There are several reasons why you would want to check your driving record. Maybe you need it for a job, for insurance purposes, to confirm your address in court, or simply because you’re curious. In Ontario, there are different kinds of driving records, and they can be obtained in several ways. This article will help you to understand your Ontario driving record and how you can check it.
Key Points
- There are several reasons why you may want to order your driver records, such as for employment or legal purposes.
- Other entities may order your driver record in Ontario, including the police, judicial authorities, and insurance companies.
- Driver records are available through Service Ontario either by mail, in person, or online.
What Is A Driving Record?
A driving record in Ontario is issued by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) and details the history of a driver’s activities. It can include license status, traffic violations, demerit points, and suspensions. All licensed drivers in Ontario have a driving record.
Learn more: Distracted driving laws in Canada.
Ontario Driving Record vs. Driver’s Abstract
A driver abstract is the same thing as a driving record. Both terms are used interchangeably in Ontario. Driving records or abstracts can be classified into 3- and 5-year records, extended driving record, or complete driving record.
Types Of Driving Records In Ontario
Depending on what type of driving record you order, you’ll get different information.
| Record Type | Information Included |
| 3-Year Driver Record | Driver identification information Total demerit points Active fine suspensions, convictions, suspensions, and reinstatements over the past 3 years |
| 5-Year Driver Record | Driver identification information Total demerit points Convictions, suspensions, and reinstatements under the Highway Traffic Act over the past 3 years and under the Criminal Code of Canada over the past 5 years |
| Driver’s License History | Driver identification information Ontario beginner driver course completion License replacements, renewals, and class changes Past and present residential addresses |
| Extended Driver Record | Driver identification information Total demerit points All prior convictions, suspensions, and reinstatements |
| Complete Driver Record | Driver identification information Total demerit points All prior convictions, suspensions, and reinstatements All collisions All residential addresses Driver’s license renewals, replacements, and class changes |
Learn more: Vehicle’s history report
When Will You Need Each Of These Driving Records?
You will need different kinds of driving records depending on what you need them for.
| Type Of Driving Record | Reason Needed |
| 3-year Driver’s Record | For driving outside the country or when using a company vehicle |
| 5-year Driver’s Record | For insurance companies to see your long-term driving history |
| Driver’s License History | To confirm a driver’s education course, a driver’s address, or any suspensions |
| Extended Driver’s Record | Used as a supporting document in court |
| Complete Driver’s Record | For legal purposes |
How To Choose Between A Certified And Uncertified Driving Record
Driving records may either be certified or uncertified.
- Uncertified Records: These records meet most people’s needs.
- Certified Records: These records have a seal from the Ministry of Transportation and are generally only required for legal purposes.
Unless you need your driving records for legal requirements, an uncertified record should suffice.
How To Get Your Driving Record In Ontario
To get your driving record in Ontario, follow these steps:
Step 1: Choose The Appropriate Driving Record
Your first step is to choose the kind of driving record you want. This record can be a 3-year driver’s record, a 5-year driver’s record, a complete driver’s record, an extended driver’s record, or a driver’s license history.
Step 2: Decide Between Certified Vs. Uncertified
Next, you must choose between a certified and an uncertified driving record. Your choice will be based on why you need the driving record.
As mentioned, certified records are usually only required for legal reasons. Otherwise, an uncertified record may be enough.
Step 3: Order Your Driver Record
You can order your driver record either online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods and delivery times depend on the method of ordering and whether the record is certified or uncertified.
How To Order Your Driver Record
There are several ways to order your driver record:
How To Order Your Driver Record In-Person
| Delivery Time | Accepted Payments | |
| Visit A Local Service Ontario Office | Uncertified record: Immediately Certified record: Processed within 15 business days, then sent by regular mail via Canada Post | – Cash – Debit – Visa – Mastercard – Certified cheque – Money order |
How To Order Your Driver Record Online
| Delivery Time | Accepted Payments | |
| Visit Ontario.ca | When ordering your uncertified driver record online, you’ll receive the document immediately. When ordering your certified driver record online, your order will be processed within 15 business days and then sent by regular mail via Canada Post. | – Visa – Mastercard |
How To Order Your Driver Record By Mail
| Delivery Time | Accepted Payments | |
| Download and complete the Record search application form Mail to: Ministry of Transportation Information Services Office Information and Data Retrieval Unit 87 Sir William Hearst Ave. Room 158-D Toronto, ON M3M 0B4 | Uncertified or certified records are processed within 15 business days then sent by regular mail via Canada Post. | – Visa – Mastercard – Personal cheque – Money order |
Cost Of Getting Your Driving Record In Ontario
The cost for a driver record in Ontario depends on the type you’re ordering:
- Uncertified driving record: $12
- Certified driving record: $18
Learn more: Cost of car insurance for new drivers in Ontario.
What Is Required To Get Your Driver Record In Ontario?
To order your Ontario driver record, you’ll need to provide the following:
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Driver’s license number
- Reason for your request
Bottom Line
An Ontario driving record is an important document that details your driving history. It can impact your insurance, employment opportunities, ability to drive outside the country, and legal proceedings. You can easily obtain a copy of your driver record in Ontario by visiting your nearest Service Ontario in person, online, or by mail.
