of Transportation must clear you before your license can be reinstated. You will need to provide medical documentation or pass a medical assessment.
How long it takes for a suspension to be removed from your record
Once you have resolved the reason for your suspension (paid the fine, arranged child support, appeared in court, or obtained medical clearance), the suspension does not always lift when ready. The court, the FRO, or the Ministry of Transportation must notify ServiceOntario that the suspension should be removed.
This notification can take anywhere from one to five business days. During this time, your online status may still show as suspended even though you have resolved the issue. If you need to drive urgently, contact the body that imposed the suspension and ask for written confirmation that it has been lifted — you can show this to a police officer if you are stopped.
Once ServiceOntario receives the notification, your status will update in the online portal. You can check again after a few days to confirm the suspension has been removed.
Alternatives if you cannot access the online portal
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online system, you can call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3556 (toll-free in Ontario) to ask about your license status. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. Wait times vary, but calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon usually means shorter queues.
You can also visit a DriveTest centre in person and ask staff to check your status for you. Bring your driver's license or a piece of government-issued photo identification. This option takes longer than calling or using the online portal, but you will get an when ready answer and can ask questions face-to-face.
A third option is to contact the specific body responsible for your suspension. If it is a fine, contact the court. If it is child support, contact the Family Responsibility Office. If it is medical, contact the Ministry of Transportation. These offices can tell you your status and what you need to do to resolve it.
Common mistakes to avoid when checking your status
Do not assume your license is valid just because you have not received a notice in the mail. Suspensions can take time to be mailed out, and the online portal is always more current than paper notices. Check the portal before you drive.
Do not confuse a suspension with a cancellation. A suspension is temporary — it can be lifted once the reason is resolved. A cancellation means your license has been permanently revoked and you will need to reapply for a new one through the full licensing process. The portal will clearly label which one applies to you.
Do not ignore a suspension notice. Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offence in Ontario and can result in fines up to $1,000, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you see a suspension on your record, resolve it before you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive if my license is suspended but I have not received a notice yet?
No. The online portal is the official record of your license status. If it shows a suspension, your license is suspended whether or not you have received a paper notice. Driving on a suspended license is illegal, even if you did not know about the suspension.
How do I know if my suspension is a hard suspension or a driving prohibition?
The ServiceOntario portal will specify the type of suspension. A hard suspension means you cannot drive at all. A driving prohibition means you can drive in certain situations (for example, only during daylight hours or only to work). Read the suspension details carefully to understand what you are and are not allowed to do.
What if the online portal says my license is suspended but I paid my fine?
The court or Ministry of Transportation may not have notified ServiceOntario yet. Wait three to five business days and check again. If the suspension is still showing after a week, contact the court or the body that imposed the suspension and ask them to confirm that the notification has been sent to ServiceOntario.
Can I check someone else's license status online?
No. You can only check your own license status using your ServiceOntario account. You cannot log in as someone else or check a family member's status without their permission and account access.
What if I cannot remember my ServiceOntario password?
Click "Forgot Password" on the login page. ServiceOntario will send a password reset link to your email address. Click the link, create a new password, and log in. This takes about five minutes.