Planning to sell your vehicle? This guide covers Ontario's specific requirements, from gathering documents to completing the ownership transfer legally and safely.
Gather these items before listing your vehicle:
Unlike other provinces, Ontario has specific rules you must follow. Here's what the law requires:
Provincial law requires sellers to provide this document in most private sales. The package costs $20 and shows registration history, liens, and previous ownership. Get yours from ServiceOntario online 24/7 or visit any of the 300+ ServiceOntario locations across the province.
UVIP includes critical information buyers need: vehicle identification details, branding history (salvage, rebuilt), lien information, previous owner count, and odometer readings. This transparency protects both parties and is legally required in most transactions.
Learn everything about UVIP requirements in our complete guide →
A licensed inspection station must verify your vehicle meets minimum safety standards. This certificate is valid for 36 days from the inspection date and typically costs $100-150 plus any required repairs.
The inspection covers critical safety components: brake system and lines, steering mechanism, suspension components, tires with minimum 1.5mm tread depth, all lights and signals, windshield and mirrors, seatbelts, exhaust system, and body structure integrity. Failed items must be repaired before the certificate is issued.
Sign over your vehicle registration permit to the buyer. This pink document has two portions: one for the vehicle and one for the plates. The buyer needs the vehicle portion to register at ServiceOntario within 6 days of purchase.
Keep the plate portion if you're transferring plates to another vehicle. Otherwise, you can return plates to ServiceOntario or dispose of them properly. Never give your plates to the buyer—Ontario plates stay with the seller, not the vehicle.
Certain situations don't require UVIP or safety certificates: direct family transfers (spouse, parent, child), vehicle gifts without money exchange, brand new unregistered vehicles, and some dealer-to-dealer transactions.
Always verify requirements with ServiceOntario for your specific situation. Rules can vary based on vehicle type, sale structure, and relationship between parties.
Correct pricing attracts serious buyers while maximizing your return. Start by researching current market values:
Industry-standard valuation tool specifically for Canadian markets. Enter your vehicle details for accurate trade-in and retail values based on actual Ontario sales data and current condition.
Search Autotrader.ca and Kijiji for similar vehicles in your region. Match year, mileage, condition, and features. Pay attention to how long listings have been active—stale ads indicate overpricing.
Calculate your vehicle's current market value →
Be honest about your vehicle's state. Excellent condition (minimal wear, complete service records, no accidents) commands premium prices. Good condition (well-maintained, minor cosmetic issues) sells at market value. Fair condition (visible wear, possible repairs needed) requires 10-15% price reduction. Poor condition (significant issues, high mileage) may need 20-30% reduction.
Spring and summer typically bring 10-15% higher prices for most vehicles in Ontario. Convertibles and sports cars peak in April-June. SUVs and trucks maintain value year-round. Winter sales (November-February) often see reduced prices but fewer competing listings. Toronto and GTA markets move fastest regardless of season.
Toronto and GTA command highest prices due to larger buyer pool. Ottawa, Hamilton, and London follow closely. Rural Ontario typically sees 5-10% lower prices but also lower demand. Consider expanding your selling radius if located outside major centers.
Pricing Strategy: List 5-10% above your minimum acceptable price. This provides negotiation room while attracting serious inquiries. Include "or best offer" to encourage offers while signaling flexibility.
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If you're in Toronto, see our Toronto-specific selling guide for local tips and GTA considerations.
Book your inspection early at a licensed facility. Most vehicles pass on the first attempt, but budget $200-400 for potential repairs like brake pads, tire replacement, burnt-out bulbs, or minor exhaust work. Common failure points include worn brake pads, tires below 1.5mm tread, and headlight alignment.
Inspection checks brakes and brake lines, steering mechanism, suspension components, tires with minimum tread depth, all lights and signals, windshield condition, mirrors, seatbelts, exhaust system, and body structure integrity.
Pro tip: Address obvious issues before inspection to avoid re-inspection fees. Replace worn wiper blades, burnt bulbs, and top up all fluids beforehand.
Wash, wax, clean wheels and tires. Fix minor paint chips with touch-up paint. Clean headlights.
Vacuum thoroughly, shampoo carpets, clean all surfaces. Remove pet hair and odors.
Degrease and wipe down visible components. Shows maintenance care.
Professional detailing costs $150-300 but often returns 3-5x the investment in higher sale price and faster sale. First impressions matter significantly in private sales.
Take 15-20 photos in good natural lighting from all angles: front, rear, both sides, three-quarter views, interior from multiple angles, dashboard showing odometer, engine bay, trunk, and close-ups of any damage or wear. Shoot during overcast days for even lighting without harsh shadows.
Gather all service records, oil change receipts, repair invoices, and maintenance logs. Complete documentation builds buyer confidence and justifies your asking price.
