Everything you need to know about registering your vehicle in Canada

Vehicle registration is the process of officially registering a car in the province or territory where it will be used.

Yes. Vehicle registration is mandatory throughout Canada. Whether you're buying a new or used car, you must register it in your province or territory before you can legally drive it on public roads.

The deadline for registering a vehicle varies depending on your province or territory. For example, in Ontario, you generally have six days after you purchase a vehicle to register it¹. Be sure to check the current requirements with your provincial or territorial registration office.

The vehicle registration certificate is an official government document that shows ownership and registration of a vehicle. Depending on where in Canada you live, your vehicle registration certificate might go by a different name, such as:

• Vehicle permit 
• Proof of registration

Be sure to keep this document safe, as it will be required for various dealings involving your car, such as:

• Ownership transfers 
• Auto insurance
• Registration renewals
• Vehicle sale or purchase transactions

The vehicle registration process will vary depending on whether you purchased your car from a dealer or from a private seller.

Whether you're buying a new or used car from a dealership, the dealer will generally register the vehicle for you.

Typically, the dealer will provide you with: 

• The completed paperwork
• Your licence plate 
• Required plate stickers (if applicable in your province)

When buying a used car from a private seller (e.g., from a friend or through an advertising website), you'll be responsible for:

•  Transferring the ownership of the vehicle
•  Registering the vehicle

Requirements may vary by province or territory, but typically, you'll need to have the following documents on hand:

• Proof of purchase
• Proof of auto insurance
• Valid identification
• Transfer of ownership documents

For example, if you're buying a used car in Ontario, the seller must provide you with the used vehicle information package, as you will need it to register your car.²

While vehicle registration is mandatory wherever you live in Canada, the process, deadlines, and available services will vary by province or territory:

In some cases, yes. Depending on your province or territory, you may have access to online vehicle registration services, such as renewing your vehicle registration or updating your information.

However, for first-time registrations and transfers from a private sale, you'll generally need to visit a service centre to complete the process in person and make sure your required documentation is verified.

For instance:

• In Quebec, many registration-related services are provided by the SAAQ.
• In Ontario, you can complete some tasks through ServiceOntario.
• In British Columbia, registration and auto insurance are handled together through the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).

Given that rules vary by province or territory, it's a good idea to check what options are available online before you start the registration process.

No, you'll need to have car insurance to register your vehicle—it's a requirement in all the provinces and territories. Depending on where you live, you may also need to provide proof of insurance when registering your car.

For instance:

• In Ontario, valid proof of insurance is generally required to register a vehicle.
• In Alberta, vehicle owners must also provide proof of insurance before they can register their vehicles.
• In Quebec, motor vehicle liability insurance is mandatory, but you won't necessarily have to show proof of insurance when registering your vehicle.

After you've paid your registration fees and registered your car, you'll usually receive documents such as a vehicle permit or vehicle registration certificate, as well as licence plates (unless you're using existing plates you already own). Remember that what you receive on registration will depend on where in Canada you live. But no matter what province or territory you’re registering your vehicle in, these items are key. They prove that:

• You are the owner of the vehicle 
• You have officially registered your vehicle 
• Your vehicle can be legally driven on public roads

Be sure to keep these documents safe, as they may be required for certain dealings involving your car, including renewals, sales, and ownership transfers

Every car rolls off the assembly line with a vehicle identification number (VIN), which is a unique 17-character code that functions like your car's fingerprint. While all cars have a VIN, no two VINs are the same.

• Officially identify your vehicle
• Confirm vehicle details
• Complete administrative tasks, such as registration renewals
• Check warranty information or the vehicle's history

The VIN also provides information about your vehicle, such as:

• Manufacturer
• Country of origin
• Year of manufacture
• Technical specifications

As the owner, you should know how to find your car's VIN, as you'll need it for car-related tasks, such as renewing your licence plate online or dealing with warranty issues.

You can find your VIN on your vehicle permit or vehicle registration certificate, as well as inside your car (typically on the dashboard or on the side of the driver's door).

Yes. Most provinces and territories require you to renew your vehicle registration periodically to keep your car legally on the road. Failing to renew your vehicle registration on time may result in penalties and prevent you from legally driving on public roads. 

If you move, remember to update the address associated with your vehicle registration. While this can often be done online, some provinces and territories may require you to visit a government office to update your registration documents.

Renewing your registration helps you:

• Keep your vehicle legally on the road
• Meet the requirements in your province or territory
• Avoid penalties or other consequences of expired registration

No. The renewal process may vary by province or territory. Depending on where you live, renewal might be automatic or done online, or it might require a few extra steps. So, it's important to check your vehicle's registration expiry date and follow the process established by your local vehicle registration office.

Depending on your province or territory, you may be able to check the status of your licence plate online.

Checking your licence plate status is a great way to:

• Find out whether your vehicle's registration is still valid
• Avoid late-renewal penalties
• Make sure your car is road-legal

Most Canadian provinces and territories now offer online renewal services for vehicles such as passenger cars. You can make use of online renewal as long as your information remains the same and you don't need to make any changes to your registration details. 

The documents you need to have on you while driving in Canada will depend on the province or territory, but will typically include the following:

• Valid driver's licence
• Proof of insurance
• Copy of vehicle registration

Most provinces and territories in Canada now accept digital proof of insurance. Check the rules in your jurisdiction and, if digital proof is accepted, ask your insurer for a digital version. 

If you're an Ontario driver, for example, and you're insured with TD Insurance, you can download a digital pink card to your phone's mobile wallet or to the digital wallet in your TD Insurance app.