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How To Sell A Car In Ontario

SELL YOUR CAR PRIVATELY IN ONTARIO

Selling a vehicle, especially in a capital province such as Ontario, requires a number of processes and legal procedures involved in order to ensure a safe and secure transaction. If you’re wondering how to sell a car in Ontario, there are several important steps that you should take note of, such as gathering the necessary documents, prepping your vehicle in terms of its value and condition, setting up the listing, advertisement strategies, and more.

There might be a number of reasons why you are selling your car, but either way, you have to abide by the laws and regulations in Ontario, as they are made to protect both you and the potential buyer from any legal repercussions that might occur.

This article will give you a brief guide on how to properly and legally sell your car in Ontario.

How to sell a car in Ontario

How do I legally sell a car in Ontario?

In order to legally put up your used vehicle in Ontario, there are a number of processes that you need to follow, like gathering all necessary documents required in the province. You will then need to transfer ownership of the car to the new owner by completing a Bill of Sale form.

Once the car has been sold, you will need to remove the license plates and return them to a Service Ontario centre. ServiceOntario centres are located throughout the province and offer a range of services, including the transfer of vehicle ownership. It is important to keep in mind that the process may vary slightly depending on the specifics of your situation, so you may want to consult with a lawyer or a professional car dealer for more information.

How to sell a car privately in Ontario

Here is a quick guide on how to sell a car in Ontario:

  1. Gather All Necessary Documents

    Before you start the process of selling your car, make sure you have all the necessary documents. This includes the original vehicle ownership, a valid safety certificate (if applicable), and a UVIP. These documents will be required by the buyer when transferring the ownership of the car into their name.

  2. Determine The Value of Your Car

    To get a fair price for your car, it is important to know its current market value. You can use online resources such as the Canadian Black Book or the Kelley Blue Book to determine the approximate value of your car. This will help you set a reasonable price when advertising your car for sale.

  3. Prepare Your Car For Sale

    A clean and well-maintained car is more likely to sell quickly and for a higher price. Make sure to give your car a thorough cleaning, both inside and out. Fix any visible defects and gather any service records or maintenance receipts you have. These documents can help demonstrate the care you have taken with the car and increase its appeal to potential buyers.

  4. Advertising Your Car

    There are several ways to advertise your car for sale. You can place a classified ad in a local newspaper or online marketplace. You can also place a for-sale sign in the car's window and park it in a high-traffic area. Be sure to include key information such as the make, model, year, mileage, and any notable features or upgrades in your advertisement.

  5. Negotiating The Sale

    An important part of achieving a successful negotiation is by making sure that you are knowledgeable about the current market, as well as the specifications of your vehicle as well. It also helps if the condition of your vehicle is well-maintained and is free of issues that may occur after the sale. The more you know about your car, the better price you can get for it!

  6. Transferring Ownership

    The buyer will need to go to a Service Ontario center to transfer the ownership of the car into their name and pay any applicable fees.

What is Ontario’s used vehicle information package?

The used vehicle information package (UVIP) is a document that provides important information about a used vehicle that is being sold in the province of Ontario. The UVIP is prepared by the MTO and is required by law to be provided to the buyer of a used vehicle in Ontario.

The UVIP contains a range of information about the vehicle, including:

  • The vehicle's make, model, and year
  • The vehicle's identification number (VIN)
  • The vehicle's odometer reading
  • The vehicle's safety standards certificate (if applicable)
  • The vehicle's emissions test results (if applicable)
  • Any outstanding liens on the vehicle
  • Any outstanding recalls or defects
  • Any outstanding tickets or fines

The UVIP is intended to help buyers make informed decisions about their purchase and to protect them from potential issues with the vehicle. If you are buying a used vehicle in Ontario, it is important to ask for a UVIP and review the information contained in it before making a purchase.

What paperwork do I need to sell my car privately?

If you're planning to sell your car privately in Ontario, there are a few important documents you'll need to have in order to complete the sale. These documents will help protect you and the buyer and ensure that the transaction goes smoothly.

  1. Vehicle Ownership Certificate

    The Vehicle Ownership Certificate proves that you are the legal owner of the car. It will have your name and the car's make, model, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on it.

  2. Used Vehicle Information Package

    A Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) is a document issued by the MTO in Ontario that provides information about a used vehicle's history and registered ownership. Similar to the ownership certificate, the UVIP includes details about the vehicle's make, model, year, and VIN, as well as information about the vehicle's ownership history, including any liens or encumbrances on the vehicle.

