How to Sell a Car Privately in Quebec (2026)
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.
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You fill it in manually using the instructions in this guide.
What Documents You Need in Quebec
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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 SAAQ.
Step-by-Step Transfer Process in Quebec
- 1
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.
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Both 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.
- 3
Bring: signed registration certificate, valid government ID for both parties, and proof of sale.
- 4
Remove your licence plates — plates stay with the seller in Quebec.
Quebec-specific things to know
- •Quebec uses the RPMRR 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.
Common Questions
Do 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 RPMRR 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.
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 Quebec RPMRR Search (Registry of Personal and Movable Real Rights) →Official sources
- SAAQ — https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/vehicle-registration/registering-vehicle/automobile-motor-home/passenger-vehicle-between-individuals
- Quebec RPMRR Search (Registry of Personal and Movable Real Rights) — https://www.rdprm.gouv.qc.ca/en/pages/english.html
Last updated: June 2026
Also see: selling a car in other provinces