How to Sell a Car Privately in Ontario (2026)
Selling a car privately in Ontario takes a few specific steps and the right documents. This guide covers exactly what you need — no jargon, no guesswork.
Get your Ontario documents done for you — $12
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.
Preview before you pay. Instant download.
Prefer to do it yourself? Free blank template below.
You fill it in manually using the instructions in this guide.
What Documents You Need in Ontario
- ✓
Bill of Sale
Records the transaction — buyer, seller, vehicle, price, date. Both parties keep a signed copy.
- ✓
Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)
Required in Ontario. Purchase from ServiceOntario for $20. The seller provides it to the buyer — it contains the vehicle's registration history, lien status, and previous damage.
- ✓
Signed Vehicle Registration Certificate
The seller signs the back of the registration. This is what authorizes the transfer at ServiceOntario.
Step-by-Step Transfer Process in Ontario
- 1
Purchase a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) from ServiceOntario ($20). You are legally required to provide it to the buyer — failure carries a $140 fine (as of January 2026).
- 2
Optionally obtain a Safety Standards Certificate from a licensed inspection station ($80–$135). Without one, the buyer must get their own before plating the car.
- 3
Complete the bill of sale — both parties keep a signed copy.
- 4
Sign the vehicle portion of the permit (the green ownership document) on the back.
- 5
Hand over: signed permit + bill of sale + UVIP + SSC (if obtained).
- 6
Remove your licence plates before the buyer drives away — plates stay with you in Ontario.
Ontario-specific things to know
- •Plates belong to the seller. Never leave your plates on the car.
- •Transfer tax (RST) is on the higher of the sale price or Canadian Red Book wholesale value. Understating the price saves the buyer nothing.
- •Outstanding lien? You must pay it out and obtain a lien release before ownership can transfer.
- •As of January 2026, the fine for failing to provide a valid UVIP is $140.
Common Questions
Do I need a safety certificate to sell my car in Ontario?
No. Ontario 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 Ontario 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 Ontario?
In Ontario, 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 Ontario PPSA Search →Official sources
- ServiceOntario — https://www.ontario.ca/page/buy-or-sell-used-vehicle-ontario
- Ontario PPSA Search — https://www.ontario.ca/page/search-personal-property-security-act-ppsa-registrations
Last updated: June 2026
Also see: selling a car in other provinces