Used Cars in Canada: Inspection Centres and Provincial Rules

I’ve tried to combine all of the Motor Vehicle Offices and Departments of Transportation of all the Provinces in Canada:  British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavet.

British Columbia Rules and Regulations

Alberta Rules and Regulations

Saskatchewan Rules and Regulations

Manitoba Rules and Regulations

Ontario Rules and Regulations

Quebec Rules and Regulations

Prince Edward Island Rules and Regulations

Nova Scotia Rules and Regulations

New Brunswick Rules and Regulations

Newfoundland Rules and Regulations

Yukon Rules and Regulations

Northwest Territories Rules and Regulations

Nunavet Rules and Regulations

There phone numbers, faxes and office locations along with very pertinent government registration emails and websites are included.

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Ontario Information

Ministry of Transportation
2680 Keele Street
East Building
Downsview, ON M3M 3E6
Phone: 416-235-2999 or 1-800-387-3445
Fax: 416-235-4414

MTO BUY USED CAR WEBSITE: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/used.shtml

Buyers Checklist PDF & Printable PDF For After Purchase

As the new owner, by law you must register your used vehicle within six days of the sale. Here is how:

1. Bring the Used Vehicle Information Package and the vehicle permit with the completed Application for Transfer to a Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office
2. Pay the retail sales tax.  At the time of the transfer, the Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office collects the tax. The amount of tax is based on the purchase price or the wholesale value, whichever is greater
3. Pay the licensing / fees for plates and permit
   • Trailer plate and permit = $35
   • Passenger, Commercial, Motorcycle and Moped Licence Plates and permit = $20
   • Attaching Plates you already own  = $10
   • To validate a plate, the plate holder must pay for the validation sticker, which is calculated from the date of the vehicle transfer to the expiry date of the licence plates.
   • Transfer fee for a snowmobile is $6 and the annual validation is $15
4. Present proof of insurance (if you are going to put plates on the vehicle)
5. Get a Safety Standards Certificate if the vehicle will be plated and operated on the roads.  This is not required for trailers or mopeds or off-road vehicles or snowmobiles.
6. If your vehicle is registered, plated and in the Drive Clean Program, show the vehicle emissions report. To find out if your vehicle needs to pass an emissions test, call the Ministry of the Environment’s Drive Clean Call Centre:
   toll free: 1-888-758-2999  or
   visit Drive Clean
7. If this is the first time you have registered a plate or vehicle with this ministry, present proof of identify (verifying legal name, date of birth and signature).
8. If you are registering plates that you already have, bring the plate portion of your vehicle registration permit with you to the Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Issuing Office

Alberta Information

Vehicle Inspection Program

Website: http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/

Alberta Transportation
Main Floor, Twin Atria Building
4999 – 98 Avenue Room 109
Edmonton, AB T6B 2X3
Ph: 780-427-8901 (dial toll-free 310-0000)
Fax: 780-422-2721     Vehicle.Safety@gov.ab.ca

Alberta Vehicle Inspection Search By District

Required Inspections
Provincial regulations require that vehicles:

Registered for the first time in Alberta undergo an Out of Province Vehicle Inspection.

Written-off by an insurance company be reported and undergo a Salvage Vehicle Inspection from a licensed inspection technician before re-registering.

Designated as non-repairable can only be sold as scrap or dismantled for parts. They cannot be re-registered.

Bill of Sale The Bill of Sale should include:

• The date of the sale
• The seller’s and buyer’s name, address and identification
• The year, make, model and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle
• The number of kilometres on the vehicle’s odometer
• The total price and how it is being paid
• ANY promises or statements about the vehicle, such as any warranties or claims about its condition

British Columbia Information

ICBC
PO Box 3750
910 Government Street
Victoria, BC V8W 3Y5
Canada Wide Toll Free: 1-800-950-1498
Fax: 250-978-8001

Wesbite: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca

Find Autoplan Dealer

Vehicle Safety and Inspection Services Online

1. Get the original Vehicle Registration, with the owner’s signature on it, from the seller.
2. Fill out the purchaser’s portion of the Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T).
3. To complete the transfer, take these documents to an Autoplan broker. We strongly recommend going together with the seller.

You can get the vehicle registered, licensed and insured at the broker’s at the same time. (quoted from here)

How do I register a vehicle?

The steps you take and documents you need vary, depending in part on where the vehicle is currently registered.

Follow the instructions that apply to your situation.

The vehicle you need to register is

• already registered in B.C.,
• from another Canadian province, or
• from another country.

