How to Buy a Car Privately in Canada
Found the right car and about to meet the seller? Start here.
Buying privately can save thousands over a dealer, but you take on more risk. Lien checks, inspection checklists, and registration steps vary by province. Pick yours.
Is this guide for you?
• You are buying a used vehicle from a private seller (not a licensed dealer)
• The vehicle is currently registered in Canada with a valid title
• You need to confirm there are no liens, inspect the car, and transfer registration
Buying from a dealer? Dealers handle HST/GST and registration differently. This guide is for private sales only.
Buyer's guide for your province
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- ✓Blank buyer's bill of sale template for your province
- ✓Step-by-step PPSA lien search guide
- ✓What to inspect before you hand over money
- ✓How to register the vehicle in your province
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Buyer's Checklist & PPSA Package
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Lien check guide + every buyer step for your province
Answer plain-language questions: we fill everything in and check each detail as you go.
- ✓Everything in free
- ✓PPSA lien search guide
- ✓Pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓Buyer's bill of sale copy
- ✓Post-purchase registration steps
Helps avoid buying a vehicle with an outstanding loan
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Built by Nathan, nine years in the Canadian Army, paperwork done the hard way first.
Ontario
ServiceOntario
Alberta
Alberta Registries
British Columbia
ICBC
Manitoba
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)
Saskatchewan
SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance)
Nova Scotia
Access Nova Scotia
New Brunswick
Service New Brunswick
Prince Edward Island
Access PEI
Newfoundland & Labrador
Motor Registration Division
Quebec
SAAQ
After you buy
Insure the vehicle immediately
You need proof of insurance before registering. Contact your insurer before driving the car home.
Register in your name
Each province has a deadline, typically 6 days (BC) to 3 weeks (AB). Visit your provincial registry with the signed bill of sale.
Keep your documents
Retain the signed bill of sale, lien search results, and seller's registration. These protect you if a lien surfaces later.
Something gone wrong?
Related guides
Sell a Car Privately
Bill of sale, transfer, disclosure
Gift a Vehicle to Family
Tax-exemption form, bill of sale, and transfer steps
Sell Any Vehicle
Boats, ATVs, motorcycles, trailers
Small Claims Court
If something goes wrong post-sale
Importing From the US?
Different rules apply: surtax, RIV, and border costs
Just Had an Accident?
What to gather, when to call police, and who to contact, by province
Last updated: June 2026 · Sources: provincial PPSA registries, ServiceOntario, ICBC, provincial motor vehicle registries.
Guidepost is not a law firm. This is general information, not legal advice. Full disclaimer.