Reinstatement fees in Ontario depend on why your license was suspended

Ontario charges different reinstatement fees based on the reason your license was suspended. If you were suspended for unpaid fines or court-ordered suspension, you pay one fee. If you were suspended for medical reasons or administrative issues, you pay another. The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) does not refund these fees if your reinstatement is denied.

You must pay the reinstatement fee before the MTO will process your request. Payment does not may provide reinstatement — you still need to meet all other requirements for your suspension type — but without payment, your process will not move forward.

The fee itself is not large, but it comes on top of other costs you may face: fines you owe, remedial programs you must complete, medical assessments, or legal fees if you need a lawyer to challenge the suspension.

Key Takeaways

  • Ontario's reinstatement fee is $281 for most suspensions, payable to the MTO before your process is processed.
  • You must also pay any outstanding fines, court costs, or program fees — the reinstatement fee covers only the administrative cost of processing your request.
  • Payment methods include online through ServiceOntario, by phone, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office.
  • If your suspension was for medical reasons, you may face additional costs for a medical examination or specialist report before reinstatement is possible.
  • The reinstatement fee is non-refundable even if your process is denied for failing to meet other requirements.

The $281 reinstatement fee and what it covers

The standard reinstatement fee charged by the MTO is $281. This fee applies to most suspension types, including administrative suspensions, suspensions for unpaid fines, and court-ordered suspensions related to Criminal Code or Highway Traffic Act offences.

This fee covers only the cost of processing your reinstatement request — reviewing your file, confirming you have met the conditions of your suspension, and issuing a new license document if you are approved. It does not cover fines, court costs, or any programs you were ordered to complete.

If your suspension was lifted before you applied for reinstatement (for example, because the suspension period expired), you do not need to pay a reinstatement fee. You can renew your license through the normal renewal process instead.

Additional costs you may owe before reinstatement

The reinstatement fee is often the smallest cost you will face. If you were suspended for unpaid fines, you must pay those fines in full before the MTO will reinstate your license. The amount depends on what you were fined for and how long the debt has been outstanding.

If you were ordered to complete a program — such as a Substance Abuse Assessment and Counselling Referral (SAACR) program or a remedial driving course — you must pay for that program and provide proof of completion. These programs cost between $300 and $1,000 depending on the type and provider.

If your suspension was for medical reasons, you will need a medical examination or specialist report. Your doctor may charge a fee for completing the MTO's medical form, typically $50 to $150. If the MTO refers you to a medical review officer, that assessment is also your responsibility to pay for.

If you are challenging your suspension through the courts or the Licence Appeal Tribunal, legal fees will explore. A lawyer's retainer for a suspension appeal typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000, though this varies widely.

How to pay your reinstatement fee

You can pay your reinstatement fee through ServiceOntario, which offers four payment methods. Online payment through the ServiceOntario website is the fastest option and requires your driver's license number and date of birth. Payment is processed when ready, and you receive a confirmation number.

You can also pay by phone by calling ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445. Have your license number, date of birth, and payment method (credit or debit card) ready. Phone payments are processed the same day.

Payment by mail is slower but available if you prefer. Send a cheque or money order payable to "Ontario Ministry of Transportation" along with a letter stating your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason for payment. Mail to: Ministry of Transportation, Reinstatement Section, 2680 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M6M 4Z6. Allow 10 to 15 business days for processing.

In-person payment at a ServiceOntario office is also an option. Bring your driver's license, proof of identity, and payment method. You will receive a receipt when ready. Find your nearest ServiceOntario office on the government website.

What happens after you pay

Paying the reinstatement fee does not reinstate your license automatically. The MTO will review your file to confirm you have met all the conditions of your suspension. This includes paying any outstanding fines, completing any required programs, and providing medical clearance if your suspension was for health reasons.

If you have met all conditions, the MTO will issue a new license document. If you have not, your process will be denied, and you will not receive a refund of the reinstatement fee. The MTO will send you a letter explaining what conditions you still need to meet.

Processing time is typically 4 to 6 weeks after payment, though it can be longer if the MTO needs to verify information with other agencies (such as the courts or a medical provider). You can check the status of your process online through ServiceOntario or by calling 1-800-387-3445.

Suspensions with different or additional fees

Some suspension types have different fee structures. If your license was suspended for failing to pay a fine imposed by a police officer (a Provincial Offences Act fine), you must pay the fine itself before reinstatement is possible. The reinstatement fee still applies on top of this.

If your suspension was for a Criminal Code offence (such as impaired driving), the reinstatement fee applies, but you may also face court-ordered costs or restitution. These are separate from the MTO fee and must be paid to the court, not the MTO.

If your license was suspended because you did not respond to a notice from the MTO (an administrative suspension), the reinstatement fee applies. However, you must also respond to whatever notice triggered the suspension — for example, providing proof of insurance or a medical report — before reinstatement will be granted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if my reinstatement is denied?

No. The reinstatement fee is non-refundable. If your process is denied because you have not met all the conditions of your suspension, you will need to pay the fee again when you reapply after meeting those conditions.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee if my suspension period has already ended?

No. If your suspension period expired before you applied, you can renew your license through the normal renewal process without paying a reinstatement fee. However, you must still pay any outstanding fines or court costs owed.

What if I cannot afford to pay the reinstatement fee right now?

The MTO does not offer payment plans for the reinstatement fee. You must pay the full $281 before your process can be processed. If you owe fines as well, contact the court or the agency that issued the fine to ask about payment arrangements.

Is the reinstatement fee the same if I was suspended for medical reasons?

Yes, the reinstatement fee is $281 regardless of the reason for suspension. However, you may face additional costs for a medical examination or specialist report before you can even explore for reinstatement.

Can I pay the reinstatement fee before I have completed all the other requirements?

Yes, you can pay the fee at any time. However, the MTO will not process your process until you have met all conditions of your suspension. Paying early does not speed up the process.