What You Need to Know About Vehicle Registration in Ontario

If you’re a new driver, or simply new to Ontario, you may have some questions regarding vehicle registration. Whether you own or lease a vehicle, you are required by law to abide by all vehicle registration regulations. To those unfamiliar with the rules, it can be a little confusing. Don’t worry, this article will lay out the process in a clear, concise way.

Registering Your Vehicle in Ontario

Before you can hit the road in Ontario, there are a few things you must have. They are:

• Proof of insurance
• An ownership permit
• License plates with up-to-date validation stickers
• A safety inspection certificate (if the vehicle is used)
• A Drive Clean emissions test pass (depending on the year of the vehicle)

If you purchased your vehicle from a car dealership, you’re in luck—they will complete the vehicle registration for you. However, you must notify your insurance of your new vehicle at this time as well. The dealership will provide you with all the necessary paperwork along with the license plates (if needed) and plate sticker. From there, all you have to do is drive off the lot—your new car is registered and insured.

Registering a Used Car in Ontario

Buying a used vehicle requires a bit more work. If you’re buying from a used car from a dealership, they may complete the registration process for you. Otherwise, you have to complete the process yourself. It’s important to remember that your vehicle must be registered within 6 days after you purchase it.

In order to register your used vehicle, you must go to a Service Ontario with the following:

• Driver’s licence
• A completed used vehicle information package, including a bill of sale
• The original vehicle permit with the transfer portion completed by the seller
• Proof of insurance from your insurance provider

Registering an Out of Province Vehicle in Ontario

If you’re permanently moving to Ontario, you’re required to register your current vehicle in Ontario. In order to register an out of province vehicle, you will need:

• Proof of insurance in Ontario
• An Ontario driver’s licence
• The vehicle registration from your previous location
• A safety inspection certificate

You will also be required to purchase new Ontario licence plates as well as the plate sticker.

Vehicle Registration Renewal

Once you have registered your car, you will need to periodically renew your registration. This comes in the form of your licence plate sticker. In Ontario, you must renew your licence plate sticker either yearly or every two years (for an additional cost).

When your registration is nearing its renewal time, Service Ontario will notify you. You can either renew online or in person at a Service Ontario location. To renew, you will need the following:

• Your licence plate number
• Your insurance policy number
• Your vehicle permit
• The odometer reading of your vehicle

When it comes to registering a vehicle in Ontario, it’s important to remember that you must have an insurance policy. If you have questions regarding your auto insurance policy or questions about the registration of your vehicle, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our brokers. At Regal Insurance, we’re here to help.