How to Sell a Car Privately in Newfoundland & Labrador (2026)
Selling a car privately in Newfoundland & Labrador takes a few specific steps and the right documents. This guide covers exactly what you need — no jargon, no guesswork.
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You fill it in manually using the instructions in this guide.
What Documents You Need in Newfoundland & Labrador
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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 Motor Registration Division.
Step-by-Step Transfer Process in Newfoundland & Labrador
- 1
Complete the bill of sale — include date, buyer's name and driver's licence number, year/make/model, plate number, VIN, purchase price, and seller's name and signature.
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Sign the Express Notice of Sale on the reverse of the Vehicle Registration Document.
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Submit the Notice of Sale to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the sale. This is a legal requirement.
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Remove your licence plates — in Newfoundland & Labrador plates belong to the owner, not the vehicle. Keep them for another vehicle or cancel them with Motor Registration.
- 5
The buyer registers the vehicle and obtains a safety inspection certificate (valid 30 days) to complete registration.
Newfoundland & Labrador-specific things to know
- •Remove your licence plates before handing over the vehicle — plates belong to the owner and do not transfer with the car.
- •You must file the Notice of Sale within 10 days of the sale date — this is a legal obligation, not just recommended.
- •HST at 15% is on the higher of the declared sale price or the Canadian Red Book wholesale value.
- •The bill of sale must include the buyer's driver's licence number — have it ready at the time of sale.
Common Questions
Do I need a safety certificate to sell my car in Newfoundland & Labrador?
No. Newfoundland & Labrador 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 NL 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 Newfoundland & Labrador?
In Newfoundland & Labrador, 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 NL PPSA Search →Official sources
- Motor Registration Division — https://www.gov.nl.ca/motorregistration/vehicle-ownership/notice-of-sale/
- NL PPSA Search — https://www.gov.nl.ca/gs/cca/ppsa/
Last updated: June 2026
Also see: selling a car in other provinces