Whether you’re buying a used car, moving from out of province, or simply getting your paperwork in order, registering a vehicle in Ontario is an essential part of legally owning and driving a vehicle. The registration process confirms your ownership with the province and provides you with the necessary documents and licence plates to hit the road.

While it may seem like a lot of steps, registering a vehicle in Ontario is a straightforward process—especially if you know what to expect ahead of time. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly when you need to register, what documents you’ll need, how much it costs, and how to complete the process, whether you’re buying new, used, or moving from out of province.

What Is Vehicle Registration in Ontario?

Registering a vehicle in Ontario is how you officially link your vehicle to your name in the provincial motor vehicle system. It gives you legal permission to drive your car on public roads and includes receiving your vehicle permit, licence plate, and plate portion of the ownership.

Your vehicle permit (also called the green ownership document) is proof of registration. If you’re pulled over by police or need to complete any future vehicle transaction—like selling your car—you’ll need to present it.

Here’s what vehicle registration typically includes:

• A vehicle permit, which shows who owns the vehicle
• A licence plate, assigned to you (not the vehicle)
• A plate portion, which you’ll need if you want to use the same plate on another vehicle later

Once registered, your vehicle is legally authorized for use in Ontario and is ready to hit the road—provided you also have valid insurance.

When Do You Need to Register a Vehicle in Ontario?

There are a few key moments when registering a vehicle in Ontario is required. The process and documentation may vary slightly depending on the situation:

1. Buying a Used Vehicle (Private Sale)

If you buy a used vehicle from a private seller, you must register it within six days of the sale. You’ll need to visit a ServiceOntario centre to complete the registration and officially transfer ownership.

2. Buying From a Dealership

In most cases, dealerships in Ontario will handle the registration process for you. If not, they’ll provide the necessary documents so you can register the vehicle yourself. Always confirm this before driving away.

3. Moving to Ontario With a Vehicle

If you’re moving to Ontario from another province or country and bringing your vehicle with you, you must register your vehicle in Ontario within 30 days of becoming a resident. This includes getting Ontario licence plates and a new vehicle permit.

4. Replacing a Lost or Damaged Registration

If your registration or permit is lost, stolen, or damaged, you’ll need to register again to get a replacement document.

5. Changing the Address on Your Registration

You must update your vehicle registration within six days of moving to a new address in Ontario. This can be done online or in person at a ServiceOntario location.

What You Need to Register a Vehicle in Ontario

Whether you’re buying a car, moving provinces, or updating your information, you’ll need to bring the right documents when registering a vehicle in Ontario. Here’s what to have on hand:

• Valid Ontario Driver’s Licence or RIN: You must have a valid Ontario driver’s licence. If the vehicle is being registered under a business or organization, you’ll need a Registrant Identification Number (RIN) instead.
• Proof of Insurance: You’ll need proof of valid insurance coverage from a licensed Ontario insurer. This includes your insurance company’s name, policy number, and expiry date.‍
• Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP): If you’re registering a used vehicle purchased privately, the seller must provide a Used Vehicle Information Package. This includes important details like lien info, registration history, and more.‍
• Vehicle Permit With Completed Transfer Portion: This is the green ownership document. For used vehicles, make sure the seller completes and signs the “Transfer of Ownership” section on the back.‍
• Bill of Sale: The bill of sale should include the date, names of the buyer and seller, purchase price, and signatures. It can be a separate document or filled out in the UVIP.‍
• Safety Standards Certificate (if applicable): If the vehicle is being registered after a private sale or from out of province, you’ll usually need a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) issued by a licensed mechanic in Ontario.‍
• Plate Portion of the Permit (if you’re reusing plates): If you already have licence plates you want to reuse, bring the plate portion of the permit. Otherwise, you’ll be issued new plates.

How to Register a Car in Ontario (Step-by-Step)

Registering a car in Ontario is a straightforward process, but the steps can vary slightly depending on whether you’re registering a new car, a used one, or bringing in a vehicle from another province. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Before heading to a ServiceOntario centre, make sure you have everything listed in the previous section — including your driver’s licence (or RIN), proof of insurance, bill of sale, UVIP (for private sales), and more.

Step 2: Visit a ServiceOntario Location

You must register the vehicle in person at a ServiceOntario location. At the counter, submit your documents and complete the registration application.

• Note: You must register a used vehicle within six days of the purchase date.

Step 3: Pay the Fees

You’ll be required to pay a vehicle permit fee (typically $32), and sales tax on the purchase. For private sales, the tax is based on the greater of the purchase price or the average wholesale value listed in the UVIP.

If you’re reusing your licence plates, you won’t have to pay for new ones — just bring the plate portion of the ownership.

Step 4: Receive Your Permit and Plates

Once everything is submitted and paid, you’ll receive:

• A vehicle permit (proof of registration)
• Licence plates (if you don’t already have them)

If you’re registering a used vehicle, you won’t receive a permit unless a valid Safety Standards Certificate is provided (unless exempt).

Vehicle Registration Fees in Ontario

Registering a vehicle in Ontario is relatively affordable, especially since the province eliminated licence plate sticker renewal fees in 2022. Still, there are a few costs to be aware of when registering a new or used car.

Standard Registration Fees

• Vehicle permit (new registration): $32
• New licence plates (if needed): $59
• Replacement licence plate: $59
• Licence plate sticker renewal: $0 (as of March 2022)

Retail Sales Tax (RST)

For private sales, you’ll also need to pay 13% RST based on the greater of:

• The purchase price listed on the bill of sale, or
• The average wholesale value listed in the UVIP

If the car was a gift between eligible family members, you may be exempt from RST. You’ll need to provide a sworn statement and proof of relationship.

Out-of-Province Vehicles

Additional fees may apply if the vehicle was purchased outside Ontario or if it requires an inspection before registration.

Renewing Your Vehicle Registration in Ontario

Once your vehicle is registered, you’ll need to keep that registration current to legally drive in Ontario. Fortunately, the renewal process is straightforward — and as of 2022, it’s also free.

How Often Do You Need to Renew?

• Vehicle registration typically needs to be renewed every 1 or 2 years, depending on your preference.
• You’ll receive a reminder from ServiceOntario when your renewal is due.

How to Renew

You can renew your registration:

• Online through the ServiceOntario website.
• In person at any ServiceOntario location.

You’ll need:

• Your licence plate number
• Your vehicle permit number (RIN or driver’s licence number)
• Proof of valid Ontario auto insurance

Cost of Renewal

• $0 — Since March 13, 2022, Ontario no longer charges for licence plate sticker renewals for most vehicles.
• You must still complete the renewal process, even if there’s no fee, to remain compliant.

Note: Renewal fees may still apply to commercial vehicles and heavy-duty trucks.

Get on the Road With Confidence

Registering a car in Ontario doesn’t have to be complicated. As long as you’ve gathered the right documents and followed each step, you’ll be legally on the road in no time—whether you’ve bought from a dealership, a private seller, or moved to Ontario from out of province.

Want to skip the extra steps? When you buy your next vehicle from Clutch, we’ll handle the registration process for you. No trips to ServiceOntario, no paperwork stress—just a seamless experience from start to finish. And if you have a vehicle to sell or trade in, we’ll make you a fair offer, pick it up for free, and take care of the transfer.

Whether you’re buying a new ride or selling your old one, Clutch makes it easy.