Documents to Sell a Car Privately in Ontario

Selling your car privately in Ontario means gathering four documents: the Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP), a bill of sale, the signed vehicle permit, and — unless you're selling as-is — a Safety Standards Certificate. Here's what each one is, what it costs, and how the buyer's 6-day registration deadline fits in.

The Ontario bill of sale

The UVIP includes a bill of sale section, but a separate signed bill of sale gives both parties their own copy of the sale price, vehicle details, and signatures.

VIN (17 characters), year, make, model, colour
Odometer reading and fuel type
Sale price and date of sale
Both parties' full legal names and addresses
Both parties' signatures

Create your free Ontario bill of sale

Steps at a glance

Order the Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) from ServiceOntario using your VIN or plate number.
Complete a bill of sale.
Decide whether to sell as-is or get a Safety Standards Certificate.
Sign the vehicle permit over to the buyer.
Remove your licence plates before the buyer drives away.
Give the buyer the UVIP, bill of sale, and signed permit.

Seller checklist (Ontario)

Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP). Order this from ServiceOntario using the vehicle's VIN or plate number and give it to the buyer. It includes vehicle history, lien info, and registration details, plus a bill of sale section.
Bill of sale. A written record of the sale with VIN, sale price, odometer, and both parties’ names and addresses. You can create one in minutes with AutoBill’s free generator.
Vehicle permit (ownership) and licence plate. Hand over the permit to the buyer. In Ontario, licence plates stay with the seller—remove your plates before the buyer drives away. The buyer registers the vehicle in their name and gets new plates at ServiceOntario.
Safety Standards Certificate (SSC), unless selling as-is. An SSC is required to plate the vehicle unless it is sold as-is. If selling as-is, the buyer is responsible for obtaining the certificate before plating the vehicle. Check current rules on Ontario.ca.

Buyer steps after the sale

Register the vehicle at ServiceOntario within 6 days of purchase.
Bring the bill of sale, UVIP, permit, ID, and proof of insurance.
Retail Sales Tax (RST) is based on the greater of the purchase price or wholesale value—see Ontario.ca for rules.

Documents you’ll need

Document	Where to get it	Cost
Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)	Order online at ServiceOntario (VIN or plate number) or in person at any ServiceOntario centre	$20
Bill of sale	Create free with AutoBill	Free
Vehicle permit (ownership)	Seller signs over the existing permit	Included with vehicle
Safety Standards Certificate (unless sold as-is)	Licensed motor vehicle inspection station	Inspection fee applies

Want the full step-by-step on filling out the bill of sale itself? See our guide to creating an Ontario bill of sale.

Frequently asked questions

What is the UVIP and how much does it cost?

The Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) is a ServiceOntario document that shows vehicle history, lien information, and registration details, plus a bill of sale section. It costs $20 and can be ordered online (sent within 5 business days, plus up to 10 days for delivery) or same-day in person at any ServiceOntario centre, using the vehicle's VIN or plate number.

How do I order a UVIP?

Order online through ServiceOntario using the vehicle's VIN or licence plate number, plus your driver's licence number, registrant ID, or name and address — or visit any ServiceOntario centre in person for same-day issue.

Do I need a Safety Standards Certificate to sell my car in Ontario?

Only if you want the buyer to be able to plate the vehicle without one. You can sell as-is without an SSC, but then the buyer is responsible for getting one before plating the vehicle.

How long does the buyer have to register the vehicle in Ontario?

6 days from the date of purchase. The buyer brings the bill of sale, UVIP, signed permit, ID, and proof of insurance to ServiceOntario.