  3. Safety Standards Certificate

    In Ontario, some cars are required to have a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) before they can be sold. These instances include transferring the vehicle to a new owner, registering a rebuilt vehicle, and more. You can get an SSC by having a licensed mechanic inspect the car and fill out the necessary paperwork.

  4. Bill of Sale

    A Bill of Sale is a legally binding document that outlines the terms of the sale, including the price and any other relevant details. It should include the price of the car, the date of the sale, and the names and addresses of the buyer and seller. You can use this template for a Bill of Sale here.

  5. Application of Transfer

    An Application for Transfer is a form found on the back of the vehicle ownership permit in Ontario that must be completed when transferring ownership of the car. The form is used to record the details of the sale, including the names and addresses of the buyer and seller, the aforementioned vehicle details above, and the date of the sale. The form must be signed by both the buyer and the seller and submitted to the MTO along with the vehicle's ownership documents and other relevant paperwork.

In addition to these documents, it's a good idea to remove your license plates from the car before you sell it. Having these documents ready when you meet with potential buyers will make the sale process go more smoothly and efficiently. It will also protect you and the buyer by providing proof of ownership and ensuring that all necessary inspections and tests have been done.

CHANGING CAR OWNERSHIP IN ONTARIO

If you have recently purchased a new or used vehicle in Ontario, you will need to transfer the ownership of the vehicle into your name. This process is important because it ensures that you are legally responsible for the vehicle and helps to prevent disputes over ownership. In Ontario, the process for changing car ownership is relatively simple and can be done through the MTO.

Here are some tips on how to car ownership in Ontario:

  1. Gather The Necessary Documents

    To change car ownership in Ontario, you will need to have the following documents:

    • The vehicle's registration certificate or permit
    • Bill of sale
    • A completed Transfer/Tax Form (available at any Service Ontario centre or online at the MTO website)
    • A valid insurance certificate


  2. Pay Any Outstanding Fees

    Before you can transfer ownership of the vehicle, you will need to pay any outstanding fees or fines. This may include unpaid parking tickets, toll violations, or other fees.

  3. Visit a Service Ontario Centre

    Once you have gathered the necessary documents and paid any outstanding fees, you can visit a Service Ontario centre to transfer the ownership of the vehicle.

  4. Submit The Required Documents

    At the Service Ontario centre, you will need to submit the necessary documents and pay a fee to transfer the ownership of the vehicle.

  5. Update Your Driver's Licence

    After you have transferred ownership of the vehicle, you will need to update your driver's licence to reflect the change. You can do this by visiting a ServiceOntario centre and bringing your driver's licence, the vehicle's registration certificate, and proof of your new address (if you have moved).

  6. Notify The MTO

    Contact the MTO to let them know that you have sold the car. You will need to provide them with the date of the sale, the buyer's name, and the vehicle's identification number (VIN).

It is important to note that the process for changing car ownership in Ontario may vary slightly depending on your specific circumstances. For example, if you are transferring ownership as a result of a gift or inheritance, you may need to provide additional documentation.

While selling a used car in Ontario may seem to cause a lot of time and effort, these steps are necessary to ensure that both you and the buyer will have a seamless and, most importantly, safe, transaction.

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    FAQ

    1. What documentation do I need to provide the buyer?

      You should provide the buyer with the ownership document with a completed application of transfer found at the back, a bill of sale, a used vehicle information package (UVIP), and a safety standards certificate (SSC). The buyer will need these documents to register the car in their name and transfer the ownership.

    2. Do I need to let the MTO know that I sold my car?

      Yes, you are required to let the MTO know that you sold your car. You can do this by filling out a Bill of Sale and Transfer of Ownership form and sending it to the MTO. This form is available on the MTO website or at a Service Ontario center.

    3. What should I include in the bill of sale?

      The bill of sale should include the date of the sale, the price you agreed upon, and the contact information for both parties. You should also include a description of the car, including the make, model, year, and VIN.

    4. Is there a deadline for transferring the ownership?

      Yes, you have six months from the date of sale to transfer the ownership of the car to the buyer. If you do not transfer the ownership within this time frame, you may be liable for any tickets or fines that the car receives.

    5. Can I sell my car to anyone?

      Yes, you can sell your car to anyone as long as you follow the proper procedures for transferring ownership.