Free Ontario Vehicle Bill of Sale
Selling a vehicle privately in Ontario involves three mandatory documents: the bill of sale, the signed-over Ownership Permit, and the Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) — a government-issued report the seller must purchase from ServiceOntario for $20. The buyer has just 6 days to complete the transfer at a ServiceOntario centre, and 13% HST is calculated on whichever is higher — the actual sale price or the Canadian Red Book wholesale value. This form covers all motor vehicles — cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and pickups.
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Ontario Vehicle Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Tax Details
13% HST applies to private vehicle sales. Tax is calculated on the higher of the declared sale price or the Canadian Red Book wholesale value — you cannot reduce your tax bill by writing a low price on the bill of sale.
Exemption: Vehicles gifted to or inherited from immediate family members may qualify for a tax exemption with a sworn Family Gift Affidavit filed at ServiceOntario.
Inspection Requirements
A Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) is required for the buyer to plate the vehicle. The SSC is valid for 36 days from issuance and must come from a licensed motor vehicle inspection station. Sellers are not legally required to provide one, but most buyers request it. Selling "as-is" without an SSC results in an "unfit" permit — the buyer cannot drive the vehicle on public roads until certified.
Ontario Vehicle Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Seller purchases the UVIP from ServiceOntario (online or in-person, $20) and provides it to the buyer before or at the time of sale.
- Both parties complete a bill of sale recording the year, make, model, VIN, odometer, sale price, sale date, and names/addresses of both parties.
- Seller signs the back of the Ownership Permit (vehicle registration) over to the buyer — both parties sign the transfer section.
- Seller removes licence plates — plates stay with the seller in Ontario.
- Seller retains a copy of the signed bill of sale and UVIP receipt as proof of sale date.
- Buyer arranges a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) from a licensed inspection station (valid 36 days) before plating.
- Buyer completes title transfer at any ServiceOntario centre within 6 days, presenting the Ownership Permit, bill of sale, UVIP, SSC, and valid ID — and pays 13% HST at the counter.
- For trucks and SUVs: note the body type and payload/towing capacity if relevant.
Common Pitfalls
- Skipping the UVIP: it is legally mandatory in Ontario — a buyer who discovers a lien or unreported accident after the fact has recourse against a seller who failed to provide it.
- Missing the 6-day transfer deadline: the buyer faces escalating fines, and the seller may receive parking tickets, photo-radar charges, and toll violations linked to the vehicle.
- Ignoring the Red Book floor: 13% HST is calculated on the Canadian Red Book wholesale value if your stated sale price is lower — writing "$500" on a $12,000 car will not reduce your tax.
- Keeping a copy of only the UVIP — both the UVIP receipt and the signed bill of sale are needed to prove when ownership legally changed hands.
- Plates: Ontario plates belong to the seller and the insurance attached to those plates. Letting the buyer drive away on your plates exposes you to liability.
- Using a car-specific form for a commercial truck may be rejected — use the generic vehicle bill of sale for commercial vehicles.
Pro Tip
For a smooth Ontario private vehicle sale: purchase the UVIP before listing (it shows buyers there are no hidden liens), have the SSC ready if the vehicle is in good condition, and keep your signed bill of sale copy for at least 6 years. Doing all three eliminates the most common post-sale disputes and protects you from any liability after the keys change hands.