What you need to do to get your Ontario license back after suspension
To reinstate your Ontario driver's license after a suspension, you must contact Service Ontario directly and meet the conditions that caused your suspension to end. The process depends on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid fines, a medical issue, a criminal conviction, or failure to pay child support. Service Ontario will tell you exactly what documents or payments you need before they will process your reinstatement request.
You cannot reinstate your license online or through a third party. You must go through Service Ontario in person, by phone, or by mail. The timeline varies: some suspensions lift automatically once a condition is met (like paying a fine), while others require you to submit proof and wait for approval.
Key Takeaways
- Contact Service Ontario by phone at 1-800-387-3445 or visit a ServiceOntario office in person to start your reinstatement request.
- You must satisfy the condition that caused your suspension — paying fines, providing medical clearance, or meeting court requirements — before Service Ontario will reinstate your license.
- Some suspensions lift automatically once you meet the condition, while others require you to submit documents and wait for approval.
- Bring or send proof of payment, medical forms, or court documents depending on why your license was suspended.
- Reinstatement fees vary by suspension type and may be charged in addition to any fines or other costs you owe.
Contact Service Ontario to find out your suspension reason and requirements
Before you can request reinstatement, you need to know why your license was suspended. Call Service Ontario at 1-800-387-3445 (toll-free in Ontario) or visit a ServiceOntario office in person. Have your driver's license number ready. They will tell you the suspension reason, when it began, and what you must do to have it lifted.
If you prefer to visit in person, find your nearest ServiceOntario office on the Service Ontario website. Bring your driver's license and any documents related to your case (court papers, medical records, payment receipts). Staff can often answer your questions on the spot and tell you what to submit next.
Pay outstanding fines or court-ordered amounts
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines, unpaid court costs, or failure to pay child support, you must settle those amounts before reinstatement. Contact the court or the collection agency listed in your suspension notice to confirm the exact amount owed and payment methods accepted.
Once you pay, ask for a receipt or confirmation letter showing the debt is cleared. Keep this document — you will need to show it to Service Ontario as proof. Some payments process when ready, while others take a few business days to appear in the system. If you are unsure whether your payment has been recorded, call Service Ontario again before submitting your reinstatement request.
Obtain medical clearance if your suspension is health-related
If your license was suspended because of a medical condition (seizures, loss of consciousness, cognitive decline, or other conditions affecting driving safety), you must get a medical report from your doctor. Service Ontario will provide you with the specific form your doctor must complete — usually the "Medical Report for Driving Ability" form.
Your doctor will assess whether you are safe to drive and sign the form. This is not automatic; your doctor may determine that you are not yet ready to drive, in which case your suspension continues. Once your doctor completes the form, submit it to Service Ontario along with your reinstatement request. They will review it and notify you of their decision.
Submit criminal record or court-related documents
If your suspension resulted from a criminal conviction, a court order, or a Highway Traffic Act offense that triggered a mandatory suspension, you may need to provide court documents or proof that your sentence or probation has ended. Contact the court that issued the order to request certified copies of the relevant documents.
Some criminal suspensions lift automatically after a set period (for example, after a mandatory minimum suspension time passes). Others require you to show proof that conditions have been met — such as completion of a remedial program, payment of restitution, or end of probation. Call Service Ontario to confirm what documents they need from you.
Submit your reinstatement request to Service Ontario
Once you have met all conditions, submit your reinstatement request. You can do this by:
- Visiting a ServiceOntario office in person with your documents and payment (if required)
- Calling 1-800-387-3445 to submit your request over the phone and mailing documents afterward
- Mailing your documents and a completed reinstatement form to the address Service Ontario provides
Include copies (not originals) of all proof documents: payment receipts, medical forms, court papers, or other evidence that you have satisfied the suspension conditions. Write your driver's license number on every document. Service Ontario will review your submission and contact you by mail or phone with their decision.
Pay the reinstatement fee
Service Ontario charges a reinstatement fee when your license is restored. The fee amount depends on the type of suspension and ranges from approximately $50 to $250, though the exact amount varies. Ask Service Ontario what the fee is for your specific suspension type when you contact them.
You can usually pay the reinstatement fee when you submit your request in person, or Service Ontario will invoice you by mail. Some suspensions require payment before processing, while others allow you to pay after approval. Confirm the payment method and timing when you submit your documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?
Processing time varies from a few days to several weeks, depending on the suspension type and whether Service Ontario needs to verify information with other agencies. Medical suspensions often take longer because your doctor's form must be reviewed. Call Service Ontario to ask for an estimated timeline for your specific case.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until Service Ontario officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in criminal charges, vehicle impoundment, and additional fines. Wait for written confirmation from Service Ontario before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay my fines right now?
Contact the court or collection agency handling your debt and ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some courts allow you to pay in installments. Once you have arranged a payment plan, tell Service Ontario — they may reinstate your license while you are paying, depending on the circumstances. Call 1-800-387-3445 to discuss your situation.
Do I need a new photo or medical exam to reinstate my license?
Not for reinstatement itself. Your existing license remains valid once it is reinstated. However, if your license has expired during the suspension period, you will need to renew it separately, which does require a new photo and may require a vision test. Service Ontario will tell you if renewal is also needed.
What if my suspension was due to an error or I disagree with it?
You have the right to request a review or appeal. Contact Service Ontario to ask about the appeal process for your suspension type. Some suspensions can be appealed to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT). You may need legal help for this process. Ask Service Ontario which tribunal or body handles appeals for your situation.