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To register a vehicle in Ontario, you must officially become the owner and obtain a vehicle permit and licence plates. If you buy a used vehicle, you should register it within 6 days at a ServiceOntario centre, presenting proof of insurance, proof of purchase, the vehicle permit, and possibly a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) and Safety Standards Certificate.
Before handing over your money, check the VIN on the vehicle against the VIN on the permit, UVIP, and other paperwork. You can also use the VIN Search to research the vehicle's available history. This guide explains how vehicle registration works in Ontario, what documents you need, how much registration can cost, and what to check before buying a used vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Register a used vehicle within 6 days of purchase.
- Visit a ServiceOntario centre with the required documents.
- Keep your vehicle permit and insurance up to date.
- Verify that the VIN matches the vehicle and its documents.
- You can use the VIN Search Ontario to research the vehicle's available history before buying a vehicle across the province.
What Does Vehicle Registration Mean in Ontario?
Vehicle registration is the process of officially registering a vehicle with the province and obtaining the documents and plates needed to operate it on Ontario roads.
When you register a vehicle, you receive a vehicle permit and, when required, licence plates. Ontario describes the vehicle permit as the document showing you are the legal owner of the vehicle. Registration is different from insurance.
How to Register a Used Vehicle in Ontario
If you bought a used vehicle privately, you need to complete the ownership transfer and registration process within 6 days of the purchase. Here's the basic process.
Step 1: Get the Vehicle Documents
The seller should provide the documents required for the transaction, including the vehicle permit and, where applicable, the UVIP and bill of sale. Before you leave with the vehicle, make sure the information is consistent.
Step 2: Check the VIN
Before completing the purchase, compare the VIN in multiple places. Check the:
- Dashboard VIN
- VIN on the vehicle permit
- VIN in the UVIP
- VIN shown in the sales listing
- VIN used for any vehicle history report
Ontario specifically advises buyers to make sure the VIN on the vehicle matches the VIN on the owner's permit and to physically inspect the VIN. If the numbers don't match, don't simply assume it is a paperwork mistake. Investigate the discrepancy before completing the transaction.
Step 3: Review the UVIP
For applicable private used-vehicle transactions, the seller must provide a Used Vehicle Information Package. The UVIP contains information about the vehicle's Ontario registration history, lien information, vehicle details, wholesale value, and other information relevant to the transaction.
Step 4: Arrange Insurance
Get insurance for the vehicle before registration.
Step 5: Get the Required Safety Documentation
If a Safety Standards Certificate is required for your transaction, have the vehicle inspected by an appropriate inspection facility.
Step 6: Complete the Bill of Sale
Make sure the bill of sale accurately records the transaction. It should include information such as:
- VIN
- vehicle make and year
- vehicle details
- purchase price
- seller's name and address
- buyer's name and address
- sale date
- signatures where required
Step 7: Register the Vehicle
Take your required documents to a ServiceOntario centre. You'll pay applicable registration fees and taxes and receive your vehicle permit and licence plates if you're getting new plates.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Vehicle in Ontario?
The cost depends on the vehicle and transaction, but there are several charges to consider. For a standard vehicle, Ontario currently lists:
| Item | Current fee |
|---|---|
| Vehicle permit | $32 |
| New or replacement licence plate with permit | $59 |
| Used Vehicle Information Package | $20 |
The $20 UVIP fee is separate from the vehicle registration fee. You may also have to pay applicable sales tax when registering the vehicle.
Sales Tax
For applicable private used-vehicle purchases, Ontario generally calculates tax using the purchase price or the vehicle's applicable wholesale value, depending on the circumstances. This means the amount you pay at registration may be considerably more than the basic permit or plate fee.
Other Costs
Depending on the vehicle and transaction, you may also have costs associated with:
- safety inspections
- emissions requirements for applicable heavy diesel vehicles
- appraisals
- special permits
- replacement documents
- other vehicle-specific requirements
Always check the current Ontario fee schedule before visiting ServiceOntario because fees and requirements can change.
How to Register a New Vehicle in Ontario
If you're buying a new vehicle from an Ontario dealership, the registration process is often simpler because the dealer may complete the required paperwork for you.
Before leaving the dealership, confirm:
- whether the vehicle has been registered
- whether the dealer is providing your permit
- whether licence plates are being issued
- whether you need to provide any additional documents
- whether insurance has been arranged
If you purchase a new vehicle from outside Ontario, additional requirements can apply. Ontario states that ServiceOntario must confirm the sale of a new vehicle purchased outside Ontario with the out-of-province dealership before registration.
How to Register an Out-of-Province Vehicle in Ontario?
Buying a vehicle outside Ontario can involve additional steps. Ontario separates the process based on where the vehicle came from.
