Selling a car in Ontario involves more than just snapping some photos and posting an online ad. From setting the right price to gathering the necessary paperwork and dealing with potential buyers, there’s a lot to consider.

If you want to sell your car quickly, securely, and for a fair price, it’s important to follow the right steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to sell a car in Ontario, covering everything from pricing your vehicle and listing options to handling the paperwork and avoiding common pitfalls.

We’ll also explore an easier alternative to private sales—one that lets you skip the hassle of haggling and tire kickers altogether. Let’s dive in.

Determining Your Car’s Value

Before listing your vehicle, it’s crucial to set a competitive price that aligns with the market. Pricing too high can deter potential buyers, while pricing too low may leave money on the table. To strike the right balance, start by researching your car’s market value.

The easiest way to do this is by using Clutch’s Car Value Calculator, which provides an instant estimate based on real-time market data. You can also check CARFAX’s Value Range Estimator and various book values to see how your car compares to similar listings in Ontario. 

Beyond online valuation tools, browsing listings for similar vehicles on AutoTrader, Kijiji Autos, and Facebook Marketplace can help you understand how other sellers are pricing their cars. Keep in mind that most buyers will negotiate, so it’s smart to set your asking price slightly above your lowest acceptable offer to leave room for bargaining.

If you want a fast, hassle-free sale, Clutch also offers a Sell or Trade service, allowing you to sell your car quickly without the hassle of private buyers.

Preparing Your Car for Sale

Once you’ve determined a fair asking price, it’s time to get your vehicle ready for potential buyers. A well-presented car not only attracts more interest but can also help you secure a higher selling price.

Clean and Detail Your Vehicle

• Vacuuming the interior, including under the seats and in the trunk
• Cleaning the windows and mirrors for a spotless finish
• Wiping down the dashboard, centre console, and other touchpoints

A well-maintained car signals to buyers that you’ve taken good care of it, making them more likely to trust your listing.

Fix Minor Issues (Without Overspending)

While you don’t need to invest in major repairs, getting a tune-up and addressing small maintenance issues can go a long way. Simple, inexpensive touch-ups like these can help your car stand out:

Replace burnt-out headlights or taillights

• Fix minor scratches or dents with DIY scratch repair kits
• Top up fluids (engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid)
• Check tire pressure and tread depth to ensure safe driving

That said, avoid sinking too much money into costly repairs, as buyers often prefer to negotiate repairs into the sale price.

Obtain a Safety Standards Certificate

In Ontario, a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) is required to transfer ownership unless you’re selling the car as-is. To get one, take your car to a Ministry of Transportation (MTO)-licensed inspection station for an evaluation. If the vehicle passes, you’ll receive the certificate, which remains valid for 36 days.

Many buyers prefer a car that’s certified roadworthy, so having an SSC can make your listing more attractive. If your car doesn’t pass, you can still sell it as-is, but you’ll need to disclose that the vehicle requires work before it can be legally registered.

If you’re selling to Clutch, you can skip this step—we handle the safety inspection for you.

Take High-Quality Photos

A well-crafted online listing needs clear, well-lit images that highlight your car’s best features. Here’s how to take great photos:

• Shoot in daylight (avoid harsh midday sun for better contrast)
• Take multiple angles (front, back, sides, wheels, interior, dashboard, and odometer)
• Focus on selling points (heated seats, sunroof, touchscreen, etc.)
• Include any imperfections (scratches, dents) to build buyer trust

Some platforms even allow you to upload videos, which can give potential buyers a more detailed look at the vehicle.

By taking these steps, you’ll create a more compelling listing that attracts serious buyers and helps you sell your car faster.

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Where to List Your Car for Sale

Once your car is clean, inspected, and ready to sell, the next step is getting it in front of potential buyers. There are several ways to list a used car in Ontario, each with its pros and cons.

Free Online Marketplaces

Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji Autos, and Autotrader are among the most popular places to list your car for free. These sites allow you to reach a wide audience without paying upfront fees.

Pros:

• Large audience of buyers
• Free listing option
• Easy to post and update

Cons:

• Lots of non-serious inquiries and lowball offers
• Risk of scams and fraudulent buyers
• Requires effort to communicate with potential buyers

To stand out on these platforms, make sure to write a detailed, transparent description and respond promptly to inquiries.

Paid Online Listings

If you’re looking to attract more interest from buyers, platforms like AutoTrader and Kijiji Autos offer paid listing options that include vehicle history reports, premium ad placement, and exposure to serious buyers.

