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Used vehicle checks in Ontario

Start with a factory sheet, then use the official checks and transfer steps for the vehicle's current or most recent registration jurisdiction.

Before you complete the transfer

Ontario requires a private seller of an eligible used vehicle to provide a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP). The package can include Ontario registration history, lien information, vehicle details, and a bill-of-sale section.

  1. Ask for the UVIP and compare its VIN, vehicle description, and seller information with the vehicle and permit.
  2. Review the lien information and ask the seller to resolve any debt or lien questions before paying.
  3. Complete the bill of sale and the transfer portion of the vehicle permit.
  4. Register the vehicle at ServiceOntario using the current document and insurance requirements.

Documents to check

  • Used Vehicle Information Package
  • Vehicle permit with the completed transfer portion
  • Signed bill of sale
  • Ontario driver’s licence or accepted identity, proof of insurance, and Safety Standards Certificate when applicable

Limits and next checks

  • Ontario says a buyer must register a used vehicle within six days of purchase.
  • The UVIP is not a current insurance, safety, ownership, or exact-VIN recall determination.
  • Ontario says the seller keeps the licence plates; confirm current exceptions and process details with ServiceOntario.

Sources for this guide

Reviewed 2026-09-04. Confirm the requirements for your transaction with the responsible authority.

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National checks

Ontario checks

  • Continue on official site

    Used Vehicle Information Package

    Ontario vehicle description, registration history and branding/lien information included in the official package.

    A UVIP is not a current insurance, ownership, safety, or VIN-complete recall determination.

    Paid; ServiceOntario displays the current purchase price.

  • Shown after a Factory VIN decode

    Ontario vehicle population context

    Counts of registered vehicles by published dataset dimensions.

    It is aggregate context only and cannot confirm a particular vehicle’s registration, owner, insurance, status, or expiry.

    Free open-data context.

    Official aggregate dataset

Transfer guidance

For a private sale, the seller must provide a UVIP, signed bill of sale, completed transfer portion of the permit, and safety certificate when required. The buyer must register within six days.

Official sources and review date

Authority: Government of Ontario / ServiceOntario. Last verified: 2026-08-31.