Whether you are looking for convenience, commuting or a little freedom, buying a new or used car should be fun and exciting. But you can’t forget about some of the “must do’s” before you get your car out on the road. One of the more important things to complete is registering your vehicle - this includes getting your Ontario license plate. While it may sound daunting, we’ve made it easier with our guide to registering a car in Ontario. Just a few steps and you’ll be ready to hit the road. Here are some of the big questions we will answer throughout this guide:
How to Register a New or Used Vehicle in Ontario
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By CARFAX Canada
- Time to read: 5 minutes
What is car registration?
First things first, what is vehicle registration anyway? In Ontario, car registration simply refers to the act of officially filing your car ownership with the province and receiving the document that proves your car is registered.
When you register your car in Ontario, you will typically pay a fee (more on this later), receive a registration card and your license plate. Your registration will expire every two years, and you will have to renew to continue driving your vehicle in Ontario (more on this later, too).
When do you need to register a new or used car in Ontario?
The answer to this question is different depending on whether your car is new or used and if you’re moving to Ontario from another province or territory.
- If you buy a new car, it may have already been registered by the dealership. Easy! If not, you will need to follow the rest of the instructions in this guide. The dealer may even help you complete the paperwork. Also easy! In March 2022, Ontario began allowing over 7,000 dealerships to provide registration directly to their customers, so check with your dealership to see if they’re one of them.
- If you buy a used vehicle, you must have it registered within six days of the purchase. If you are buying it privately from the previous owner or the dealership did not register your new vehicle, you will need to go to a ServiceOntario location within 6 days of the purchase.
- If you have moved to Ontario from another province or territory, you will have to register and get new license plates and an Ontario driver’s license within 30 days. Find out more here.
- If your current registration is going to expire, you will have to get it renewed. In Ontario, car registrations typically expire every two years.
What do you need to register a car in Ontario?
If you’re wondering how to register a vehicle in Ontario, you’ll need a few things.
For all vehicles you will need:
- A valid Ontario driver’s license or your registrant identification number, or RIN
- Proof of identity including your legal names, birthdate, and signature (this should be a government issued ID including a Canadian or foreign passport, Canadian Citizenship Card, Canadian Permanent Resident Card, Indian Status Card and others)
- Proof of car insurance from a licensed Ontario insurance provider
- Proof of purchase (a receipt from the dealer or seller or portion of the used vehicle information package)
- The license plate portion of the permit
Unique items you’ll need for used vehicles:
- The completed used vehicle information package (for passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles, self-propelled motor homes or motorcycles)
- The original vehicle permit from seller with completed transfer portion
How much does it cost to register a car in Ontario?
Okay, the next big question: what is it going to cost me to register my car and get Ontario license plates? Vehicle registration fees include $32 for the vehicle permit in Ontario, or $59 for a new or replacement licence plate plus the permit. When you register, you will also pay retail sales tax for your vehicle, and you will also be required to pay for any outstanding fines under your name. You can pay by Visa, Mastercard, debit, cash, or certified cheque.
What is a registrant identification number (RIN)?
Earlier we mentioned registrant identification number or RIN. In Ontario, the RIN is a unique 9-digit number that is your vehicles' identity with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. Essentially a vehicle permit number, your RIN registers your corporation or business in the motor vehicle registration system to allow you a permit and a license plate.
We hope this guide has helped simplify the vehicle registration process for you and allowed you to get out there in your vehicle as smoothly as possible.
Buyers, avoid costly hidden problems. Sellers, build trust and sell quickly.
