How to Check Your Ontario Driving Record in 3 Easy Steps

Are you applying to be a driver for work? Or trying to get cheaper car insurance quotes and need proof for your insurance company? Or maybe you’re just trying to see if that speeding ticket has finally come off your driving record. Regardless of the reason, obtaining your driver’s record is much simpler when you know how to do it.

What is a driving record?

A driving record is a driving history report for any licensed individual in Ontario, including G1, G2, and G classes. Although there are different types of Ontario driving records, each one will include the basic driver identification details: 

• Name
• License number
• Date of birth
• Sex
• Height
• License class
• License status
• Expiration date
• Earliest license date available
• Conditions endorsements for driving

What is a driver’s abstract?

A driver’s abstract is a specific type of driving record. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but a driver’s abstract is most commonly used in reference to the 3-year uncertified driver’s record as it is only a brief history. 

Step 1: Select the right type of Ontario driving record.

The first step to checking your driving record is selecting the correct type of record. In Ontario, there are five different types of driving records. Each record provides the basic driver identification information as mentioned above, but some details will vary.

What are the different types of driving records?

• 3-year driver’s record: This short-term record includes your demerit point total along with any active fine suspensions. Any convictions, suspensions, and reinstatements within the last three years under the Highway Traffic Act or Criminal Code of Canada are also included. It’s most commonly requested by employers.
• 5-year driver’s record: This longer-term record also includes your demerit point total and any Highway Traffic Act convictions, suspensions, and reinstatements within the past three-year period. However, any activity under the Criminal Code of Canada is provided for the last five years. It’s most commonly requested by insurers to confirm your driving history.
• Driver’s License History: This record confirms completion of your driver education course, as well as any history of license replacements, renewals, and class changes. A residential address is also included if the record is accessed online, by fax, or by mail. It’s most commonly requested by insurers to confirm the completion of driving school for a discount on your car insurance.  
• Extended Driver’s Record: Like the 5-year record, the extended record provides your demerit point total and any convictions, suspensions, and reinstatements under the Highway Traffic Act within the last three years. The difference, however, is that all activity under the Criminal Code of Canada is kept on this record, regardless of the time frame. Typically, a court will use it as a supporting document in a proceeding. 
• Complete Driver’s Record: This record includes your demerit point total and all convictions, suspensions, and reinstatements under both the Highway Traffic Act and Criminal Code of Canada. Residential addresses, collisions, and license class changes, replacements, and renewals are also included. It is most commonly requested by insurance companies to present a fuller picture. 

Note: If you are operating a commercial motor vehicle, an Ontario CVOR, or Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration, is a certificate displaying information on the safety performance of a carrier or the driver of a commercial motor vehicle, such as a truck or bus. This details any safety-related convictions or suspensions, as well as any collisions. To apply, MTO has a written test and application.

Step 2: Choose between a certified and uncertified driving record.

The second step in accessing your driver’s record is selecting whether or not you want a certified copy or an uncertified copy. Each type of driver’s record mentioned above is offered in both forms.

What is the difference between a certified and uncertified driving record?

Both certified and uncertified driving records provide the same information, but a certified record comes with an embossed seal from the Ministry of Transportation. Generally, a certified record is used for legal purposes only while an uncertified record should be enough to meet any other need.

Step 3: Order your driving record in-person, online, delivery or by mail.

After understanding the type of driving record you require, the final step is to access your record through one of four ways: in-person, online, by delivery, or by mail. 

Note: An extended driver’s record and a complete driver’s record cannot be ordered online. We’re not sure why, but it may be due to authenticity reasons. 

How do I get my driving record in person?

To obtain a driving record in person, you will need to visit a ServiceOntario near you. Make sure to clarify which driving record you would like and whether or not it needs to be certified. Once again, certified records are most commonly used for legal purposes while an uncertified record should suffice in any other case. 

How do I get my Ontario driving record online?

If you would like to access your record in the comfort of your home, the following links allow you to complete the process online for the 3-year record, the 5-year record, and the driver’s license history.

• 3-year driver’s record: order it certified or order it uncertified
• 5-year driver’s record: order it certified or order it uncertified
• Driver’s license history: order it certified or order it uncertified

How do I get my Ontario driving record by delivery or by mail?

Download the Record Search Application, print it, and fill out the form. Then, either fax the completed form to 416-235-4009 or mail it to the Ministry of Transportation with the following address:

Ministry of Transportation
Information Services Office
Information and Data Retrieval Unit
87 Sir William Hearst Avenue
Room 158-D
Toronto Ontario
M3M 0B4

If you choose to expedite the delivery you will receive the uncertified record immediately and then the certified record via Canada Post mail within 15 business days.

How much does my driving record cost?

Most driving records in Ontario cost $12 for an uncertified report or $18 for a certified report. However, the Complete Driver’s Record costs either $48 or $54, depending on the certification.

They accept the following payments:

• Cash, for in-person orders;
• Debit, for in-person orders;
• VISA or Mastercard credit, for all orders;
• Cheque or money order (payable to the Minister of Finance) by mail orders only.

How long does it take for my driving record to arrive?

You will receive an uncertified 3-year driver’s record or an uncertified driver’s license history immediately if it is ordered in person. Otherwise, all other orders are processed within 15 business days and mailed through Canada Post.

The bottom line

Each type of driver’s record serves a different purpose while they can also be certified or uncertified. Whether you’re looking to lower your Ontario car insurance rate or just curious of your demerit point total, make sure you choose the correct one that best suits your needs before ordering in person, online, by fax, or by mail to ensure your record gets into your hands as seamlessly as possible.

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