Pros:

• Attracts more serious buyers
• Added trust with vehicle history reports
• Potential to sell at a higher price

Cons:

• Requires upfront payment
• Can still take time to sell
• Competitive listings

These platforms work well for higher-value vehicles or when you want to minimize the hassle of weeding through casual inquiries.

“For Sale” Signs & Community Boards

If you’re looking for local buyers, consider putting a “For Sale” sign in your car window and posting on community bulletin boards, such as those at grocery stores or local businesses.

Pros:

• Good for reaching local buyers
• No need for online interactions
• Can be a low-effort option if parked in a high-traffic area

Cons:

• Limited audience
• Less effective for quick sales
• Some areas may have restrictions on roadside sales

Word of Mouth & Social Media

Don’t underestimate the power of friends, family, and social media. Sharing your listing in local Facebook groups or simply spreading the word can help you find a buyer faster.

Pros:

• Trusted connections mean smoother transactions
• No listing fees
• Can lead to quick sales

Cons:

• Limited reach compared to online platforms
• May take longer if no immediate buyers are interested

By choosing the right listing method, you can maximize your chances of selling quickly while avoiding unnecessary headaches.

Handling Potential Buyers & Test Drives

Once your listing is live, you’ll start receiving messages from potential buyers. This stage requires patience and a good strategy to filter out serious buyers from time-wasters while ensuring a smooth and safe test drive process.

Screening Potential Buyers

Not everyone who reaches out is serious about buying. Some are just browsing, while others may try to negotiate aggressively before even seeing the car. To save time, ask a few key questions upfront:

Are you ready to buy soon? If they’re just casually browsing, they may not be serious about making a deal.

Do you have financing arranged? If they need a loan, ensure they have pre-approval before meeting up.

Will you need a test drive? Some buyers may just want details before making an offer, while others will expect to drive the car first.

If a buyer refuses to meet in person or insists on wiring money before seeing the car, those are red flags of potential scams.

Meeting in a Safe Location

For safety reasons, always meet buyers in a public place instead of your home. Good options include:

• Police station parking lots (many have designated safe exchange zones)
• Well-lit shopping centres
• Gas stations or busy parking lots

Avoid secluded areas and be cautious of buyers who insist on meeting at night. If possible, bring a friend along.

Test Drive Best Practices

If a buyer wants to test drive the car, follow these steps to protect yourself:

1. Verify their driver’s licence – Ask to see a valid Ontario driver’s licence before handing over the keys.
2. Join them on the test drive – Never let a stranger take your car alone. Ride along to answer questions and ensure the car is returned.
3. Plan the route – Choose a short test drive route with a mix of city and highway driving.
4. Limit passengers – Avoid large groups, as multiple people in the car can be a distraction.

If a buyer insists on driving alone, you can request a cash deposit before handing over the keys.

Handling Offers & Negotiation

Expect buyers to negotiate, even if your price is already fair. Here’s how to handle offers professionally:

• If the offer is reasonable, consider negotiating to a middle ground.
• If the offer is too low, counter with a slight discount but stand firm.
• If the buyer is trying to lowball, politely decline and wait for a more serious buyer.

A good approach is to price your car slightly above your bottom-line price, leaving room for negotiation.

Once you and the buyer agree on a price, get a deposit (if applicable) and move to the final paperwork.

Finalizing the Sale & Required Paperwork

Once you’ve found a serious buyer and agreed on a price, it’s time to wrap up the deal. In Ontario, selling a car requires specific legal documents to transfer ownership properly. Having everything ready in advance will make the process much smoother.

Documents Needed to Sell a Car in Ontario

Before handing over the keys, you must provide the buyer with the following:

1. Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)

The UVIP is legally required when selling a used car in Ontario. It includes important details such as:

• The car’s registration history
• Lien status (if any money is owed on the car)
• The average wholesale value (used for calculating tax)
• Instructions for transferring ownership

You can purchase a UVIP online through ServiceOntario or in person at a ServiceOntario location for $20. Keep in mind that it can take up to 5 business days to arrive if ordered online.

2. Bill of Sale

The Bill of Sale is required to document the transaction. You can use the template included in the UVIP or create your own. It must include:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Make, model, year, and body type
• Sale price (including tax if applicable)
• Buyer and seller names and addresses
• Date of sale
• Signatures of both parties

3. Safety Standards Certificate (SSC)

A Safety Standards Certificate is required if the buyer wants to register the vehicle in their name. This document proves that the vehicle meets Ontario’s minimum safety requirements.

