How to Sell a Car Privately in Manitoba

Seller checklist (Manitoba)

• Complete the Transfer of Ownership Document (TOD). The TOD is on the back of the registration card. The seller fills in the date and odometer reading and signs; the buyer must also sign. Both parties need to sign before the transfer goes through at MPI.
• Write and sign a bill of sale. MPI advises a written bill of sale describing the vehicle year/make/model, VIN or serial number, and the agreed selling price. Print two copies and sign both — the buyer takes one to MPI, you keep one.
• Provide inspection information. MPI requires a valid Certificate of Inspection (COI) to register a vehicle. Either provide a current COI to the buyer or make clear the buyer is responsible for arranging one before registration.
• Remove or transfer plates, then cancel or transfer insurance. Plates are handled through MPI's Autopac system — contact MPI or your broker to cancel or transfer coverage once the sale is signed. Don't leave insurance running on a vehicle you no longer own.

Buyer steps after the sale

• Arrange Autopac insurance before driving the vehicle.
• Bring the signed TOD, the signed bill of sale, a valid Certificate of Inspection (COI), proof of insurance, and ID to an MPI service centre to register.
• A valid Certificate of Inspection is required to register a vehicle in Manitoba — budget for the inspection if the seller doesn't provide one.
• RST on private sales is administered by Manitoba Finance and calculated on the greater of the purchase price or the vehicle's average wholesale value (Canadian Black Book for passenger vehicles; Canadian Blue Book for motorcycles and off-road vehicles) per Bulletin 054, collected at transfer through MPI. The number on the bill of sale should match what you declare.

Additional notes

• Manitoba Finance calculates RST on the greater of the purchase price or the vehicle's average wholesale value (Canadian Black Book for passenger vehicles; Canadian Blue Book for off-road / motorcycles) per Bulletin 054 — not simply the declared sale price. Keep the bill of sale accurate — buyer and seller having the same number on record avoids questions at transfer.
• An expired Certificate of Inspection will block registration. Confirm inspection status before hand-over so the buyer isn't stuck paying for a second inspection right after the sale.
• MPI advises both parties contact MPI promptly about plates and insurance — gaps in coverage or plates left on a sold vehicle create unnecessary liability.

Official sources

• MPI — Ownership transfers
• MPI — Protect yourself when buying and selling a vehicle