Free Northwest Territories Car Bill of Sale
Selling a car privately in the Northwest Territories involves NWT Driver and Vehicle Services, no safety inspection, and a 10-day window for the buyer to register the transfer. Unlike most Canadian provinces, the NWT has no territorial sales tax — and GST does not generally apply to a private sale, so the buyer normally pays no sales tax. Transfers are done in person only, and small-community offices keep limited hours, so build extra time into every step of the process.
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Northwest Territories Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Tax Details
The Northwest Territories has no territorial sales tax. GST does not generally apply to a private sale between individuals, so a private buyer normally pays no sales tax. The 5% GST applies when you buy from a GST registrant, such as a dealer.
Exemption: Private individual-to-individual vehicle sales between non-GST-registrant parties are generally exempt from GST collection.
Inspection Requirements
No safety inspection is required for used vehicle transfers in the NWT, including vehicles last registered in another province or territory. The only inspection is for right-hand-drive vehicles, which must be inspected and registered before they can be driven in the NWT.
Northwest Territories Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Both parties complete a bill of sale with VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, sale date, and full legal names and addresses.
- Seller signs the notice of transfer on the certificate of registration, gives it to the buyer, and retains a copy of the signed bill of sale as proof of the transfer date.
- Seller removes the licence plates — plates stay with the seller in the NWT and are not transferred with the vehicle.
- No safety inspection is needed for the transfer; only a right-hand-drive vehicle must be inspected before it can be driven in the NWT.
- Buyer insures the vehicle, then brings photo ID, the signed registration certificate, the bill of sale, and proof of insurance to a driver and vehicle office within 10 days of becoming the owner.
- Buyer pays the transfer fee ($27 using an existing licence plate, or $58–$126 with a new plate); 5% GST applies only when the seller is a GST registrant, such as a dealer.
- Transfers are in person only, not online or by mail; for communities without a driver and vehicle office, contact the regional office.
- Both parties keep signed copies of the bill of sale for a minimum of six years.
Common Pitfalls
- Forgetting the 10-day transfer deadline: the Motor Vehicles Act gives the new owner 10 days to submit the notice of transfer, and failing to meet it can leave the seller liable for any tickets, tolls, or incidents tied to the vehicle.
- Plates left on the vehicle: NWT plates belong to the seller, not the vehicle. Allowing the buyer to drive away with the seller's plates can result in the seller being held responsible for traffic offences committed after the sale.
- Assuming the local office is open: transfers are in person only, and small-community offices keep limited hours — Fort Providence, for example, opens on the third Tuesday of each month and takes cash only. Check the hours before listing the vehicle.
- Underreporting the sale price: even without a territorial sales tax, an artificially low bill of sale price can trigger scrutiny from the Canada Revenue Agency regarding GST obligations if either party is GST-registered.
Pro Tip
NWT car sales have two practical complications: the in-person office visit in remote areas and the 10-day transfer clock. Check your nearest office's hours before you list the vehicle to avoid delays after a buyer is found, remove your plates on the day of sale, and keep a signed copy of the bill of sale as your dated proof of transfer.