What you need to register a vehicle in Canada
Vehicle registration in Canada is handled by the provinces and territories, not by a federal agency. Each province has its own process, fees, and renewal timelines. You'll need proof of ownership (the bill of sale or manufacturer's certificate), proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of insurance before you can register a vehicle.
The specific documents required vary by province. For example, Ontario requires a completed process for Vehicle Registration form, while British Columbia asks for a Vehicle Registration process. Most provinces now let you renew online or by mail, though first-time registrations usually require an in-person visit to a ServiceOntario office, a DriveTest centre, or your provincial equivalent.
Insurance is mandatory in every province before registration. You cannot register a vehicle without proof of a current insurance policy. The insurance company will provide you with a proof of insurance document that you'll need to show when you register.
Key Takeaways
- Each Canadian province and territory runs its own vehicle registration system, so the process and fees differ depending on where you live.
- You must have proof of ownership, identity, residency, and current insurance before you can register a vehicle.
- First-time registrations typically require an in-person visit to your provincial registry office, while renewals can often be done online or by mail.
- Registration fees and renewal cycles vary by province; some renew annually and others every two years.
- Your registration certificate and license plate are tied to your vehicle, not to you as the owner.
How to register a new vehicle in your province
Start by gathering your documents: the bill of sale or manufacturer's certificate of origin, your driver's license or passport, a recent utility bill or lease agreement showing your current address, and your insurance proof of coverage. Contact your provincial registry office or visit their website to confirm the exact list for your province, since requirements can shift.
For a first-time registration, you'll usually need to visit in person. In Ontario, you go to a ServiceOntario office. In Alberta, you visit a registry agent. In British Columbia, you go to a ICBC office. Look up your province's registry office locator online to find the nearest location and check their hours before you go.
Bring all your documents and be prepared to pay the registration fee. Fees range widely by province and vehicle type. Some provinces charge a flat fee; others base it on the vehicle's weight or value. Ask about payment methods when you call ahead, since not all offices accept the same payment types.
Renewing your registration before it expires
Your registration renewal date is printed on your registration certificate. Most provinces send you a renewal notice in the mail 30 to 60 days before expiration. Check that notice for the exact important date and any changes to your information that need updating.
Many provinces now let you renew online through their registry website. You'll log in, confirm your vehicle and personal information, pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit, and receive your new registration certificate by mail within one to two weeks. Some provinces also accept mail-in renewals if you prefer not to go online.
If you miss the renewal important date, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. The penalty for driving with an expired registration varies by province but typically includes a fine. If your registration has lapsed, contact your provincial registry office to find out whether you can renew it or whether you need to re-register the vehicle from scratch.
Transferring registration when you sell or buy a vehicle
When you buy a used vehicle, the seller must provide you with the registration certificate and a bill of sale. You then take these documents to your provincial registry office to transfer the registration into your name. You'll also need proof of insurance and proof of residency.
When you sell a vehicle, you must notify your provincial registry office that you no longer own it. The process varies by province. Some provinces ask you to sign the back of the registration certificate and give it to the buyer. Others require you to submit a notice of sale form to the registry. Check your province's website for the exact steps, because selling a vehicle without notifying the registry can leave you liable for tickets or violations the new owner incurs.
The buyer cannot legally drive the vehicle until they have registered it in their name and obtained new license plates (in most provinces). During the transfer period, the vehicle should not be driven on public roads.
License plates and registration stickers
Your license plate is issued by your province when you first register a vehicle. The plate stays with the vehicle, not with you. When you sell the vehicle, the plate goes with it unless your province allows you to transfer it to a new vehicle.
Some provinces issue registration stickers that you affix to your license plate to show that your registration is current. Others print the expiration date directly on the plate or send you a separate registration certificate to keep in your vehicle. Check your province's system to know what proof of registration you need to carry while driving.
If your license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your provincial registry office to request a replacement. There is usually a small fee, and you'll receive a new plate by mail within one to three weeks.
What happens if your registration expires
Driving a vehicle with an expired registration is illegal in every Canadian province. If you are stopped by police, you can be fined. The amount varies by province but typically ranges from $100 to $500 or more. You may also be ordered to stop driving the vehicle when ready.
If your registration has expired, do not drive the vehicle. Contact your provincial registry office right away to renew it or to find out what steps you need to take. Some provinces allow you to renew online even after the expiration date has passed, though you may face a late fee.
If you no longer plan to use the vehicle, you can cancel the registration. This stops you from being charged renewal fees and removes the vehicle from your name in the registry system. Contact your provincial registry office for the cancellation process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register a vehicle online in Canada?
First-time registrations require an in-person visit in most provinces. However, renewals can usually be done online through your provincial registry website. Some provinces also accept mail-in renewals. Check your province's registry office website to see which services are available online.
What if I move to a different province?
You must re-register your vehicle in your new province within a set timeframe, usually 30 to 90 days after moving. Contact your new province's registry office for the exact important date and required documents. You'll need proof of residency in the new province, your current registration, and proof of insurance.
Do I need to register a vehicle if I only drive it on private property?
If the vehicle is driven only on private land and never on public roads, registration is not required in most provinces. However, if there is any chance it will be driven on a public road, you must register it. Check your province's rules if you are unsure.
How long does a first-time registration take?
If you visit the registry office in person with all required documents, you can usually complete the registration on the same day. You'll receive your registration certificate and license plate by mail within one to three weeks. Some provinces issue temporary plates so you can drive the vehicle home.
What is the cost of vehicle registration in Canada?
Registration fees vary significantly by province and depend on factors like vehicle type, weight, and age. Fees can range from under $100 to several hundred dollars annually. Contact your provincial registry office or visit their website for the exact fee for your vehicle.