How to Sell a Car Privately in Quebec (2026)
This page is the free Quebec guide. No sign-in. Read on, or take the checklist as a PDF.
Facts checked September 2026 · See what changed · How we check
Selling a car privately in Quebec takes a few specific steps and the right documents. This guide covers exactly what you need: no jargon, no guesswork.
Quebec at a glance
Checked September 2026- Plates
- Plates stay with you, not with the vehicle.
- Safety certificate
- You do not have to provide one.Quebec does not require a safety inspection for private vehicle sales.
- Transfer tax
- Tax is calculated on the sale price or the province's assessed value, whichever is higher.
- Gifting to family
- A gift to a family member is handled differently from a sale.Complete Form VD-80.1-V (Declaration of a Transaction Between Related Individuals) at a SAAQ service outlet. QST is waived between related individuals. Qualifying relationships include immediate family and also aunt/uncle to niece/nephew.
Source: SAAQ
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Quebec bill of sale template
Car sale guide: everything below, plus the checklist as a PDF.
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1
What Documents You Need in Quebec
Open this section ↓Bill of Sale
Records the transaction: buyer, seller, vehicle, price, date. Both parties keep a signed copy.
Signed Vehicle Registration Certificate
The seller signs the back of the registration. This is what authorizes the transfer at SAAQ.
2
Step-by-Step Transfer Process in Quebec
Complete a bill of sale, recommended to be in French or bilingual. Include VIN, year/make/model, sale price, date, odometer reading, and both parties' names, addresses, and signatures.Open this section ↓- 1Complete a bill of sale, recommended to be in French or bilingual. Include VIN, year/make/model, sale price, date, odometer reading, and both parties' names, addresses, and signatures.
- 2Both parties must be present at a SAAQ service outlet for the transfer. Alternatively, use SAAQclic online if the vehicle has a single registered owner and the seller has no unpaid fines.
- 3Bring: signed registration certificate, valid government ID for both parties, and proof of sale.
- 4Remove your licence plates. Plates stay with the seller in Quebec.
Quebec-specific things to know
- •Quebec uses the RDPRM for lien searches, not PPSA. The system and process are different from other provinces.
- •Both buyer and seller must be present at SAAQ unless using SAAQclic (online transfer, available for single-owner vehicles with no outstanding seller fines).
- •QST (Quebec Sales Tax) applies on the greater of the agreed price or SAAQ's estimated value for vehicles 14 years old or less. This rule changed in January 2025.
- •Until the transfer is completed at SAAQ, the seller remains legally responsible for the vehicle. Complete the transfer promptly.
- •Documents should be in French or bilingual.
↑ Close this sectionGifting to a family member?
Complete Form VD-80.1-V (Declaration of a Transaction Between Related Individuals) at a SAAQ service outlet. QST is waived between related individuals. Qualifying relationships include immediate family and also aunt/uncle to niece/nephew.
3
Common Questions
Do I need a safety certificate to sell my car in Quebec?Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionDo I need a safety certificate to sell my car in Quebec?
No. Quebec 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 Quebec RDPRM Search (Registry of Personal and Movable Real Rights).
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 Quebec?
In Quebec, 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.
When you are ready
Bill of Sale & transfer package$12
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Private Car Sale Package with Sign Together
$19Both of you sign online from your own devices, through a secure private link, and neither of you creates an account.
Sign it together insteadCheck 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 Quebec RDPRM Search (Registry of Personal and Movable Real Rights) →Sources and other provinces
Official sources
- SAAQ: https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/vehicle-registration/registering-vehicle/automobile-motor-home/passenger-vehicle-between-individuals
- Quebec RDPRM Search (Registry of Personal and Movable Real Rights): https://www.rdprm.gouv.qc.ca/en/pages/english.html
Facts checked September 2026
Also see: selling a car in other provinces
Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.