What happens when you reinstate your Ontario license
Reinstatement means getting your Ontario driver's license back after it has been suspended or revoked. The process depends on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid fines, failing to pay a ticket, accumulating too many demerit points, or a medical issue. Each reason has different steps, different fees, and different waiting periods before you can even start the process.
You cannot straightforward walk into a ServiceOntario office and get your license back. You must first clear whatever caused the suspension — pay outstanding fines, complete a suspension period, provide medical clearance, or satisfy other conditions set by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO). Only after that can you request reinstatement.
The reinstatement fee itself is $198.50 as of 2024, but this varies and you should confirm the current amount with ServiceOntario before you go. That fee is separate from any fines, tickets, or other costs you owe.
Key Takeaways
- Your license suspension reason determines what you must do before reinstatement — paying fines, waiting out a suspension period, or providing medical documents.
- You must clear the suspension cause completely before the MTO will process your reinstatement request.
- The reinstatement fee is $198.50, but you may also owe outstanding fines, ticket payments, or other costs that caused the suspension.
- You can request reinstatement by mail, online through ServiceOntario, or in person at a ServiceOntario office.
- Processing takes 5 to 10 business days after the MTO receives your complete request.
Suspension for unpaid fines or tickets
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a fine or ticket, you must pay the full amount owed before you can reinstate. The MTO will not process reinstatement until the payment clears. You can pay online through the Ontario Court of Justice website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a courthouse.
Once you have paid, the suspension does not lift automatically — you still need to request reinstatement. The MTO will verify that payment has been received, which can take a few days. After that, you can submit your reinstatement request.
If you are unsure how much you owe or which court issued the ticket, call the courthouse in the jurisdiction where you received the ticket. They can tell you the exact amount and the current status of the fine.
Suspension for demerit points or driving record violations
If your license was suspended because you accumulated too many demerit points or committed a serious driving violation, you must wait out the suspension period before you can reinstate. The MTO will tell you the length of the suspension when they notify you — this is typically 6 months for a first suspension, but can be longer for repeat suspensions or serious offences.
You cannot shorten this waiting period. You must wait the full term, and the suspension does not end automatically on the last day — you must request reinstatement after the period ends. The MTO will not process your request before the suspension period is complete.
Some people choose to take a driver improvement course during the suspension period. This does not shorten the suspension, but it may reduce demerit points from your record once you are reinstated, which can help prevent future suspensions.
Medical suspensions and reinstatement requirements
If your license was suspended for medical reasons — a seizure, a stroke, a mental health crisis, or a condition that affects your ability to drive safely — you must provide medical clearance before reinstatement. This means a doctor must complete a form confirming that you are fit to drive and that any condition has been managed or resolved.
The MTO may require a report from your family doctor, a specialist, or both, depending on the reason for suspension. You will receive a letter from the MTO explaining exactly what medical documents you need and which doctor must sign them. You then send these documents to the MTO, and a medical review officer assesses whether you can drive safely.
This process can take several weeks because the MTO reviews the medical information carefully. If the review officer has questions, they may ask for additional tests or reports. Once cleared, you can then request reinstatement and pay the reinstatement fee.
How to request reinstatement through ServiceOntario
You can request reinstatement online, by mail, or in person. The online method is fastest — you go to the ServiceOntario website, create an account if you do not have one, and submit your reinstatement request. You will need your driver's license number, your date of birth, and confirmation that you have cleared the suspension cause.
If you request by mail, send a letter to the address provided in your suspension notice, along with proof that you have cleared the suspension cause (a receipt for paid fines, a medical clearance letter, or confirmation that the suspension period has ended). Include your full name, date of birth, and driver's license number.
In-person requests can be made at any ServiceOntario office. Bring your identification, proof that the suspension cause has been cleared, and be prepared to pay the $198.50 reinstatement fee on the spot. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days after the MTO receives your complete request.
What to do if your reinstatement request is denied
The MTO may deny your reinstatement request if you have not fully cleared the suspension cause, if you owe additional fines or fees, or if medical clearance is incomplete. You will receive a letter explaining the reason for denial and what you need to do next.
If the denial is a mistake — for example, the MTO did not receive proof of payment — contact ServiceOntario by phone or in person with documentation. If the denial is because you have not met the requirements, you must complete those requirements before submitting another request.
If you disagree with a medical suspension denial, you have the right to request a review by the MTO's medical review officer. The letter of denial will explain how to request this review and what important date applies.
Costs and fees for reinstatement
The reinstatement fee is $198.50. This is the only fee charged by the MTO for reinstatement itself. However, you may also owe other costs depending on why your license was suspended:
- Unpaid fines or tickets — the full amount of the fine plus any court costs or administrative fees.
- Medical evaluation — if the MTO requires an assessment by a medical review officer, there may be a fee, though this varies.
- Driver improvement course — optional, but costs vary by provider (typically $50 to $150).
Payment methods for the reinstatement fee include credit card, debit card, or cash at a ServiceOntario office. Online and mail requests require a credit or debit card. Ask ServiceOntario about the current fee before you submit your request, as fees can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the MTO approves your reinstatement request and issues a new license. Driving with a suspended license is illegal and can result in fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation from the MTO before you drive.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?
Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days after the MTO receives your complete request. Online requests are usually processed faster than mail requests. If you submit in person at a ServiceOntario office, you may receive your new license on the same day if everything is in order.
What if I moved and the MTO has my old address?
Update your address with the MTO before you request reinstatement. You can do this online through ServiceOntario, by mail, or in person. If the MTO sends your reinstatement approval to an old address, you may not receive it. Confirm your current address is on file first.
Do I need to take a driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require a written test or road test. You only need to clear the suspension cause and pay the reinstatement fee. However, if your license has expired during the suspension, you may need to renew it at the same time, which may require a vision test.
Can I reinstate my license if I still owe money on old fines?
No. All outstanding fines and fees must be paid before the MTO will process reinstatement. If you cannot pay the full amount, contact the courthouse to discuss payment arrangements or a payment plan. Once a plan is in place and you have made the agreed payments, you can request reinstatement.