What You Need to Do to Reinstate a Suspended License in Ontario
A suspended license in Ontario means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The reinstatement process depends on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid fines, demerit points, medical reasons, or failure to pay child support. Each reason has different requirements and timelines, and you must complete all of them before you can drive again.
The Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) does not automatically reinstate your license once the suspension period ends. You must take specific steps to request reinstatement, and the MTO will review your case to confirm you have met all conditions. If you have not completed what is required, your request will be denied.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the MTO directly to request reinstatement; your license does not automatically return after a suspension period ends.
- The steps you need to take depend on the reason for suspension — unpaid fines, demerit points, medical issues, or other violations each have different requirements.
- You will need to pay any outstanding fines, provide medical documentation if required, and sometimes complete a driver education course before reinstatement is possible.
- Processing your reinstatement request takes two to four weeks once the MTO receives your completed paperwork.
- Driving while suspended carries serious penalties including fines up to $1,000, jail time, and vehicle impoundment.
Suspension Reasons and What Each One Requires
Ontario suspends licenses for different reasons, and each has its own reinstatement path. The most common are: unpaid fines or court-ordered payments, accumulation of demerit points (15 or more within two years), medical or vision problems, failure to pay child support, and driving under suspension itself.
If your suspension is for unpaid fines or court-ordered payments, you must pay the full amount owing before the MTO will consider reinstatement. Contact the court that issued the fine or the collection agency listed on your notice. Once payment is confirmed, the MTO will be notified and your suspension will be lifted within one to two weeks.
If your suspension is for demerit points (15 or more accumulated within a two-year period), you cannot straightforward wait out the suspension. You must complete a Mandatory Driver Improvement Program (MDIP) course approved by the MTO. This is a classroom-based course that takes one full day and costs between $75 and $150 depending on the provider. You must complete it before requesting reinstatement.
If your suspension is for medical or vision reasons, you will need a letter from your doctor or optometrist confirming that the condition has been resolved or managed. The MTO may also require you to pass a medical examination or vision test before reinstatement is approved.
Step-by-Step Reinstatement Process
Once you have met the requirements for your specific suspension reason, follow these steps to request reinstatement:
- Gather your documents. You will need your driver's license number, proof that you have met all suspension requirements (paid fines receipt, MDIP completion certificate, medical letter, or child support payment confirmation), and your current address.
- Contact the MTO. Call the MTO at 1-888-570-6110 (toll-free) or visit an MTO ServiceOntario office in person. You can also mail your request to the address provided on your suspension notice. Have your license number and documents ready when you call.
- Submit your reinstatement request. Provide proof that you have completed all requirements. If you are mailing documents, send copies only — do not send your original license. Keep copies for your records.
- Pay the reinstatement fee. Ontario charges a $75 reinstatement fee (as of 2024; confirm the current amount when you contact the MTO). This fee is non-refundable even if your request is denied.
- Wait for processing. The MTO typically processes reinstatement requests within two to four weeks. You will receive written confirmation once your license is reinstated.
- Collect your license. If you submitted documents by mail, your reinstated license will be mailed to you. If you applied in person at a ServiceOntario office, you may receive it when ready or by mail depending on the office location.
Documents You Will Need for Each Suspension Type
| Suspension Reason | Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Unpaid fines or court-ordered payments | Receipt showing full payment; court case number or fine reference number |
| Demerit points (15+) | Certificate of completion from an MTO-approved MDIP course; course provider name and date |
| Medical or vision suspension | Letter from doctor or optometrist confirming condition resolved; may need to pass medical exam or vision test |
| Failure to pay child support | Proof of payment or payment arrangement from Family Responsibility Office (FRO) |
| Driving under suspension | Proof of payment for any fines; completion of any court-ordered programs |
Where to Find an MTO-Approved Driver Improvement Course
If you need to complete the Mandatory Driver Improvement Program, you must find a course provider approved by the MTO. The MTO website lists all approved providers by region. Search for "MTO approved driver improvement courses" or call 1-888-570-6110 to get a list of providers near you.
Courses are offered regularly in most Ontario cities and towns. Many are offered on weekends or evenings to accommodate work schedules. You must complete the course before submitting your reinstatement request — the MTO will not process reinstatement without proof of completion.
Common Mistakes That Delay or Deny Reinstatement
Many people make errors that prevent their reinstatement from being approved. The most common is submitting an incomplete request — for example, requesting reinstatement for a demerit point suspension without proof of MDIP completion, or requesting reinstatement for unpaid fines without proof of payment.
Another frequent mistake is sending original documents instead of copies. The MTO will not return originals, and you may need them for other purposes. Always send photocopies and keep the originals.
Some people also fail to pay the $75 reinstatement fee, which causes their request to be rejected. The fee must be paid even if you have completed all other requirements.
Finally, do not drive while your license is suspended, even if you believe you have met all requirements. Driving under suspension is a separate offense that carries fines up to $1,000, possible jail time, and vehicle impoundment. Wait for written confirmation from the MTO before you drive.
What Happens If Your Reinstatement Request Is Denied
If the MTO denies your reinstatement request, they will send you a written explanation. The most common reason for denial is incomplete documentation — for example, the MDIP certificate was not received or the fine payment was not confirmed.
If your request is denied, you can resubmit once you have corrected the issue. There is no additional fee for a resubmission if you are correcting documentation from the same suspension. However, if new violations occur during your suspension period, those will be added to your record and may extend your suspension.
If you believe the denial was made in error, you can request a review by writing to the MTO and explaining your case. Include any additional documentation that supports your request. The review process takes four to six weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to work while my license is suspended if I have applied for reinstatement?
No. Your license remains suspended until the MTO sends you written confirmation of reinstatement. Driving during this period is a criminal offense. You must wait for the MTO's written approval before driving, even if you have completed all requirements.
How long does it take to get reinstated after I pay my fines?
Once the MTO receives confirmation of payment from the court or collection agency, your suspension is usually lifted within one to two weeks. However, you should contact the MTO to confirm the payment was received before assuming your license is active.
Do I have to retake my driving test to get reinstated?
No, you do not need to retake the written or road test unless your suspension was for medical reasons and the MTO requires a medical examination or vision test. For demerit point suspensions, you only need to complete the MDIP course.
What if I cannot afford the MDIP course?
The course is mandatory for demerit point suspensions and costs between $75 and $150. There is no fee waiver or subsidy program through the MTO. Some community organizations may offer financial support — contact your local community center or social services office to ask about available programs.
Can I request reinstatement by email?
No. You must request reinstatement by phone (1-888-570-6110), in person at a ServiceOntario office, or by mail. Email requests are not accepted. If you mail your request, send copies of all documents and keep the originals.