Owning and operating a vehicle in Ontario comes with legal responsibilities, including registering your vehicle with the province. With over 10 million registered vehicles in Ontario as of 2021, vehicle registration is mandatory for driving on public roads and serves as proof of ownership in case of theft or accidents. It is important for buyers and sellers to know the registration process, including costs, required documents, insurance, and more.
Registering a vehicle in Ontario depends on whether it’s new or used or whether it’s from outside the province.
New cars: Dealerships usually handle registration, providing all necessary paperwork, license plates, and stickers.
Used cars purchased from a private seller require registration within six days of purchase. Dealerships may assist in registering a used car they have sold or the buyer may need to self-register.
Out-of-province vehicle (another province or outside Canada): Aside from personal identification, you will need: proof of Ontario car insurance, your new Ontario driver’s license (obtainable from any Drive Test office), vehicle registration, and title papers from your previous province, and Safety Standards Certificate.
Generally, here are the documents you must prepare as part of the registration process and to obtain a permit and license plate in Ontario:
- Your Ontario driver’s license or registrant identification number (RIN), if applicable.
- Proof of identity, including your legal name, date of birth, and signature.
- A completed used vehicle information package (required for passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles, self-propelled motor homes, or motorcycles).
- Proof of purchase, such as a receipt or bill of sale from the seller.
- Proof of insurance from a licensed Ontario insurance provider.
- The original vehicle permit from the seller, completed with the transfer portion.
- The plate portion of the permit, if you already own license plates that you wish to use for the vehicle.
- Safety Standards Certificate (except for snowmobiles, mopeds, off-road vehicles, and trailers) from authorized inspection stations across Ontario.
In Ontario, the cost of registering a car varies depending on the region, vehicle type, and duration of registration. Below are the registration fees:
Region | Vehicle Type | 1 Year | 2 Years |
Southern Ontario | Car | $120 | $240 |
Motorcycle | $42 | $84 | |
Northern Ontario | Car | $60 | $120 |
Motorcycle | $21 | $42 |
These fees cover the registration permit and license plate sticker for the specified duration.
Can I register my vehicle online in Ontario?
Yes, Ontario offers online vehicle registration services. You can register your vehicle online through ServiceOntario’s website by providing the required documents and paying the registration fees. In summary, you will need to prepare the required documents, complete the online form on ServiceOntario’s website, upload documents, review, pay fees, and await confirmation via email or mail.What is the process for Ontario license plate or vehicle registration renewal?
To renew your vehicle registration in Ontario, you can typically do so online through the ServiceOntario website. Ensure you have your vehicle information, such as plate number and permit information, and your payment method ready. If online renewal is not an option or there are changes to your registration details, you may need to visit a ServiceOntario location in person.What is a vehicle permit? What is a vehicle permit number or RIN number?
A vehicle permit serves as proof of vehicle registration in Ontario and must be kept with you while driving. A vehicle permit number, also known as a registered identification number (RIN), is either your driver’s license number or a created 9-digit number used for vehicle transactions.How can I replace a lost vehicle registration?
If your vehicle registration is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can easily replace it by visiting a ServiceOntario location. Remember to report any suspected theft to the police and destroy the old copy if found after receiving a replacement.What are the legal requirements for vehicle insurance in Ontario?
In Ontario, vehicle insurance is mandatory for driving. You must have it before attaching license plates, renewing registration, or buying a temporary permit. Insure with a private company and carry the pink insurance card while driving to avoid fines of up to $400 if stopped by police.The most comprehensive Automotive Data & Analytics
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