What happens when your Ontario license is suspended
A suspended license means you cannot legally drive in Ontario until the suspension is lifted. The suspension stays in effect until you meet specific conditions — usually paying fines, completing a program, or waiting out a set period. ServiceOntario (the government office that handles licenses) will not automatically reinstate your license once the suspension period ends; you have to request reinstatement yourself.
The reinstatement process depends on why your license was suspended. A suspension for unpaid traffic fines works differently than a suspension for medical reasons or a criminal conviction. Knowing which type of suspension you have is your first step.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact ServiceOntario to request reinstatement; your license will not automatically come back after the suspension period ends.
- Different suspension reasons require different steps — unpaid fines, medical clearance, or criminal code convictions each have their own path.
- You will need to pay a reinstatement fee (currently $198 for most suspensions) plus any outstanding fines or costs.
- Some suspensions require you to pass a medical exam or vision test before ServiceOntario will reinstate your license.
- Once reinstated, your license is mailed to you; you cannot drive legally until it arrives.
Find out why your license was suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know the reason for the suspension. ServiceOntario maintains your driving record, and you can check it online through the ServiceOntario website or by visiting a ServiceOntario office in person. Your suspension notice (the letter you received when the suspension took effect) will also state the reason.
Common suspension reasons in Ontario include unpaid traffic fines, driving with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit, accumulating too many demerit points, failing to pay court-ordered fines, medical conditions that make driving unsafe, and criminal code convictions. Each reason has different reinstatement requirements.
Reinstatement for unpaid fines or court orders
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or court-ordered amount, you must pay the full amount owed before ServiceOntario will reinstate your license. This includes the original fine plus any collection fees or interest that has accumulated. You can pay online through the ServiceOntario website, by phone, by mail, or in person at a ServiceOntario office.
Once payment is confirmed, you still need to request reinstatement. Contact ServiceOntario by phone at 1-800-387-3445 or visit a ServiceOntario office with proof of payment. You will be charged a $198 reinstatement fee at that time. ServiceOntario will then mail your reinstated license to your address on file, which typically takes 10 to 15 business days.
Reinstatement after a suspension for impaired driving or criminal conviction
Suspensions related to impaired driving (driving under the influence) or criminal code convictions have stricter requirements. You must wait out the full suspension period set by the court or the Ministry of Transportation. During this time, you cannot drive at all, even with an ignition interlock device (unless the court specifically ordered one as part of your sentence).
Once the suspension period is complete, you must contact ServiceOntario to request reinstatement. You will need to pay the $198 reinstatement fee and provide proof that the suspension period has ended. In some cases, you may also need to pass a medical or psychological assessment, or provide a letter from your doctor confirming you are fit to drive. ServiceOntario will tell you what documentation is required when you call.
Reinstatement after a medical suspension
If your license was suspended for medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or a condition that affects your ability to drive safely — you cannot reinstate it without medical clearance. You must see a doctor and have them complete the medical form required by ServiceOntario (Form DL 180, Medical Report — Physician). This form confirms that your condition no longer prevents you from driving safely.
Once your doctor completes the form, submit it to ServiceOntario along with the $198 reinstatement fee. You can mail it, deliver it in person, or upload it through the ServiceOntario website. ServiceOntario will review the medical report and contact you if they need more information. If approved, your reinstated license will be mailed to you within 10 to 15 business days.
Reinstatement for demerit point suspensions
If you accumulated too many demerit points and your license was suspended, the suspension is automatic and mandatory. You must wait out the full suspension period (usually 6 months for a first suspension, longer for repeat suspensions). You cannot shorten this period or request early reinstatement.
Once the suspension period ends, contact ServiceOntario to request reinstatement. You will pay the $198 reinstatement fee, and your license will be mailed to you. Your demerit points do not reset when your license is reinstated; they remain on your record and continue to count toward future suspensions.
What to bring when you request reinstatement
Whether you visit a ServiceOntario office in person or contact them by phone, have the following information ready: your driver's license number, your date of birth, your current address, and proof of any payments you have made (if applicable). If you are requesting reinstatement for a medical suspension, bring the completed medical form from your doctor.
If you are visiting in person, bring a piece of government-issued photo identification (such as a passport or birth certificate) along with proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). ServiceOntario offices are located across Ontario; you can find the one nearest to you on the ServiceOntario website.
What happens after you request reinstatement
Once ServiceOntario approves your reinstatement request, they will mail your new license to the address on file. This typically takes 10 to 15 business days. You cannot legally drive until the new license arrives in your mailbox — even if ServiceOntario has verbally confirmed your reinstatement over the phone.
If you need to drive before your license arrives, you can request an interim license at a ServiceOntario office. An interim license is a temporary document that allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license. It is valid for 30 days and costs $20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have a medical reason?
No. A suspended license means you cannot drive for any reason, including medical emergencies. If you need to drive during a suspension, you must request an interim license from ServiceOntario, which costs $20 and is valid for 30 days.
What if I cannot afford to pay my fines right now?
Contact the court or the agency that issued the fine to ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay fines in installments. Once you have set up a payment plan, your license may be reinstated even if you have not paid the full amount, depending on the court's decision.
How long does reinstatement take?
Once ServiceOntario approves your request, your new license is mailed within 10 to 15 business days. If you need to drive sooner, you can request an interim license at a ServiceOntario office, which is issued when ready and valid for 30 days.
Will my demerit points be erased when my license is reinstated?
No. Your demerit points remain on your driving record even after reinstatement. They continue to count toward future suspensions. Demerit points expire based on the date they were issued, not the date your license is reinstated.
What if ServiceOntario denies my reinstatement request?
ServiceOntario will explain the reason for the denial in writing. Common reasons include incomplete medical documentation, outstanding fines, or an ongoing court case. You can reapply once you have addressed the issue, or you can contact ServiceOntario to ask what additional steps are needed.