How to Sell a Car Privately in New Brunswick (2026)
Selling a car privately in New Brunswick takes a few specific steps and the right documents. This guide covers exactly what you need — no jargon, no guesswork.
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Answer a few quick questions (about 5 minutes). We generate your complete document package — bill of sale, disclosure statement, transfer checklist, and day-of-sale card — ready to print and sign.
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You fill it in manually using the instructions in this guide.
What Documents You Need in New Brunswick
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Bill of Sale
Records the transaction — buyer, seller, vehicle, price, date. Both parties keep a signed copy.
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Signed Vehicle Registration Certificate
The seller signs the back of the registration. This is what authorizes the transfer at Service New Brunswick.
Step-by-Step Transfer Process in New Brunswick
- 1
Complete a bill of sale — New Brunswick has no standard form, so a written bill of sale with date, VIN, year/make/model, sale price, and both parties' full names and signatures is sufficient.
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Sign the back of the vehicle registration to release ownership.
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Give the buyer the signed registration + bill of sale.
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Remove your licence plates.
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The buyer registers at a Service New Brunswick location. They'll need a passing MVI certificate (valid 30 days) to complete registration, regardless of the vehicle's age.
New Brunswick-specific things to know
- •The seller does not need to provide an inspection certificate, but the buyer will need a valid MVI to register the vehicle regardless of its age — let buyers know in advance.
- •Private sales are taxed under the Provincial Vehicle Tax (PVT) at 15%, charged on the greater of the sale price or the Red Book / Blue Book value — not HST on the sale price.
- •No standard provincial form exists for the bill of sale — any written agreement with the required information is valid.
Common Questions
Do I need a safety certificate to sell my car in New Brunswick?
No. New Brunswick does not require a safety inspection for private vehicle sales. The vehicle can be sold as-is.
What happens if there's a lien on the vehicle?
If you have an outstanding loan on the vehicle, you must pay it off and obtain a lien release before transferring ownership. Selling a vehicle with an undisclosed lien is illegal and exposes you to serious liability. You can check for liens using the New Brunswick PPSA Search.
How do I handle payment safely?
Bank drafts and certified cheques are safest for large amounts — they cannot bounce. For e-transfer, confirm the funds have arrived in your account before signing anything. Never hand over keys until payment is fully cleared and in your possession.
How is transfer tax calculated in New Brunswick?
In New Brunswick, transfer tax is calculated on the higher of the actual sale price or the average wholesale book value. Understating the price to save on tax is illegal and won't work — the registry checks the book value.
Skip the manual work — get your complete document package for $12.
Get documents →Check for liens before you buy
Run a PPSA lien search before finalizing any purchase. It takes 5 minutes and can save you from inheriting someone else's debt.
Search New Brunswick PPSA Search →Official sources
- Service New Brunswick — https://fcnb.ca/en/personal-finances/vehicle-ownership
- New Brunswick PPSA Search — https://www.pxw1.snb.ca/snb7001/e/1000/CSS-FOL-CS-1000.asp
Last updated: June 2026
Also see: selling a car in other provinces