6 Documents You May Need to Sell a Car in Canada

If you’re thinking about selling your car in Ontario, whether privately or to a dealership, it's important to have the right paperwork ready.

 

Knowing the documents needed to sell a car can make the process faster, smoother, and legal. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need in a clear and simple way.

 

1. Vehicle Ownership (The Green Permit)

The most important document needed to sell a car in Ontario is the vehicle ownership, also known as the green permit. This is your proof that the car is legally registered in your name.

 

On the back of this green document is a section called the “vehicle portion,” which you’ll need to sign and fill out when you sell the car.

 

If you’ve lost this document, you’ll need to visit ServiceOntario to get a replacement before selling.

 

2. Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)

Another key document needed to sell a car in Ontario is the Used Vehicle Information Package, often called the UVIP. This package is required by law when selling a car privately in Ontario. It includes:

 

• Vehicle history (past owners)
• Odometer reading
• Lien information (money still owed)
• Fair market value
• Tips on how to transfer ownership

 

You can order the UVIP from ServiceOntario online or in person. It costs a small fee, but it’s mandatory for private sales. Dealerships don’t need to provide this package when selling cars, but sellers do when selling to another individual.

 

3. Bill of Sale

A bill of sale is not legally required in all cases, but it’s strongly recommended, especially for private sales. It helps protect both you and the buyer.

 

• The bill of sale should include:
• Your full name and address
• Buyer’s full name and address
• Vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN)
• Sale price
• Date of sale
• Signatures of both parties

 

If you’re selling to a dealership, they will usually handle this paperwork and give you a copy for your records.

 

4. Safety Standards Certificate (Optional but Useful)

If you want the buyer to register and drive the car right away, you’ll need to provide a Safety Standards Certificate. This certificate proves that your vehicle meets Ontario’s basic safety requirements.

 

You can get this certificate from a licensed mechanic after they inspect your vehicle. It’s valid for 36 days.

 

While it’s not required to sell the car, the buyer will need it to register the vehicle for road use. Some buyers will insist on having one before purchasing the car.

 

5. Emissions Test (If Applicable)

As of April 2019, Drive Clean emissions tests are no longer required for most passenger vehicles in Ontario.

 

However, if you’re selling a heavy-duty diesel vehicle over a certain weight, an emissions test may still be needed. For most car owners, this is no longer something to worry about.

 

6. Lien Release (If Applicable)

If there was ever a loan on the vehicle, and it has been paid off, it’s smart to provide a lien release letter from the lender. This reassures the buyer that the car is fully yours and no money is owed on it.

 

Final Tips

Make sure all information is accurate and honest. Trying to hide information, like damage history or liens, can lead to serious legal issues.

 

Also, remove your licence plates and cancel your insurance after the sale is complete.

 

Selling to a Dealership

If you’re overwhelmed by the paperwork, the easiest and safest way to sell a car is to a used car dealership.

 

When you sell to a dealer, they usually take care of most of the documents needed to sell a car, including the bill of sale, lien checks, and even the UVIP. All you really need is your ownership and ID.

 

Thank you for reading! We're always looking to buy cars, and we'll pay a good price for yours if you're looking to sell. Click here to get a free quote today!