What You Need to Do to Restore Your License After 90 Days

Once your 90-day suspension period ends, your license does not automatically come back. You must take specific steps with ServiceOntario to have it reinstated. The process depends on why you were suspended — the most common reason is driving with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit or refusing a breath test — and whether you have any other driving offences on your record during the suspension period.

If you were suspended under the Administrative Driver's Licence Suspension (ADLS) program, you will need to contact ServiceOntario directly to request reinstatement. You cannot straightforward start driving again when the 90 days are up. The suspension remains active until you complete the reinstatement process and receive written confirmation that your licence is restored.

The timeline for reinstatement is usually quick — often the same day or within one business day — but only if you meet all the conditions and have the right documents ready. If your suspension was for a criminal conviction rather than an ADLS, the process is different and may involve the Ontario Court of Justice.

Key Takeaways

  • You must contact ServiceOntario to request reinstatement; your licence does not automatically restore when the 90 days end.
  • An ADLS suspension (the most common type) requires you to pay a reinstatement fee, usually between $150 and $250, depending on the reason for suspension.
  • You must provide proof that you have not driven during the suspension period, and you cannot have any new driving offences recorded against you.
  • If your suspension was ordered by a court as part of a criminal conviction, you will need a court order or letter from the Crown Attorney confirming the suspension has ended before ServiceOntario will reinstate you.
  • Once reinstated, your licence is restored to its original class, but any conditions imposed by the court (such as ignition interlock requirements) remain in effect.

ADLS Suspension Reinstatement: The Standard Route

Most 90-day suspensions in Ontario are issued under the ADLS program, which is an automatic suspension triggered by a breath test result over 0.08 or a refusal to provide a breath sample. If this is your situation, you will reinstate through ServiceOntario, not through the courts.

To reinstate, contact ServiceOntario by phone at 1-888-570-6555 or visit a ServiceOntario office in person. Have your driver's licence number and the date your suspension began ready. ServiceOntario will confirm that your 90-day period has ended and that you have no new driving offences on your record. If both conditions are met, you can proceed to pay the reinstatement fee.

The reinstatement fee varies. For an ADLS suspension related to a breath test result over the legal limit, the fee is typically $150. If you refused to provide a breath sample, the fee is usually $250. Some ServiceOntario offices accept payment by debit, credit card, or cash; others may require a cheque. Confirm the payment method when you call or visit.

After you pay, ServiceOntario will issue you a new licence card or a letter confirming reinstatement, depending on whether your card needs to be replaced. You should receive this confirmation the same day or within one business day. Once you have it, you are legally permitted to drive again.

Court-Ordered Suspension Reinstatement: Criminal Conviction Route

If your 90-day suspension was ordered by a court as part of a criminal conviction (for example, impaired driving under the Criminal Code), the reinstatement process is different. ServiceOntario cannot reinstate your licence until the court's suspension period has ended and you have proof of that.

When your 90 days are complete, contact the Ontario Court of Justice location where your case was heard. Ask for a letter or court order confirming that your driving suspension has ended. The Crown Attorney's office can also provide this confirmation. Once you have this document, take it to ServiceOntario along with your driver's licence.

ServiceOntario will review the court document and reinstate your licence. There is no additional fee for reinstatement in court-ordered suspension cases, but you may be required to pay a licence replacement fee if your card needs to be reissued. The reinstatement is usually processed the same day.

What Disqualifies You from Reinstatement

ServiceOntario will refuse to reinstate your licence if you have accumulated any new driving offences during your suspension period. This includes speeding, running a red light, driving with a suspended licence, or any other violation recorded by police. Even a minor ticket will delay reinstatement until that matter is resolved in court.

If you were charged with a new offence during the suspension, you must resolve that charge first — either by paying a fine, having it withdrawn, or having it dismissed in court — before ServiceOntario will process your reinstatement. This can add weeks or months to the timeline.

You also cannot reinstate if you have unpaid fines or outstanding court orders related to driving. Check with the Ontario Court of Justice or the Ministry of the Attorney General to confirm you have no outstanding financial obligations before you contact ServiceOntario.

Documents and Information to Have Ready

When you contact ServiceOntario or visit an office, have the following information available: your full legal name, date of birth, driver's licence number, and the date your suspension began. If you are calling, ServiceOntario will ask you to confirm your address as it appears on your licence.

If your suspension was court-ordered, bring the original court order or letter from the Crown Attorney confirming the suspension has ended. If you are reinstating an ADLS suspension, you do not need additional documents, but be prepared to pay the reinstatement fee when ready.

If you have changed your address since the suspension began, bring proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last three months. ServiceOntario may update your licence record at the same time as reinstatement.

What Happens to Your Licence Class and Conditions

Your licence is reinstated to the same class it was before the suspension. If you held a Class G licence, you will get a Class G licence back. If you held a commercial licence, it will be restored to that class.

Any conditions imposed by the court remain in effect after reinstatement. For example, if the court ordered you to use an ignition interlock device (a breath-testing device installed in your vehicle), that condition continues. You must comply with it or face a new suspension and criminal charges.

If you are unsure what conditions explore to you, contact the Ontario Court of Justice or the Crown Attorney's office before you reinstate. They can provide a copy of the court order listing all conditions. ServiceOntario does not track court-imposed conditions; the responsibility to comply is yours.

Reinstatement Timelines and What to Expect

If you meet all conditions and have no new offences, reinstatement is usually processed the same day you contact ServiceOntario or visit an office. If you call, you may be able to pay the fee over the phone and receive confirmation when ready. If you visit in person, the process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

If you have a new driving offence or outstanding fine, reinstatement will be delayed. ServiceOntario will tell you what needs to be resolved and will not process your request until that matter is cleared. You will need to contact the court or the Ministry of the Attorney General to resolve it.

If your suspension was court-ordered and you do not yet have the court letter confirming it has ended, you will need to obtain that first. This can take one to two weeks if you request it by mail, or a few days if you visit the court office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive before my 90 days are officially up if I have a good reason?

No. Driving during a suspension is a separate criminal offence that carries its own penalties, including fines up to $1,000 and a possible jail sentence. You must wait until the 90 days have ended and you have completed the reinstatement process with ServiceOntario.

What if I lost my driver's licence card during the suspension?

Tell ServiceOntario when you contact them for reinstatement. They will issue a replacement card at the same time. You may be charged a replacement fee, usually $15 to $20, in addition to the reinstatement fee. Bring proof of identity and address.

Do I have to take a driving test or medical exam to get my licence back?

No. A 90-day ADLS suspension does not require a test or exam for reinstatement. However, if you were suspended for a longer period (such as one year or more) or if you have multiple suspensions, ServiceOntario may require a medical exam or a knowledge test. Ask when you call.

What if I moved to a different province during my suspension?

You can still reinstate your Ontario licence by contacting ServiceOntario, even if you now live elsewhere. You can do this by phone or by mail. However, if you want to convert to a licence in your new province, you will need to complete that province's transfer process after your Ontario licence is reinstated.

Can I get my suspension reduced from 90 days to something shorter?

No. ADLS suspensions are automatic and cannot be reduced or appealed to ServiceOntario. If you believe the suspension was issued in error, you can file an appeal with the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT) within 30 days of the suspension. This is a separate legal process and requires legal representation in most cases.