Ontario offers several driver-information products, and the names can be confusing when an employer, licensing authority or organization asks you to prove part of your driving history. One less familiar option is a driver confirmation letter.
A driver confirmation letter is not the same thing as a driver record. Choosing between them depends on exactly what information the requesting organization needs.
What is an Ontario driver confirmation letter?
Ontario says a driver confirmation letter may be appropriate when you need specific information that is not available in a standard driver record. The province specifically notes that one may be needed when applying to drive in another province, territory or country.
Because it is a letter rather than a general abstract, you should not assume it can replace a 3-year driver record requested for employment or another routine purpose.
What is a 3-year driver record?
The common 3-year Ontario driver record includes driver identification details, demerit-point total, active fine suspensions, and certain convictions, suspensions and reinstatements from the previous three years. Ontario describes it as the most popular record commonly used for employment reasons.
See what shows on a 3-year driver abstract for a closer look at its contents.
When might a confirmation letter make more sense?
A confirmation letter can be relevant when the organization requesting your information needs a particular fact that is not provided by a standard record. This can arise with licensing outside Ontario, but requirements vary by jurisdiction and organization.
If you are moving, our guide to Ontario driving records for moving to another province or country explains why it is important to confirm the receiving authority’s requirements before ordering anything.
What about longer-term driver records?
A confirmation letter is also different from Ontario’s 5-year, extended and complete driver records. Those products provide different amounts or types of historical driving information. If someone asks for a longer history, compare the available records rather than assuming a letter is required.
Our 3-year vs. 5-year driver record guide and complete vs. extended record comparison can help you understand those distinctions.
A simple checklist before ordering
Write down the exact name of the document requested, the period of driving history needed, whether certification is required, and whether the organization needs a particular piece of information. When the wording is unclear, ask the requesting organization to clarify.
Need a standard driver abstract?
If you have confirmed that you need a standard Ontario driver abstract, review the GetMyAbstract.ca Driver Abstract service. For specialized government letters or records outside our service offering, follow the applicable Ontario process.
Important: GetMyAbstract.ca is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or part of the Government of Ontario, ServiceOntario or the Ministry of Transportation.