To get one:

• Take the car to an MTO-licensed inspection station
• Pay the $80-$125 inspection fee
• If the car fails, repairs must be made before certification

The certificate is valid for 36 days, so it’s best to get it only after finalizing a sale to avoid multiple inspections.

4. Vehicle Ownership Permit (Green Ownership Paperwork)

The vehicle’s ownership permit has a Transfer of Ownership section on the back. Fill this out and sign it before giving it to the buyer.

Keep the plate portion of the permit—licence plates stay with you, not the vehicle.

5. CARFAX Report (Optional but Recommended)

A CARFAX report isn’t required but can help reassure buyers by showing:

• Any accident history
• Outstanding liens
• Previous ownership details

If you’re selling a high-value vehicle, having a CARFAX report can make buyers more comfortable with the purchase.

Collecting Payment Safely

Since private car sales don’t offer the same security as dealerships, it’s important to ensure you receive payment securely.

Preferred Payment Methods:

• Certified cheque – A bank-verified cheque ensures the funds are available.
• Bank draft – Similar to a certified cheque, but drawn directly from the buyer’s bank.
• Electronic bank transfer – An Interac e-Transfer works, but verify the funds are in your account before handing over the keys.
• Cash (for lower-value cars) – If accepting cash, meet the buyer at a bank to deposit it immediately.

Avoid Personal Cheques and Wire Transfers – These can be fraudulent or take time to clear.

After the Sale: What to Do Next

Remove Your Licence Plates

Licence plates in Ontario belong to the driver, not the car. Remove them before the buyer drives away. If you plan to use the plates on another car, keep the plate portion of the ownership permit.

Submit a Notice of Sale

You must notify the Ontario Ministry of Transportation that the vehicle has been sold. This can be done:

• Online through ServiceOntario
• In person at a ServiceOntario location

Cancel or Transfer Your Insurance

Once the sale is complete, contact your insurance provider to cancel or transfer the policy. Failing to do this could leave you liable for any incidents involving the vehicle.

Check for Any Plate Sticker Refund

If you had months remaining on your licence plate sticker (for vehicles that still require them), you may be eligible for a refund from ServiceOntario.

Risks of Private Car Sales and How to Avoid Scams

Selling a car privately in Ontario can help you maximize your sale price, but it also comes with potential risks. From time-wasting buyers to outright scams, it’s important to protect yourself throughout the process. Here’s what to watch out for and how to avoid common pitfalls.

1. Dealing With Tire Kickers & Lowball Offers

When selling a car privately, you’ll inevitably encounter “tire kickers” who:

• Ask endless questions but have no real intent to buy
• Show up for test drives but never make an offer
• Try to dramatically undercut your asking price

How to Handle It:

• Set clear expectations in your listing (e.g., “Serious inquiries only”)
• Pre-screen potential buyers by asking about their budget and purchase timeline
• Politely but firmly reject unrealistic offers

If a buyer is persistently lowballing you, don’t be afraid to walk away—there’s always another buyer out there.

2. Payment Fraud & Scams

Unfortunately, private sales can attract scammers looking to take advantage of sellers. Common scams include:

• Fake Payment Confirmations: A buyer claims they’ve sent an Interac e-Transfer, PayPal, or wire transfer but the funds never arrive.
• Counterfeit Cheques: A buyer gives a fake certified cheque that bounces days later.
• Overpayment Scam: A scammer “accidentally” overpays and asks for a refund—after you send them money, their original payment bounces.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Accept only secure payment methods (certified cheque, bank draft, or in-person Interac e-Transfer)
• Meet the buyer at their bank to verify funds before handing over the car
• Never accept a payment above your asking price—it’s almost always a scam

3. Test Drive Theft

While most buyers are legitimate, some may take advantage of a test drive to steal your car.

Red Flags to Watch For:

• A buyer refuses to show ID or proof of insurance
• They insist on test-driving alone
• They bring multiple people and try to distract you

How to Protect Yourself:

• Always accompany the buyer on the test drive
• Ask for a copy of their driver’s licence and proof of insurance before handing over the keys
• Choose a safe, public meeting location, such as a police station parking lot

4. Fake Escrow & Shipping Scams

A common scam involves buyers who claim they:

• Live out of town or overseas
• Want to pay via an escrow service or arrange for shipping
• Offer to send a “trusted” agent to collect the car

Red Flag: These scams often involve fake escrow services that take your car and money, leaving you with nothing.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Insist on local, in-person transactions only
• Do not accept third-party pickup arrangements
• If a deal sounds too complicated or suspicious, walk away

5. Safety Concerns When Meeting Buyers

Selling a car requires meeting strangers, which comes with safety risks.

