What you can and cannot do online
You can start your reinstatement through ServiceOntario's online portal, but whether you can finish there depends on why your license was suspended. If your suspension is for unpaid fines or administrative reasons — the most common causes — you may be able to complete the entire process online. If your suspension involves medical concerns, criminal charges, or a court order, you will need to handle parts of it by phone, mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office.
The online system lets you check your suspension status, pay outstanding fines, request a reinstatement, and in some cases receive your new license number the same day. You cannot use the online portal to challenge a suspension or to handle suspensions tied to criminal convictions or medical assessments.
Key Takeaways
- Check your suspension reason first through ServiceOntario's online portal — this determines whether you can finish reinstatement online or need to visit in person.
- Most fine-related and administrative suspensions can be fully reinstated online by paying what you owe and submitting your reinstatement request.
- You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and postal code to log in; if you do not have these, you must call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445.
- After you pay fines or fees online, your license is usually reinstated within minutes, though some suspensions take up to five business days to process.
- If your suspension involves medical grounds, criminal charges, or a court order, you must contact ServiceOntario by phone or visit an office in person.
Logging into ServiceOntario's online system
Go to ontario.ca/driversandvehicles and select "Check your driver's license status" or "Reinstate your license." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and postal code. If you do not have your license number or cannot remember your postal code, you cannot proceed online — call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 instead.
Once you log in, the system will show you the reason for your suspension, the amount owing (if any), and whether you can complete reinstatement online. Write down or screenshot this information before you move forward, because you will need it if you have to call or visit an office.
Paying fines and reinstatement fees online
If your suspension is for unpaid fines, the portal will show the total amount due. You can pay by debit card or credit card directly through the ServiceOntario website. The payment goes to the Ministry of the Attorney General, not to individual courts or municipalities, so you only need to make one payment.
Reinstatement fees vary depending on how long your license has been suspended. A first reinstatement after a short suspension costs less than a second or third reinstatement, or reinstatement after a long suspension. The system will show you the exact fee before you pay. Once your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number — keep this for your records.
Submitting your reinstatement request
After you have paid any fines or fees, the portal will prompt you to submit your reinstatement request. This is a separate step from payment. You will confirm your personal information and agree that you understand the terms of your reinstatement — for example, that you cannot drive until your license is active again.
Some suspensions require you to submit additional documents, such as proof of insurance or a letter from your doctor. The portal will tell you if documents are needed and how to upload them. If documents are required and you cannot upload them online, you will be directed to mail them or bring them to a ServiceOntario office.
What happens after you submit your request
For most fine-related and administrative suspensions, your license is reinstated within minutes of submitting your request online. You will see a new license status in the portal and receive a confirmation email. You do not need to wait for a physical license card to arrive — your reinstatement is active when ready, and you can drive legally.
A new physical license card will be mailed to your address on file within 10 to 15 business days. If you need to drive before the card arrives, you can print your confirmation email as proof of reinstatement, though police may ask to verify your status through their system. Some ServiceOntario offices will issue a temporary license slip on the spot if you visit in person.
When you cannot complete reinstatement online
Suspensions for medical reasons, criminal convictions, or court orders cannot be handled through the online portal. You must call ServiceOntario at 1-800-387-3445 or visit a ServiceOntario office in person. Have your driver's license number and the reason for your suspension ready when you call.
If your suspension involves a court order, you may need to provide proof that the order has been lifted or that you have met its conditions. If it involves medical grounds, you may need a letter from your doctor stating you are fit to drive. ServiceOntario staff can tell you exactly what documents to bring or mail.
Troubleshooting common online problems
If you cannot log in, the most common reason is that you have entered your information incorrectly. Double-check your driver's license number (it appears on the front of your card) and make sure your postal code matches the address on file with ServiceOntario. If you have moved recently and updated your address with the Ministry of Transportation, there may be a delay before the new postal code works in the system.
If the portal says your suspension reason is not may be able to access for online reinstatement but you believe it should be, call ServiceOntario to confirm. Sometimes the system categorizes suspensions differently than expected, and a staff member can clarify whether you can proceed online or need to visit an office. Do not assume the online message is final — it is worth a phone call to verify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot drive until your license status changes to active in the ServiceOntario system. For most online requests, this happens within minutes. If your reinstatement takes longer to process, you must wait until the portal confirms your license is reinstated before you drive.
What if I do not have a credit card or debit card to pay online?
You can pay fines in person at a ServiceOntario office using cash, debit, or credit card. You can also mail a cheque or money order to the address provided on your suspension notice. Once payment is received, you can submit your reinstatement request online if your suspension is otherwise may be able to access for online processing.
Will my insurance rates go up after reinstatement?
Your insurance company may have already increased your rates when your license was suspended. Reinstatement does not automatically lower rates, but your insurer may review your record once your license is active again. Contact your insurance company to ask whether your rates will change after reinstatement.
How long does it take to receive my new physical license card?
ServiceOntario mails new license cards within 10 to 15 business days of reinstatement. You do not need to wait for the card to arrive — your reinstatement is active when ready. If you need proof of reinstatement before the card arrives, print your confirmation email or visit a ServiceOntario office for a temporary license slip.
What if my suspension was due to an error or I disagree with it?
You cannot challenge a suspension through the online reinstatement portal. You must contact ServiceOntario by phone at 1-800-387-3445 or visit an office to discuss your case. If you believe the suspension was issued in error, ask to speak with a supervisor or request information about the formal review process.