If . . .	Then . . .
you buy a vehicle that’s already registered to another person or company in B.C.	go to your local Autoplan broker to update the registration, and license and insure it.
you’re bringing a vehicle to B.C. from another province or territory	make sure you have the following documents before going to the Autoplan broker: the vehicle registration document. (If the vehicle is from Nova Scotia, this document is called the Certificate of Title.) a “passed” vehicle inspection report from a designated inspection facility in B.C. required ID, and a signed and dated bill of sale if the vehicle is not registered in your name. Sometimes a vehicle registration document, signed by the registered owner of the vehicle and naming you as the new owner, is acceptable instead of a bill of sale.
you are bringing a vehicle to B.C. from outside of Canada	contact the agency that handles vehicle imports: the Registrar of Imported Vehicles. after you have met the import requirements, you can register, license and insure your vehicle at any Autoplan broker. Important: Most vehicles must be registered, licensed and insured within 30 days of arriving in B.C. Vehicles intended for commercial use must be registered, licensed and insured immediately.

Manitoba Information

Manitoba Public Insurance
Box 6300
Winnipeg, MB R3C 4A4
Phone: 204-985-7000
Fax: 204-985-3525

Website: Manitoba Public Insurance

Government of Manitoba Website

Manitoba Public Insurance Registration Changes, Info

Historical Write Off Information: 1-800-665-2410

Find Out About Liens On Vehicle in Manitoba: (204) 945-3123

Check Canada-Wide Records: 1-866-489-5749

Private purchases and trades in Manitoba

When you buy a vehicle privately in Manitoba, you will need these documents to register the vehicle and get Autopac coverage:

• A valid Certificate of Inspection (COI)
• A Transfer of Ownership Document (TOD) from the previous owner, signed
• A bill of sale signed by the seller and the purchaser with the year, make, model and serial number of the vehicle, the price you paid for it and the date you bought it

For most vehicles, a Certificate of Inspection (COI) is valid for one year from the date it was issued. This means that if the vehicle was inspected within the last year, a new Certificate of Inspection (COI) isn’t necessary to register the vehicle after you’ve bought it. You’ll find information about the vehicle’s inspection status on the front of the vehicle registration card, at the bottom right corner.

Usually, you’ll have to register and insure your newly purchased vehicle with Manitoba Public Insurance before you drive it. It’s always best to check with Manitoba Public Insurance or an Autopac agent before driving the vehicle to be sure you have the necessary coverage.

If the vehicles are in different registration classes, you’ll either need new licence plates or a special sticker to put on your licence plates when you’re transferring registration and insurance from one vehicle to the other.

For example, if you sell your car and purchase a truck for your gardening business, you’re changing the registration class of your vehicle. The registration class of a vehicle is on the front of the Vehicle Registration Card, at the top left.

When your replacement vehicle is in a different registration class, you must report the change to any Autopac agent before driving the vehicle. That’s when you’ll receive the new registration and the special sticker.

You can transfer the licence plates from your currently registered vehicle to your newly acquired vehicle when:

• Both vehicles are in the same registration class, and
• You’ve disposed of the registered vehicle.

You have seven days after the day you disposed of your old vehicle to register your replacement vehicle.

For this seven-day period, the same coverage on your old vehicle applies to your new one. For example, if your old vehicle was a motor home or a motorcycle, the declared value limit will carry over to your newly acquired vehicle. The declared value limit is the most you’ll get if your new motor home or motorcycle is written off.

Likewise, if you’re changing to a vehicle worth more than $50,000 (including taxes), you’ll need extra protection for the amount beyond $50,000. Talk to your Autopac agent.

Saskatchewan Information

Register A Vehicle in SK

SGI
2260 – 11th Avenue
Regina, Sask.
S4P 0J9

Used vehicleIf you have purchased a used vehicle, and you provide proof that it was last registered in Saskatchewan, the vehicle can be registered in Saskatchewan without a vehicle inspection. If it was previously registered in Saskatchewan, the previous owner will have a transfer of ownership on the certificate of registration. When completed, this may be used as proof of ownership and previous registration in Saskatchewan.

If the vehicle was most recently licensed in another jurisdiction, or if it was a ‘total loss,’ it must be inspected prior to registration. Your local SGI motor licence issuer can provide details. Some exemptions for commercial vehicles apply.

You also need a bill of sale to register a new vehicle.

A sample bill of sale is available here.

For more information on purchasing a used vehicle, refer to our Used Vehicles Buyer’s Guide.