How to Stay Safe:

• Meet in a public, well-lit area, preferably a police station parking lot
• Bring a friend or family member to the meeting
• Avoid scheduling meetups late at night or in isolated locations

Red Flag: If a buyer insists on meeting somewhere secluded or behaves aggressively, cancel the deal.

6. Paperwork Issues That Could Come Back to Haunt You

Selling a Car Without a Proper Bill of Sale: If the new owner fails to register the car, you could still be legally responsible for it.

Forgetting to Remove Your Licence Plates: Plates belong to the seller, and leaving them on could result in tolls or tickets in your name.

Not Transferring Ownership Properly: Until the buyer registers the car in their name, it technically remains your responsibility.

How to Avoid Legal Trouble:

• Always complete and sign a Bill of Sale
• Remove your licence plates before handing over the keys
• Submit a Notice of Sale with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation

Alternatives to Selling a Car Privately

Selling a car privately in Ontario takes time and effort—between listing, negotiating, and managing paperwork, the process can be a hassle. If you’re looking for a faster, easier way to sell your car, here are your two best options.

1. Sell or Trade Your Car with Clutch

For a fast, hassle-free sale, Clutch offers a secure, market-based offer in minutes.

• Quick Process: Get a firm price online and sell within24 hours
• No Negotiations or Listings: Avoid dealing with buyers and lowball offers
• Pickup or Drop-Off: Sell from home or visit a nearby Clutch location
• Paperwork Handled: Clutch manages ownership transfer, UVIP, and financing or lease payoff if applicable
• Trade-In Option Available: Apply your car’s value toward a new ride from Clutch and pay sales tax only on the price difference

Downsides:

• Offers may be slightly lower than a perfect private sale price, but you skip the hassle

Best for: Sellers who want a quick, secure, and effortless sale or trade

2. Sell or Trade Your Car at a Dealership

If you prefer to sell or trade in your car at a physical dealership, you have another option.

• Fast Transaction: Some dealers buy cars on the spot
• Trade-In Savings: Just like Clutch, dealers let you apply trade-in value to your next car and save on sales tax
• No Private Buyers to Deal With

Downsides:

• Dealers often offer wholesale pricing, which means less money for you
• You may encounter sales pressure to trade and less transparency overall

Best for: Sellers who prefer to handle their transaction in person but are okay with a lower offer

Final Steps After Selling Your Car

Once you’ve completed the sale or trade, there are a few last steps to finalize the transaction and protect yourself.

1. Remove Your Licence Plates

In Ontario, licence plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. Before handing over the keys:

• Take off your plates
• Keep the plate portion of your ownership permit (needed if you plan to transfer them to another car)
• If you’re not using the plates, you may be eligible for a refund on any full months remaining on your registration

2. Cancel or Transfer Your Insurance

Contact your insurance provider to:

• Cancel your policy if you’re not replacing the car
• Transfer coverage if you’re getting a new vehicle

Why this matters: Until you cancel or transfer your policy, you’re still responsible for the insurance on the sold vehicle.

3. Notify the Ministry of Transportation (MTO)

For private sales, the buyer is responsible for registering the vehicle within six days of purchase. However, you should still:

• Submit a notice of sale to the MTO (can be done online or at ServiceOntario)
• Verify the buyer completes the transfer—until they do, the car is still in your name

Why this matters: If the buyer delays registration, any tickets, tolls, or fines could still be linked to you.

4. Keep Records of the Sale

Hold onto:

• A copy of the Bill of Sale
• Any payment records (e.g., e-transfers, receipts)
• Proof of insurance cancellation

Why this matters: These records help protect you in case of disputes or unexpected issues down the road.

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Make Life Easy by Selling or Trading Your Vehicle With Clutch

As mentioned above, Clutch lets you sell your car quickly, seamlessly, and at a fair market price. Simply head to our Sell or Trade page and enter a few details about your ride to get a firm offer in minutes. We charge no platform fees, we don’t lowball our offers, and we don’t make last-minute driveway adjustments to our offer provided the information you provide on your car is accurate. We also make the paperwork as quick as can be. Plus, our offer is valid for 14 days, giving you plenty of time to look elsewhere in the process! So what are you waiting for? Get your instant cash offer today.