The steps to get your license back depend on why it was suspended
You cannot straightforward wait out a suspension in Ontario — you must take specific action with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to have it lifted. The process changes depending on whether your suspension came from unpaid fines, accumulated demerit points, a medical issue, or a criminal conviction. Some suspensions lift automatically once you meet the conditions; others require you to request reinstatement in writing or in person.
The fastest route is to contact the MTO directly and ask which category your suspension falls into. They will tell you exactly what you need to do and how long it typically takes. Do not assume your suspension will end on its own — most do not.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the MTO ServiceOntario line at 1-888-570-6110 to find out why your license is suspended and what you must do to restore it.
- If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court-ordered restitution, you must pay in full before the MTO will consider reinstatement.
- Demerit point suspensions lift automatically once your point total drops below the threshold, but you must wait the full suspension period even if points expire.
- Medical suspensions require a letter from your doctor confirming you are fit to drive before you can request reinstatement.
- Criminal Code suspensions (impaired driving, dangerous operation) have mandatory minimum periods and may require a remedial program before reinstatement is possible.
Suspensions for unpaid fines or restitution
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a fine or court-ordered restitution, the MTO will not lift the suspension until the debt is cleared. This includes fines for traffic violations, parking tickets that went to court, or restitution ordered by a judge. You must pay the full amount owing — partial payments do not trigger reinstatement.
Contact the court that issued the fine or the collection agency listed on your notice to confirm the exact amount and payment method. Once you have paid, ask for written confirmation. Bring that confirmation to a ServiceOntario office along with your driver's license, or mail it to the MTO. Reinstatement usually happens within two to four weeks of payment.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court or collection agency to ask about a payment plan. Some courts will agree to installments, which may allow you to request a partial reinstatement while you pay the rest. This varies by court, so ask directly.
Suspensions for demerit points
A demerit point suspension is automatic — it happens when your point total reaches a threshold set by the MTO. In Ontario, a suspension occurs at 15 points for a regular driver. The suspension period depends on how many points you have: 30 days for 15 points, 90 days for 25 points, and six months for 35 or more points.
You do not need to request reinstatement for a demerit point suspension. Your license will be restored automatically once the suspension period ends, as long as you have not accumulated more violations during that time. However, you must wait the full period — even if some of your points expire before the suspension ends, you cannot drive until the suspension date passes.
To find out your current point total and suspension end date, call the MTO at 1-888-570-6110 or visit a ServiceOntario office. If you are unsure whether your suspension is due to points or another reason, this is the fastest way to find out.
Suspensions for medical reasons
The MTO can suspend your license if you report a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if a doctor or police officer reports one. Common reasons include seizure disorders, severe vision loss, dementia, or untreated sleep apnea. Unlike other suspensions, a medical suspension does not have a set end date — it stays in place until you can prove you are fit to drive.
To request reinstatement, you must obtain a letter from your doctor stating that your condition is now controlled or resolved and that you are safe to drive. The letter should be specific: it should mention the condition, the treatment or medication you are taking, and the doctor's professional opinion that you meet the MTO's medical standards. A generic letter saying "the patient is fit to drive" is usually not enough.
Send the letter to the MTO's Medical Review Section at the address listed on your suspension notice. They will review it and either reinstate your license or ask for additional information from your doctor. This process can take four to eight weeks. If the MTO denies reinstatement, you have the right to request a hearing before the Licence Appeal Tribunal.
Suspensions for criminal convictions
A suspension ordered by a court for impaired driving, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, or a related Criminal Code conviction has a mandatory minimum period that cannot be shortened. A first impaired driving conviction carries a minimum one-year suspension; a second conviction within 10 years carries a minimum two years; a third or subsequent conviction carries a minimum three years. Dangerous operation convictions carry a minimum one-year suspension.
You cannot request reinstatement before the mandatory period ends. Once the minimum period has passed, you may be required to complete a remedial program — such as an Impaired Driving Program or a Remedial Driving Program — before the MTO will consider your request. The court order will specify whether this is required.
After you complete any required program, contact the MTO to request reinstatement. Bring proof of program completion and any other documents listed on your suspension notice. The MTO will review your file and notify you whether your license will be restored. This review can take several weeks.
What to bring to ServiceOntario for reinstatement
If you are explore in person at a ServiceOntario office, bring your original driver's license (or a copy if it was seized), proof of payment for any fines, a letter from your doctor if the suspension was medical, proof of program completion if required, and a piece of photo identification. Bring the original suspension notice if you have it.
If you are mailing your request, send copies of all documents (not originals) to the address on your suspension notice. Include a letter stating your name, driver's license number, date of birth, and the reason you believe your suspension should be lifted. Keep copies of everything you send.
ServiceOntario offices are located across Ontario. You can find the nearest one at ontario.ca/serviceontario or call 1-800-267-7678. Some offices handle license reinstatement faster than others, so ask when you call whether your local office handles suspensions or whether you need to go to a specific location.
What happens if you drive while suspended
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Ontario. A first offense carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 and possible jail time. A second offense within five years carries a minimum fine of $1,000 and possible jail time. Your vehicle can be impounded, and your insurance will not cover any accidents or damage that occurs while you are driving illegally.
If you need to drive before your suspension is lifted, ask the court or the MTO whether a conditional license is available. A conditional license allows you to drive for specific purposes — such as work, medical appointments, or court-ordered programs — while your full suspension remains in place. Not all suspensions may have access to for a conditional license, but it is worth asking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I pay a fine?
Reinstatement usually takes two to four weeks after the MTO receives proof of payment. If you pay in person at a ServiceOntario office, bring your receipt and your license. If you mail payment, include a letter with your name, license number, and the fine reference number so the MTO can match the payment to your file.
Can I get a conditional license while my suspension is in place?
It depends on the reason for your suspension. Conditional licenses are most commonly granted for demerit point and medical suspensions, and sometimes for criminal convictions if the court agrees. Call the MTO at 1-888-570-6110 to ask whether you are may be able to access. If you are, you will need to explore in writing or in person with supporting documents.
What if I disagree with the suspension or the MTO's decision?
You have the right to request a hearing before the Licence Appeal Tribunal. You must request a hearing in writing within 30 days of receiving the suspension notice or the MTO's reinstatement decision. The tribunal is independent and will review your case. Contact the tribunal at 416-314-0941 or visit ontario.ca/lat for instructions on how to file.
Do I need to retake my driving test to get my license back?
No. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has expired or you are explore for a different class of license. Once your suspension is lifted and you meet all the conditions for reinstatement, your license is restored as-is.
What if my suspension was lifted but I was never notified?
Call the MTO at 1-888-570-6110 to confirm your current status. If your suspension has ended, ask them to send you written confirmation. You can also visit a ServiceOntario office and request a replacement license showing your current status. Do not assume your suspension is lifted without official confirmation.