Selling a car in New Brunswick might seem like a straightforward process, but there are key steps you’ll need to follow to ensure a smooth and legal transaction. Whether you’re selling privately or trading it in, understanding the necessary paperwork, pricing strategies, and transfer requirements can help you avoid delays and get the best value for your vehicle.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about selling a used car in New Brunswick. From setting the right price and listing your car to finalizing the sale and transferring ownership, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also explore alternatives to selling privately—like trading in your vehicle or selling it to Clutch—to help you decide on the best option for your situation.

Ready to sell your car in New Brunswick? Let’s get started.

Pricing Your Vehicle

Before you list your vehicle for sale in New Brunswick, you’ll want to figure out a fair asking price. Price it too high, and you risk turning off potential buyers. Go too low, and you could leave money on the table. Your goal should be to strike the right balance—one that reflects your vehicle’s market value while remaining competitive.

To start, use an online valuation tool that’s specific to the Canadian market. Clutch’s Car Value Calculator lets you enter your vehicle details and get a real-time market estimate based on local demand. You can also check out CARFAX Canada’s Value Range Estimator to see what similar vehicles are selling for in your area.

Keep in mind that most buyers expect some negotiation, so it’s smart to set your list price slightly above your bottom line. Think about what the vehicle is worth to you, whether that’s based on the loan you still owe, the cost of your next car, or simply what you feel it’s worth based on its condition and features.

Selling a Car Privately in New Brunswick

Selling your car privately can often get you the most money—but it also means a bit more legwork. You’ll be responsible for prepping the vehicle, finding a buyer, and handling all the paperwork on your own. Here’s what the process looks like in New Brunswick:

1. Clean and Prep Your Car

First impressions matter. Give your vehicle a thorough cleaning inside and out. Take care of small repairs if possible and gather any maintenance records to show the vehicle’s history.

2. Create Your Listing

List your car on popular online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji Autos, or AutoTrader. Include high-quality photos and an honest, detailed description of the car’s condition, mileage, and any standout features.

3. Safety Inspection (Optional but Recommended)

While not mandatory for private sales in New Brunswick, a recent Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) can help build buyer confidence. If your car already has a valid inspection (within the last 2 years), that’s a bonus. If not, consider getting a fresh one before listing.

4. Complete the Bill of Sale

Once you find a buyer, you’ll need to complete a Bill of Sale. New Brunswick doesn’t have a standard form, but you can write one yourself. Be sure to include:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Year, make, and model
• Sale price and date
• Buyer and seller names, addresses, and signatures

5. Transfer of Ownership

As the seller, you must:

• Sign the back of the vehicle registration to release ownership.
• Give the buyer the registration form.
• Remove your licence plates—they stay with you, not the car.

The buyer will be responsible for registering the car in their name at Service New Brunswick and paying the applicable taxes.

Selling Your Car to Clutch or a Dealership in New Brunswick

If you’d rather skip the hassle of selling privately, selling your car to Clutch or a dealership can be a great alternative. This option is typically faster, more convenient, and avoids dealing with tire kickers or negotiating with multiple buyers.

Selling to Clutch

Clutch offers a straightforward way to sell or trade your used car online. The process is simple:

1. Get an Instant Offer – Enter your vehicle details on Clutch’s website and receive a competitive offer within minutes.
2. Schedule a Drop-Off or Pick-Up – You can bring your car to a designated Clutch location or arrange for it to be picked up.
3. Get Paid Fast – Once Clutch verifies your vehicle’s condition and ownership, you’ll receive payment quickly.

Unlike selling privately, Clutch handles the paperwork, including the transfer of ownership, making the process stress-free.

Selling to a Dealership

Selling or trading your car at a dealership is another convenient option, especially if you plan to buy another vehicle. Here’s how it works:

1. Visit a Dealership – Bring your car to a local dealer for an appraisal.
2. Receive an Offer – The dealer will assess your vehicle and make an offer based on its condition and what they want to pay.
3. Accept or Negotiate – If you’re happy with the offer, you can sell the car on the spot, but payment may take time.

If convenience is your top priority, selling to Clutch or a dealership is an excellent way to sell your car without the hassle of a private sale. Offers will vary from dealer to dealer, but Clutch will always give you a competitive price based on the market value of your vehicle.

Finalizing the Sale & Transferring Ownership in New Brunswick

Once you’ve secured a buyer—whether through a private sale, Clutch, or a dealership—the next step is transferring ownership. In New Brunswick, this process ensures the vehicle is legally registered under the new owner and that you, as the seller, are no longer responsible for it.

Documents Required for Transferring Ownership

Before completing the sale, you must provide the buyer with the following documents:

• Vehicle Registration Permit – The original registration certificate with the transfer section completed and signed.
• Bill of Sale – A written document detailing the sale price, date, vehicle details (VIN, make, model, year), and the names and signatures of both the buyer and seller.
• Valid Safety Inspection Certificate (if required) – In New Brunswick, vehicles over three years old must pass a Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) to be registered by the new owner. This certificate is valid for 30 days.
• Odometer Disclosure Statement – An optional but useful document to confirm the vehicle’s mileage at the time of sale.

Steps to Transfer Vehicle Ownership in New Brunswick

1. Complete the Bill of Sale – Both parties must fill out and sign the bill of sale, ensuring all details are accurate.
2. Provide the Registration Permit – The seller must sign and hand over the vehicle’s registration permit to the buyer.
3. Remove Your Licence Plates – Licence plates in New Brunswick stay with the seller, not the vehicle. If you’re getting a new car, you may be able to transfer your plates. Otherwise, you can cancel them.
4. Buyer Registers the Vehicle – The buyer must take the bill of sale, registration permit, proof of insurance, and safety certificate (if required) to a Service New Brunswick (SNB) office to complete the registration in their name.
5. Cancel Your Insurance – Once the sale is complete, notify your insurance company to remove the vehicle from your policy.

Important Notes on Private Sales

You remain responsible for the vehicle until it is registered by the new owner – If the buyer delays the registration process, any fines, tickets, or liabilities tied to the vehicle may still come back to you. To avoid this, you can visit Service New Brunswick (SNB) after the sale and notify them that you have sold the vehicle.

Taxes are the buyer’s responsibility – Unlike selling to a dealership, where taxes are included in the sale, buyers in a private sale must pay 15% HST on the vehicle’s value when they register it. This is based on either the sale price or a fair market valuation, whichever is higher.

Sell or Trade Your Car With Clutch

Now that you know how to sell your vehicle in New Brunswick, you’re better equipped to navigate the process with confidence. From getting your MVI to completing the transfer at Service New Brunswick, following each step ensures a legal, safe, and smooth transaction.

If you’d rather skip the time and hassle of listing your vehicle, negotiating with buyers, and sorting out paperwork, Clutch makes it easy. We buy quality used cars directly from private sellers—and we pay top dollar.

Just visit our Sell or Trade page, enter a few details about your car, and get a firm offer in minutes. If you like the offer, we’ll handle the rest, including pickup and paperwork. It’s the simplest way to sell your car in New Brunswick.