Ontario Guide • Updated September 2025

How to Sell a Car in Ontario

Planning to sell your vehicle? This guide covers Ontario's specific requirements, from gathering documents to completing the ownership transfer legally and safely.

Essential Checklist

Gather these items before listing your vehicle:

Documents

UVIP ($20 from ServiceOntario)
Safety Certificate (valid 36 days)
Vehicle Ownership Permit
Bill of Sale

Preparation

Research market value
Clean vehicle thoroughly
Take quality photos
Collect service records

During Sale

Meet in public place
Secure payment only
Sign ownership over
Remove plates

Ontario's Legal Requirements

Unlike other provinces, Ontario has specific rules you must follow. Here's what the law requires:

Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)

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 →

Safety Standards Certificate

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.

Read our detailed safety certificate guide →

Ownership Transfer Requirements

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.

Important Exemptions

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.

Pricing Your Vehicle

Correct pricing attracts serious buyers while maximizing your return. Start by researching current market values:

Canadian Black Book

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.

Compare Local Listings

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 →

Condition Assessment

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.

Seasonal Considerations

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.

Regional Price Variations

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.

Choosing Your Sales Platform

Private Sale Platforms

Autotrader.ca

Most popular option with serious buyers province-wide. Premium listing fees $50-100 but highest quality buyer traffic. Best for vehicles over $15,000.

Kijiji Autos

Free listings with strong local reach across Ontario communities. Works exceptionally well for vehicles under $20,000. Good for targeting specific cities.

Facebook Marketplace

Rapidly growing platform with no listing fees and excellent geographic targeting. Strong presence in Toronto, GTA, and all major Ontario cities. Easy buyer communication through Messenger.

Professional Services

Skip the private sale hassle entirely. Licensed services handle all paperwork, provide same-day payment, and eliminate safety concerns while offering competitive pricing.

  • No UVIP or safety certificate required
  • Same-day certified payment
  • Free pickup anywhere in Ontario
  • Accept vehicles in any condition

Get an instant cash offer →

If you're in Toronto, see our Toronto-specific selling guide for local tips and GTA considerations.

Preparing Your Vehicle

Schedule Safety Inspection

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.

Clean Thoroughly

Exterior

Wash, wax, clean wheels and tires. Fix minor paint chips with touch-up paint. Clean headlights.

Interior

Vacuum thoroughly, shampoo carpets, clean all surfaces. Remove pet hair and odors.

Engine Bay

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.

Document and Photograph

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.

Meeting Buyers Safely

Private sales require caution. Follow these safety guidelines:

Safe Practices

  • • Meet during daylight hours only (10am-4pm ideal)
  • • Choose busy public locations like mall parking lots
  • • Use police station exchange zones in Toronto, Mississauga, Ottawa, Hamilton
  • • Verify buyer's license and insurance before test drives
  • • Bring someone with you to all meetings
  • • Keep your phone charged and accessible
  • • Never give buyers your home address initially

Warning Signs

  • • Refuses in-person meetings or phone calls
  • • Offers significantly above asking price without viewing
  • • Pressures immediate decision or deposit
  • • Requests shipping or out-of-country arrangements
  • • Wants to pay with foreign cheques or money orders
  • • Asks for VIN before viewing to "run checks"
  • • Shows up with different person than contacted you

Payment Security

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.

Completing the Transfer

1. Complete Bill of Sale

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.

2. Sign Over Ownership Permit

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.

3. Provide All Required Documents

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.

4. Remove Ontario License Plates

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.

5. Cancel Vehicle Insurance

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.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pricing Errors

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.

Documentation Failures

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.

Poor Photos

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.

Security Lapses

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.

Expected Timeline

Professional Service

Same Day

Fastest option with guaranteed payment and no paperwork hassle

Private Sale

2-4 Weeks

Average time with proper preparation and competitive pricing

Dealer Trade-In

1-2 Days

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell without a safety certificate?

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.

Is UVIP mandatory for all sales?

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.

How do I handle a vehicle with an outstanding loan?

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.

What if I'm selling a deceased family member's vehicle?

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.

How long does the entire process take?

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.

What happens if the buyer doesn't register the vehicle?

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.

Should I accept a deposit before showing the vehicle?

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.

Can I sell my car if I'm moving out of Ontario?

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.

Skip the Private Sale Hassle

Our OMVIC-certified service handles all documentation, provides same-day certified payment, and serves Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Hamilton, London, and across Ontario.

No UVIP requiredSame-day pickupCertified paymentLicensed since 2014

Get Instant Quote

Skip the hassle. Professional service with same-day payment across Ontario.

Vehicle Information

Upload Vehicle Photos

Click to browse or drag and drop

Max 5 photos • 10MB each • JPG, PNG, WEBP