Ontario Licence Reinstatement Fee: The $281 Fee Explained (2026 Guide)

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Most Ontario drivers coming off a suspension have to pay a $281 licence reinstatement fee before they can drive again. Here’s who pays it, when it doesn’t apply, and how to pay.

Who Has to Pay the $281 Reinstatement Fee?

Ontario charges the reinstatement fee each time your licence is suspended. That includes suspensions for:

Unpaid (defaulted) fines
Demerit points
Impaired driving roadside suspensions, including the warn range
Impaired driving and other court-ordered suspensions
Novice driver violations
Stunt driving and other administrative suspensions

Test fees, fines and program fees, such as Back on Track, are all separate and are paid on top of the reinstatement fee.

When You Don’t Pay It: Medical Suspensions

The $281 reinstatement fee does not apply to medical suspensions. Once the Ministry of Transportation is satisfied with your medical information, there’s no reinstatement fee to pay.

If you believe you were suspended in error, contact ServiceOntario or the Ministry of Transportation with your documents before paying anything.

How to Pay the Reinstatement Fee

Online: you can pay defaulted fines and the reinstatement fee online. If you’re eligible to drive once payment is complete, you can download and print a temporary licence right away.
In person: at any ServiceOntario centre. If you’re eligible, you can pick up a temporary licence there.
From outside Ontario: by mail with a signed letter and a cheque or money order drawn on a Canadian bank, or a signed authorization for Visa or Mastercard, or online.

Your new licence card is mailed within about 4 to 6 weeks.

Paying Fines Doesn’t Cover the Fee

Paying your fines and paying the reinstatement fee are two separate payments. Paying fines alone won’t bring your licence back. See why your licence is still suspended after paying fines.

When to Pay It

Pay the fee once the rest of your requirements are done: the suspension period is served, fines are paid, programs are completed and any required tests are passed. Paying the fee doesn’t make you eligible to drive if something else is still outstanding.

If You Drive Without Being Reinstated

Driving before your licence is reinstated counts as driving while suspended. That can mean fines of $1,000 to $5,000 for a first offence, possible jail of up to 6 months, and an additional 6-month suspension. Read what happens if you drive while suspended in Ontario.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the licence reinstatement fee in Ontario?

$281. Test fees, fines and program fees are separate.

Do I have to pay the reinstatement fee for a medical suspension?

No. The $281 reinstatement fee does not apply to medical suspensions.

Can I pay the Ontario reinstatement fee online?

Yes. You can pay online or at a ServiceOntario centre. If you’re eligible to drive once payment is complete, you can print a temporary licence right away.

Does paying my fines include the reinstatement fee?

No. Fines and the reinstatement fee are separate payments, and your licence isn’t reinstated until both are paid and any other requirements are met.

When should I pay the reinstatement fee?

Once your suspension period is over and your other requirements, such as fines, programs and tests, are complete.

Related Guides

Talk to an Ontario Lawyer About Your Suspension

Every suspension is different, and a mistake can keep you off the road longer or lead to new charges. If you’re facing an impaired driving charge, a licence suspension or a driving-while-suspended charge, an experienced Ontario DUI lawyer can review your record and explain your options.

Find an Ontario DUI lawyer near you →

This article is general information about Ontario rules as of 2026 and is not legal advice. Fees, penalties and processes can change, so confirm your own requirements with ServiceOntario, the Ministry of Transportation or a lawyer.