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Vehicles from other jurisdictions

When purchasing a vehicle in another province, a temporary insurance card may be purchased in Saskatchewan for the purpose of providing insurance for the newly acquired vehicle. However, you are required to comply with the licensing regulations of the jurisdiction where the vehicle is being purchased.

If you are registering a vehicle in Saskatchewan that was most recently licensed in another jurisdiction, the vehicle must be inspected under the First-Time Registered Vehicle Inspection program. Contact any SGI motor licence issuers office for details. Some exemptions for commercial vehicles apply.

Motorists should keep in mind that they won’t be able to register a vehicle that has been designated as “ineligible for registration” in any other province. Before purchasing a vehicle, you have the option of contacting a motor licence issuer and conducting a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) search to check whether a vehicle is eligible for registration in Saskatchewan.

For more information about VIN searches, please click here.

Quebec Information

Quebec

Société de l’assurance automobile du Quebec (SAAQ)
333 Boulevard Jean-Lesage
Quebec City, QC G1K 8J6
Phone (for service in French): 418-643-7620
Phone (for service in English): 514-873-7620

Vehicle Registration Website In Quebec (English)

Find a SAAQ Service Outlet In Quebec

Q3: What must I do to register a vehicle bought directly from a private individual?
A: You must go to an SAAQ service outlet with the previous owner. Both of you must show proof of identification, preferably your drivers’ licences.If you don’t have your driver’s licence, or if someone else represents you, please contact us by phone to know what documents are required.

Finally, if the buyer is a minor, he or she must provide written consent from his or her parent or legal guardian.

This fee applies to passenger and commercial vehicles less than seven years old with a selling price of $40,000 or over.

A period of seven years is established on the basis of the vehicle model year, not the year it is purchased. This fee, which is 1%, is computed on the basis of the cost of the vehicle that exceeds $40,000. For example, for a vehicle costing $45,000, the additional cost is $5,000, a $50 fee is collected.

The cost of a vehicle is determined at the time of purchase

• For a new vehicle, based on the formal sales agreement or leasing agreement
• For a used vehicle, depending on which price is higher:
  • purchase price
  • average wholesale selling price (Guide d’évaluation des automobiles and Guide d’évaluation des camions légers published by Hebdo Mag Inc.).

Anyone who purchases a new or used vehicle is required to pay the QST. However, when a used vehicle is given to a relative, (spouse, child, brother, sister, etc.) it is exempt from the QST if the vehicle given is registered in Québec.

New Brunswick Information

Department of Public Safety
Operational Policy
364 Argyle St.
Fredericton, NB E3B 1T9
Phone: 506-453-2410
Fax: 506-444-7455 (Driver)
Fax: -506-444-4253 (Vehicle)

New Brunswick Registration Website: http://www.snb.ca/e/1000/1011e.asp

All motor vehicles purchased and/or acquired privately (from a non-registrant) are subject to a 13% Provincial Vehicle Tax (PVT). This Provincial Vehicle Tax is administered by the Revenue & Taxation Division of the Department of Finance. This tax is paid upon registration of the vehicle at a Service New Brunswick Centre. Any inquiries on the Provincial Vehicle Tax should be made to the Revenue & Taxation Division, Department of Finance (506-453-2404).

Nova Scotia Information

Service Nova Scotia & Municipal Relations
Registry of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 1652
6960 Mumford Road
Westend Mall
Halifax, NS B3L 4P1
Phone: 902-424-5851
Fax: 902-424-0711 or 902-424-0720

Website: Nova Scotia Used Car / Property Website http://www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/property/default.asp?mn=282.46.82

Always ask the seller for the Certificate of Registration document. This document is required to transfer the vehicle ownership. The certificate also provides the purchaser a chance to confirm vehicle ownership.

Check the front of the Certificate of Registration for vehicle “branding” names. This is part of the national stolen and wrecked vehicle program. You may see such branding names as: reconstructed vehicle, salvage vehicle, rebuilt vehicle. If you see one of these branding names, you should discuss it with the seller. You can also contact the Registry of Motor Vehicles to confirm branding name and what it means.

The seller should sign over the Certificate of Registration. You have 30 days to register the change in ownership at the Registry of Motor Vehicles and pay the provincial sales tax. Under the Motor Vehicle Act, the seller must send in the notice of sale portion of the Certificate of Registration to the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

The purchase price or the Canadian Red Book wholesale value, whichever is greater, will be used as the sales price for determining provincial sales tax, which is payable upon transfer of ownership and registration.

If you feel the vehicle is not worth the Red Book wholesale value, you can have the vehicle appraised by a certified appraiser and present it to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The cost of an appraisal is about $50.

