Free gift-vehicle guide
Gift a Vehicle to a Family Member
Gifting a car to a family member isn't just a handshake — each province has its own gift form (or sworn statement), a tax exemption process, and transfer rules. Select your province for the full guide.
You still need a bill of sale
Even for a $0 gift, both parties should complete a bill of sale with the sale price noted as “Gift” or “$0.” This protects both the donor and the recipient and is required by most provincial registries to complete the transfer. Free blank bills of sale are available on each province page below.
Choose your province
Select the province where the vehicle is registered to get the correct gift form, tax exemption, and transfer steps.
How a family vehicle gift works
- 1
Complete the gift form or sworn statement
Most provinces require a specific form (e.g. Form 1157E in Ontario, FIN 319 in BC) or a sworn letter of gift. Alberta is the exception — there is no provincial sales tax, so no gift form is needed.
- 2
Complete a bill of sale marked "Gift"
Even at $0, both parties need a signed bill of sale. It protects you both and is required by most registries. Free blank bills of sale are linked on each province page.
- 3
Visit the registry together
In most provinces both parties attend the registry, bring the gift form, bill of sale, ownership documents, and government ID, and complete the transfer there.
- 4
The seller removes the plates
In most Canadian provinces, licence plates stay with the seller — not the vehicle. The recipient will register the vehicle under their own plates.
Related guides
Last updated: June 2026
Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer