Guidepost

Government form, explained · Ontario

Form 1157E — Ontario's family-gift sworn statement: what it is and how to fill it out

Giving a car to family in Ontario? The 1157E is what makes the transfer RST-exempt — but it has to be sworn, and the 12-month rule catches people out.

What the 1157E is — and who needs it

The Sworn Statement for a Family Gift of a Used Motor Vehicle (Form 1157E) is Ontario's declaration that a vehicle transfer is a genuine family gift — which makes it exempt from RST. It must be sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths, and the exemption is limited to one exempt family transfer of the same vehicle per 12 months.

Where to get it

Start at Ontario's family-transfer page — it links the current form and lists which family relationships qualify. Use the current official version; the qualifying-relationship list is Ontario's to define, not ours.

Common mistakes

  • Signing it like an ordinary form — it must be sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths to count
  • Gifting the same vehicle onward again within 12 months — only one exempt transfer of the same vehicle per 12-month period qualifies
  • Assuming every relative qualifies — check Ontario’s current qualifying-relationship list before the registry visit
  • Skipping the bill of sale because it’s a gift — mark it “Gift”/“$0”; the 1157E covers the tax, not the transaction record

What happens after it's sworn

Bring the sworn 1157E to the ServiceOntario transfer along with the rest of the paperwork — the Ontario gift-a-vehicle guide lists exactly what to bring and the order of steps, including the bill of sale and plate rules.

Common Questions

What is form 1157E?

Ontario’s Sworn Statement for a Family Gift of a Used Motor Vehicle — the form that makes a family vehicle gift exempt from RST. It must be sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths, and the exemption is limited to one transfer of the same vehicle per 12 months.

Does the 1157E need to be notarized?

It must be sworn before a Commissioner of Oaths. Many ServiceOntario locations and legal offices can administer this — the point is that both parties are formally swearing the gift declaration is true.

How often can a vehicle be gifted tax-free in Ontario?

The exemption is limited to one exempt family transfer of the same vehicle per 12-month period. Gifting the same vehicle onward again within 12 months doesn’t qualify.

Do I still need a bill of sale for a family gift in Ontario?

Yes — complete a bill of sale marked “Gift” or “$0” even for a family transfer. The 1157E handles the tax exemption; the bill of sale documents the transaction. Our Ontario gift guide covers the full transfer.

Guidepost is not a law firm or tax advisor. This is general information — verify current requirements with ServiceOntario and the Ministry of Finance. Full disclaimer. Last updated: June 2026.