Private sales require caution. Follow these safety guidelines:
Accept only: Cash under $5,000 (count carefully before signing), certified cheque (verify with issuing bank before signing), bank draft (call bank to confirm authenticity), confirmed e-transfer (wait for email confirmation before releasing vehicle).
Never accept: Personal cheques (can bounce days later), foreign money orders or cheques, payment promises or installment plans, unverified payment apps, cryptocurrency without confirmed transfer.
Both parties sign a document including: seller and buyer names and addresses, vehicle details (VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading), sale price, date of sale, signatures, and an "as-is" clause. UVIP packages include a bill of sale template. Keep a copy for your records—this protects you if issues arise later.
Endorse the vehicle portion of your registration permit by signing in the designated area. Fill in buyer information completely and accurately. The buyer must register at ServiceOntario within 6 days or face penalties. Incomplete signatures can delay their registration.
Give the buyer: signed vehicle ownership portion, original UVIP (must be original, not photocopy), original safety certificate (valid and current), completed bill of sale. Keep photocopies of all documents for your records in case of future disputes or questions.
Plates stay with you, not the vehicle. Remove both front and rear plates before the buyer takes possession. You can transfer plates to another vehicle within 6 days, return them to any ServiceOntario location, or dispose of them by cutting them into pieces. Never give plates to the buyer—you remain liable for violations until plates are deregistered.
Contact your insurance company immediately after completing the sale. Provide them with the sale date and buyer information. You may receive a refund for unused premium. Delaying cancellation means paying for coverage you no longer need.
Overpricing kills interest immediately—most buyers search by price range and won't see overpriced listings. Underpricing leaves money on the table. Research thoroughly using Canadian Black Book and local comparable sales before setting your price.
Missing UVIP or expired safety certificate stops sales dead. Get documents early—UVIP processing takes 2-3 days online, safety inspections need appointment scheduling. Don't wait until you have a buyer interested.
Dark, blurry, or cluttered photos reduce inquiries by 60-70%. Take photos during daytime in good lighting, clean the vehicle first, use neutral backgrounds, and show multiple angles. First impressions happen online.
Meeting alone at your home or isolated locations is dangerous. Accepting personal cheques or unverified payments leads to fraud. Always meet in public, bring someone with you, and verify payment before signing anything.
Fastest option with guaranteed payment and no paperwork hassle
Average time with proper preparation and competitive pricing
Quick process when purchasing another vehicle from dealer
Vehicle condition, pricing accuracy, season, and Ontario location all impact timing. Spring and summer typically see faster sales across all Ontario markets. Toronto and GTA move fastest year-round.
Yes, you can sell "as-is" without a safety certificate, but this significantly limits your buyer pool and reduces your sale price by 15-25%. The buyer must obtain the certificate before registering the vehicle. Most buyers strongly prefer vehicles with current certification to avoid surprise repair costs.
UVIP is required for most private sales in Ontario. Exceptions include transfers between immediate family members (spouse, parent, child), vehicle gifts without money exchange, brand new unregistered vehicles, and certain dealer transactions. Verify your specific situation with ServiceOntario before proceeding.
Contact your lender for the exact payoff amount including any interest through the sale date. Coordinate with the buyer to settle the loan at the time of sale—often the buyer's bank can pay your lender directly. The lender will provide lien release documentation once the loan is paid in full. Never complete a sale without clearing the lien first.
Estate vehicle sales require additional documentation including probate documents or letters of administration proving your authority to sell. Learn about estate vehicle sales for complete guidance on probate requirements, necessary documentation, and the proper transfer process for inherited vehicles.
With proper preparation and competitive pricing, most sellers complete private sales in 2-4 weeks from initial listing to final transfer. Professional car buying services can complete purchases same-day with immediate payment. Dealer trade-ins typically process within 1-2 days when purchasing another vehicle from the same dealer.
Once you've properly signed over the ownership and removed your plates, you're generally protected from liability. However, keep copies of all sale documents including the signed bill of sale showing the transfer date. If you receive notices about the vehicle after selling, provide your documentation to ServiceOntario showing the sale was completed.
Only accept deposits from serious buyers you've met in person who have viewed the vehicle. Never accept deposits from buyers who haven't seen the vehicle or who found you through suspicious means. If accepting a deposit, create a written deposit agreement stating the amount, refund conditions, and final sale terms.
Yes, but complete the sale before you leave if possible. You'll need to cancel your Ontario insurance and registration. If selling from outside Ontario becomes necessary, you may need to provide power of attorney to someone in Ontario to complete the transaction, or consider professional car buying services that can handle remote sales.
Our OMVIC-certified service handles all documentation, provides same-day certified payment, and serves Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Hamilton, London, and across Ontario.
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