What You Need to Sell a Car Privately in Ontario
Selling your car privately in Ontario? Here’s a checklist of what you and the buyer need for a smooth sale and registration.
Seller checklist (Ontario)
- Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP). You must buy this from ServiceOntario and give it to the buyer. It includes vehicle history, lien info, and registration details.
- Bill of sale. A written record of the sale with VIN, sale price, odometer, and both parties’ names and addresses. You can create one in minutes with AutoBill’s free generator.
- Vehicle permit (ownership) and licence plate. Hand over the permit to the buyer. In Ontario, licence plates stay with the seller—remove your plates before the buyer drives away. The buyer registers the vehicle in their name and gets new plates at ServiceOntario.
- Safety standards certificate (SSC). An SSC is required to plate the vehicle unless it is sold as-is. If selling as-is, the buyer is responsible for obtaining the certificate before plating the vehicle. Check current rules on Ontario.ca.
Buyer steps after the sale
The buyer must register the vehicle at ServiceOntario within 6 days of purchase. They’ll need the bill of sale, UVIP, permit, ID, and proof of insurance. They’ll pay Retail Sales Tax (RST) based on the purchase price or wholesale value, whichever is higher (see Ontario.ca for RST rules).
Tip: print two copies
Print two copies of the bill of sale so you and the buyer each have a signed copy. The buyer uses theirs when registering at ServiceOntario.
For official requirements, see Ontario.ca – Buy or sell a used vehicle.
Official sources
Create your bill of sale now