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7 minute read Published on Dec 21, 2025 by BrokerLink Communications
Whether you’ve just moved to Ontario, bought your first car, or picked up a used vehicle, getting it properly registered is one of the first things you’ll need to do. According to Statistics Canada, in 2024 alone, Ontario led Canada with 699,289 new vehicle registrations, showing just how many drivers need to complete this step every year.
Registering your car proves you own it, connects it to your insurance, and lets you legally drive it on Ontario roads. Skip this step, and you could face fines or trouble if you're ever in an accident. Whether it's a new car or you're transferring ownership, this guide is here to walk you through the process.
According to ServiceOntario, before you can register your vehicle, you'll need to have the following documents:
A valid Ontario driver’s licence (or an acceptable proof of identity document)
Proof of purchase
Proof of Ontario car insurance
Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) (if applicable)
A completed used vehicle information package (UVIP) (if buying a used car)
The original vehicle permit from the seller with the transfer portion completed (if buying a used car)
The plate portion of your vehicle permit (if you wish to reuse a licence plate)
A completed application for vehicle registration form
Depending on your situation, the process of registering a vehicle in Ontario can look a little different. Below, we’ve broken it down into three common scenarios so you know exactly what to expect:
When you're buying a new or used vehicle from a dealership, most of the paperwork is done by the dealership for you. They will typically register your vehicle with ServiceOntario on your behalf, and you'll receive your licence plate, licence plate sticker, and vehicle permit at the time of purchase.
When you buy a used vehicle from a private seller, you’re responsible for registration. You have six days to register your vehicle after a private purchase. You'll need to:
Get a completed used vehicle information package from the seller
Make sure the seller signs the transfer portion of the vehicle permit and includes a bill of sale
Obtain a Safety Standards Certificate if the vehicle isn’t already plated
Get proof of insurance for the vehicle
Complete the application for vehicle registration form
Once you have all that, you'll need to go to your local ServiceOntario centre with all the documents to register it. You can download and fill out the application for vehicle registration in advance from the ServiceOntario website. You'll need to pay for the:
Vehicle registration permit ($32)
Licence plate with permit ($59)
Retail sales tax will also be collected when you register. If you're buying a used vehicle that is at least 20 years old, you may need to get it appraised. For full details, contact the Ontario Ministry of Finance.
If you’ve recently moved to Ontario, you must register your out-of-province vehicle within 30 days. You'll need to get:
An Ontario Safety Standards Certificate
Ontario driver's licence
There are also additional requirements if you are still leasing your vehicle.
Once you have those, you'll need to bring them to your local ServiceOntario centre to register your vehicle, as well as the original vehicle permit from the previous province and a completed application for vehicle registration form. As with buying and registering a used vehicle, you'll need to pay for the:
Most vehicles bought privately in another Canadian province are subject to a 13% retail sales tax or HST when registering in Ontario. To see if this applies to your vehicle, contact ServiceOntario.
Finally, if you're putting a vehicle in your company's name, you'll need the following in addition to the other documents listed earlier for vehicle registration in Ontario:
A registrant identification number (RIN)
Proof of business legality, such as articles of amendment or incorporation
Two documents with the business name and Ontario address
A commissioned sworn statement confirming you have the authority to register the vehicle for the company
Proof of commercial car insurance in the business name
Once you have those, bring them to your local ServiceOntario centre to register your vehicle for your business and pay for the permit and licence plate fees.
When registering a vehicle in Ontario, most first-time registrations must be done in person at a ServiceOntario centre. This includes registering a newly purchased vehicle, transferring ownership, or registering a vehicle from out of province. However, some vehicle-related services can be done online, including:
Licence plate renewals
Updating your address
Ordering a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)
Replacing a lost or stolen permit
However, for anything involving the transfer of ownership or new registration, you’ll need to bring your documents and ID to your local ServiceOntario centre.
Now that you've read through this guide, registering your vehicle in Ontario should seem pretty straightforward. However, simple missteps or oversights can easily lead to delays or extra fees. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
Forgetting important documents, such as your proof of insurance or a signed vehicle permit
Not filling out the application for vehicle registration form in advance
Not getting a safety standards certificate when required
Buying a used vehicle without getting a completed used vehicle information package from the seller
Underreporting the sale price
Waiting too long to register your vehicle
No, you can’t register a vehicle in Ontario without insurance. You must show proof of coverage, typically the pink slip issued by your insurance provider, when registering your car.
We all lose things from time to time. Thankfully, a lost vehicle registration permit is far from the end of the world. In fact, you can easily get a replacement from a ServiceOntario centre. You can even apply for a replacement online.
A RIN is a unique 9-digit number used to identify a business or corporation within the Ministry of Transportation’s vehicle registration system. It serves as your business’s vehicle permit number, allowing your corporation or organization to register a vehicle, obtain a permit, and receive a licence plate.
Imagine you’ve privately purchased a used vehicle "as-is" that doesn’t have a valid Safety Standards Certificate (SSC). Before it can be legally registered and plated, it must pass a safety inspection.
To legally drive the vehicle to a mechanic, you can obtain a temporary licence plate sticker. This sticker is affixed to your existing licence plate, allowing you to drive for up to 10 days so you can get the vehicle inspected or repaired. You can request a temporary licence plate sticker from ServiceOntario. It costs $15.
If you still have questions about registering a car in Ontario, reach out to BrokerLink today. We can walk you through the registration process, explain how it ties into your car insurance, and help ensure everything is set up correctly.
And speaking of insurance, are you looking for a car insurance policy in Ontario? Whether it’s getting coverage to register your new vehicle or finding the right policy for your needs, our team is here to help. You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive car insurance quote in minutes.
Get an auto insurance quote
Changing the address on your vehicle registration is easier than you might think. Given how often people move, the government makes it easy by allowing motorists to change their address online using the ServiceOntario website. It is worth noting that there is no fee for changing your address after registration, but you are legally required to do so if you move. Specifically, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation requires you to do so within six days of changing your address.
A vehicle permit is proof that you have registered your vehicle with the province. As such, you must have it with you at all times while driving. Many drivers choose to keep it in the glove compartment.
VIN stands for vehicle identification number and RIN stands for registrant identification number. VINs can usually be found on the dashboard of your car, inside the windshield on the driver’s side. This is made up of a bunch of letters and numbers that identify your vehicle and its year, make and specifications; every vehicle has one and it is assigned when the vehicle is manufactured. Meanwhile, a RIN is a unique 9-digit number issued by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, most often for cars registered by businesses.
Yes. If you lose your Ontario car registration or it is stolen or damaged, you can replace it. In fact, obtaining a replacement is relatively simple. All you have to do is visit the nearest Service Ontario location to you. Please note that if you suspect your vehicle registration was stolen, it is recommended that you report it to the police.
You can lower car insurance premiums by contacting an insurance broker. Insurance brokers have all kinds of expert-approved tips to help you save money on Ontario car insurance. For instance, a broker can inform you about the cost benefits of insurance bundling, choosing yearly over monthly insurance payment schedules, selecting a higher deductible, as well as discuss the many car insurance discounts you might be eligible for, such as winter tire discounts, safe driver discounts, retiree discounts, and more.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