Newfoundland Information

Department of Government, Services & Lands
Motor Registration Division
PO Box 8710
St. John’s, NF A1B 4J5
Phone: 709-729-2519
Fax: 709-729-1843

Website: http://www.gs.gov.nl.ca/drivers/DriversandVehicles/vehicleregistration/transfer.html

The seller is required to notify the Motor Registration Division within 10 days of the sale of a motor vehicle. A Notice of Sale is provided on the reverse of the vehicle registration permit for this purpose. Failure to submit a Notice of Sale within 10 days is an offence and could result in a fine.

Required Documents

You will require

• the seller’s vehicle registration permit. The seller must be the registered owner of the vehicle
• a bill of sale and/or a sworn affidavit
• a completed and signed insurance declaration (found on the reverse of the seller’s vehicle registration permit)
• a motor vehicle safety inspection certificate

Note: The following vehicles do not require an inspection at the time of transfer:

• motorcycles, public buses, school buses, commercial vehicles (exceeding 4500 kg), taxis or disabled passenger vehicles.

Bill of Sale Information

The bill of sale must contain

• date of sale
• buyer’s name and driver’s licence number
• year, make and model of the vehicle
• plate number and serial number
• purchase price
• name and signature of the seller
• The seller’s HST registration number, if tax was collected by the seller

Note: A bill of sale is provided on the reverse side of the current vehicle registration permit or you may use a separate document

The following fees will have to paid at the time of transfer

• transfer fee
• provincial sales tax on the purchase price or the Red Book value of vehicle
• all outstanding fines appearing on your record

Note: If you purchased the vehicle within 45 days of the vehicle registration expiry date, you should also consider paying the annual renewal fee, since the renewal notice has already been mailed to the previous owner.

You are required to obtain public liability insurance coverage before the vehicle can be transferred or driven on a highway.

Transfers can be made without insurance or an inspection certificate, if the plates are expired or returned to the Motor Registration Division

Prince Edward Island Information

Access PEI
PO Box 2000
33 Riverside Drive
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8
Phone: 902-368-5200 or 902-368-5220
Fax: 902-569-7560

Website: http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/index.php3?number=49747&lang=E

How do I transfer a vehicle registration for private sale?To transfer a vehicle the seller must complete and sign off the back of the registration marked vehicle permit. The seller must complete the Notification of Transfer form on the registration permit and mail within 7 days of the transfer date to:

Registrar of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, PEI
C1A 7N8

The buyer shall within 7 days of the date of transfer have the registration of the vehicle transferred into their name. When transferring the buyer must present:

1. Vehicle permit (signed off by previous owner)
2. Bill of sale (receipt)
3. Motor vehicle inspection form ( in the present owner’s name or buyer’s name)
4. Valid Insurance card (pink slip)

Tax will be collected on Redbook value, bill of sale or appraisal, whichever is greater. Detailed instructions are also printed on the back of a registration permit.

Yukon Information

Department of Community and Transportation Services
Motor Vehicles
PO Box 2703
Whitehorse, YK Y1A 2C6
Phone: 867-667-5315
Fax: 867-393-6220

Email: motor.vehicles@gov.yk.ca

Website: http://www.community.gov.yk.ca/motorvehicles/newmvindex.html

[NOT VERY DETAILED, BUT SOME SOLID TIPS ON BUYING FROM DOWN SOUTH]

Northwest Territories Information

Road Licensing and Safety
PO Box 1320
4510 — 50th Avenue
Yellowknife, NWT X1A 2L9
Phone: 867-920-3496
Fax: 867-873-0120

[ Not Very Much Open Information ]

Northwest Territories Transportation Website: http://www.dot.gov.nt.ca/_live/pages/wpPages/home.aspx

• A completed form R11- Application to Register a Vehicle in the NT.
• Evidence of Identity and Residency.
• Proof of acquisition (POA), or ownership of the vehicle (registration certificate or purchase receipt for vehicle).
• A passed vehicle inspection report (if vehicle is over 3 years of age). This may be done by an authorised vehicle inspector (most vehicle repairers), or in Alice Springs and Darwin, at the MVR Vehicle Compliance Centre.
• A passed vehicle compliance check. Compliance checks are carried out by MVR Transport Inspectors located in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs (If in a remote locality, or outstation you may attend your nearest Police Station.)

Nunavet Information

Department of Community Government & Transportation
Motor Vehicles Division
PO Box 207
Gjoa Haven, Nunavut X0E 1J0
Phone: 867-360-4614
Fax: 867-360-4619