Where Do I Surrender My License After Pleading Guilty? (Ontario)

Hi everyone,

I recently pleaded guilty to careless driving and speeding in Ontario via a Zoom court appearance (held in the morning).

After the hearing, I was already in contact with my lawyer and asked him about surrendering my driver’s license, I already read online it can be surrender to Service Ontario with court order. He advised me to go to the courthouse in person and try to obtain a copy of the court order, if available.

So, that same afternoon, I went to the courthouse and went to the same courtroom for a copy of the order. After waiting when I was inquired why I am in room, i told them i need copy of my order, They told me it wasn’t available yet because there was no probation involved, and that the admin office would prepare it later. (Something similar was mentioned)

While I was there, I also managed to speak directly to the judge in the courtroom and asked where I should surrender my license. The judge replied, “Ask your lawyer.”

I relayed that info back to my lawyer (who was already involved), and he then told me to go to ServiceOntario. I did—but when I got there, they checked my record and said my license suspension wasn’t showing in their system yet, so they couldn’t accept the license.

To be sure, I also checked my license status online, and it still shows as valid—not suspended.

Now I’m stuck:

  • I’ve pleaded guilty and expected a license suspension.

  • The court says no paperwork is ready yet.

  • The judge referred me back to the lawyer.

  • The lawyer told me to go to ServiceOntario.

  • ServiceOntario says no suspension is in the system.

  • My license is still showing as valid online.

  • And now my lawyer is not being helpful anymore.

I’m just trying to follow the proper steps, but no one seems to know what those steps actually are.

My questions:

  • Do I need to wait for something official from the Ministry of Transportation (MTO)?

  • Is there a department I can call to confirm when the suspension becomes active?

  • Am I legally allowed to keep driving until the suspension appears in the system?

  • When and how will I actually be expected to surrender my license?

If anyone has gone through something similar, or has legal insight, I’d really appreciate your help. Thank you! MA.