Transferring a vehicle in Ontario might feel a bit overwhelming at first — especially with all the forms, fees, and fine print. But don’t worry, we’ll walk you through it step by step. Whether you’re buying a used car, selling your old ride, or gifting a vehicle to a family member, everything you need to know is right here.
Let’s make vehicle ownership transfer in Ontario feel a little less like red tape, and a lot more like ticking boxes you can actually handle.
🚗 If You’re Buying or Selling a Used Vehicle
Buying a used vehicle in Ontario? Selling one? Either way, there are a few key steps to make sure the transfer is legal and complete.
For Buyers
- Get the Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP):
The seller must give you this. It includes details like previous owners, lien info, and the car’s history. It’s your peace of mind. - Check the car’s condition and history:
Look for signs of damage, get a mechanic’s opinion, and check if there are any liens still registered. - Insurance first:
Before you register it, the car needs to be insured. Call your insurance company and get it sorted. - Go to ServiceOntario:
Bring the following with you:- The signed vehicle portion of the permit (ownership)
- UVIP
- Proof of insurance
- Your driver’s licence
- Safety Standards Certificate (unless exempt)
- Emissions test results (only if required)
- Payment for retail sales tax and plate transfer, if applicable
Once you’ve handed everything over, ServiceOntario will register the vehicle in your name.
For Sellers
- Order the UVIP:
You can’t sell your vehicle without it. Order it online or in person at ServiceOntario. - Fill out the bill of sale:
This is part of the UVIP. Include the buyer’s name, address, purchase price, date, and your signature. - Sign over the ownership:
Complete the “vehicle portion” of the ownership permit and hand it to the buyer. - Remove your licence plates:
These stay with you, not the vehicle. - Cancel your insurance:
Only once the sale is fully complete.
👨👩👧👦 If You’re Gifting a Car to a Family Member
Yes — in Ontario, you can gift a vehicle to certain family members without paying retail sales tax. But there’s a bit of paperwork involved.
Who qualifies?
You can gift a car to:
- A spouse
- Parent or stepparent
- Grandparent
- Child or stepchild
- Grandchild
- Sibling
Cousins, aunts/uncles, and friends don’t qualify. For them, it’s considered a sale.
Steps to gift a car:
- Get the Sworn Statement for a Family Gift of a Used Motor Vehicle in Ontario.
You’ll need this form filled out and notarised by a Commissioner of Oaths or Public Notary. - Provide a UVIP
Same as if you were selling it — the recipient needs to know the vehicle’s history. - Go to ServiceOntario with:
- The signed ownership
- UVIP
- The sworn statement (gift declaration)
- Proof of family relationship (e.g., birth certificate, marriage licence)
- Safety Standards Certificate (unless exempt)
- Emissions test results (if required)
- Valid insurance
- No tax!
If all your paperwork checks out, the family member receiving the vehicle won’t pay retail sales tax.
📝 Quick Notes on Used Car Paperwork in Ontario
Used car paperwork doesn’t have to be confusing. Here’s a cheat sheet:
- UVIP – Required for every private sale or gift.
- Bill of Sale – Fill this out carefully. It’s your receipt and proof of agreement.
- Safety Certificate – Needed unless transferring to a spouse, or if the car is being sold “as-is”.
- Insurance – Can’t register without it.
- Ownership Permit – The green slip that gets signed and passed to the new owner.
- Notarised Family Gift Form – Only needed when gifting.
🔁 What About Dealer Sales?
If you’re buying from a registered dealer, the paperwork is usually handled for you. Dealers are legally required to include all fees in the advertised price, and they’ll take care of the ownership transfer. You’ll just need insurance.
✅ Final Tips Before You Go
- Double-check the VIN number on every form. It must match the car exactly.
- Always keep a copy of the bill of sale — even after the vehicle’s transferred.
- Don’t forget to remove your licence plates if you’re the seller.
- Gifting? Make sure your gift form is notarised properly, or you’ll be charged tax.
Ready to Make the Transfer?
Whether you’re making space in the driveway, helping a loved one, or upgrading your ride — you’ve got this. And if you need help with that gifted car transfer, we’ve got local notaries ready to help get that form sworn, signed, and ready for ServiceOntario.