Vehicle From Another Canadian Province or Territory
You'll need to meet Ontario's general registration requirements and provide additional documentation related to the vehicle's previous registration. Depending on the vehicle, this can include:
- proof of identity
- out-of-province ownership/title
- bill of sale
- proof of insurance
- Safety Standards Certificate
- weight documentation
- other applicable inspection documents
Vehicle From Outside Canada
A vehicle imported from outside Canada has additional requirements.
Ontario states that you must complete the general Ontario registration requirements and provide the appropriate Canada Border Services Agency Vehicle Import Form 1 and customs-clearance documentation. This means importing a vehicle from the United States isn't simply a matter of bringing the vehicle across the border and getting Ontario plates.
Check the Vehicle Before Bringing It Into Ontario
If you're considering an out-of-province vehicle, research it before spending money on transportation, import costs, inspections, or registration. A vehicle can have records from jurisdictions outside Ontario.
Checking the VIN before purchasing gives you an opportunity to investigate the vehicle's available history before taking on those additional costs.
Can You Register a Vehicle Online in Ontario?
Not every vehicle-registration transaction is completed entirely online.
For a standard new or used vehicle registration, Ontario directs customers to a ServiceOntario centre, and the Application for Vehicle Registration form, SR-LV-006, can be completed before visiting.
The Ontario government's Central Forms Repository identifies SR-LV-006 as the Application for Vehicle Registration and states that applications can be processed at any ServiceOntario centre.
If you are preparing to register a vehicle, check the current ServiceOntario requirements for your specific transaction before visiting.
Ontario Vehicle Registration Checklist
Use this checklist before heading to ServiceOntario.
| Before buying | Before registration | At registration |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Check the VIN | ✅ Ontario insurance | ✅ Submit documents |
| ✅ Review vehicle history | ✅ Identification | ✅ Pay applicable taxes |
| ✅ Review UVIP | ✅ Bill of sale | ✅ Pay permit/plate fees |
| ✅ Check for liens | ✅ Vehicle permit | ✅ Get vehicle permit |
| ✅ Inspect the vehicle | ✅ UVIP where applicable | ✅ Get plates if needed |
| ✅ Confirm seller information | ✅ Safety Standards Certificate where required | |
| ✅ Confirm purchase price | ✅ Applicable additional documentation |
Final Thoughts on Registering a Car in Ontario
Registering a vehicle in Ontario is straightforward when you have the correct documents and meet the applicable requirements. For a used vehicle, however, registration should not be the first step in your due diligence.
Before completing the purchase, verify the VIN, review the UVIP, confirm the vehicle's documents, and check its available history. These steps can help you identify potential issues before you become the registered owner.
If you're buying a used vehicle, run the VIN through VINNumber.ca before you buy and use the report as part of your overall vehicle inspection and purchase decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Registration in Ontario
How do I register a vehicle in Ontario?
For a typical vehicle purchase, gather your proof of identity, insurance, proof of purchase and vehicle documents, then visit a ServiceOntario centre. Used vehicles must generally be registered within 6 days of purchase.
How long do I have to register a used vehicle in Ontario?
You generally have 6 days from the date of purchase to register a used vehicle.
How much does it cost to register a car in Ontario?
A standard vehicle permit currently costs $32. A new or replacement licence plate with permit is currently $59. Applicable taxes and other vehicle-specific costs are additional.
Do I need a UVIP to register a used vehicle?
For applicable private used-vehicle transactions, the buyer needs the UVIP as part of the registration process. There are exemptions, including certain dealer sales and specific types of transfers.
Is a UVIP the same as a vehicle history report?
No. A UVIP provides specific Ontario vehicle, registration and lien information and supports the used-vehicle transaction. A vehicle history report is a separate tool for researching a vehicle's available history.
Do I need a Safety Standards Certificate?
A Safety Standards Certificate is required in applicable registration situations. It confirms that the vehicle met the applicable minimum safety standards at the time of inspection.
Can I register a vehicle from another province in Ontario?
Yes. Out-of-province vehicles can be registered in Ontario, but additional requirements may apply depending on where the vehicle came from and the type of vehicle.
Can I register a vehicle imported from the United States?
Yes, but vehicles imported from outside Canada have additional requirements, including customs-clearance documentation and other applicable Ontario registration requirements.
Can I use my existing licence plates on another vehicle?
Ontario uses a plate-to-owner system, so you may be able to attach eligible plates you already own to another vehicle. You need to bring the appropriate plate portion of your vehicle permit when registering.
Should I check the VIN before registering a used vehicle?
You should check the VIN before completing the purchase, not wait until registration. Compare the VIN on the physical vehicle with the permit and other documents, and research the vehicle's available history. Ontario specifically recommends physically inspecting the VIN and checking for discrepancies.
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