Introduction
Owning a car in Ontario involves more than just maintaining the vehicle itself — it also means handling ownership papers, permits, and legal documents. Despite their importance, many misconceptions persist about what these documents do, how they work, and what’s required of you as the owner. These myths can cause confusion, cost you time, or even lead to legal trouble. Read on to clear up the biggest myths about car ownership papers in Ontario so you can move ahead confidently.
Myth 1: “Once I buy the car, the old papers don’t matter.”
In truth, the previous owner’s documents do matter — as does the transfer process. In Ontario, you must register and transfer ownership via ServiceOntario. The official vehicle permit shows who owns the vehicle. Without proper transfer, you may find issues when you try to register, insure, or license the vehicle.
If you buy a used car and the seller hasn’t signed the transfer section of the ownership permit (the green slip), you could face delays or risk liability.
Myth 2: “I can scrap or sell the car without any ownership papers.”
Some people believe that if a vehicle sits unused or is ready for scrap, ownership papers are optional — but that’s incorrect. If you want to scrap a car, sell it or otherwise dispose of it legally, you must show you are the registered owner or you must obtain replacement documents from ServiceOntario first.
Without proof of ownership:
- You may not be able to transfer or scrap the car legally.
- The scrapyard may refuse to accept it because they risk liability.
- The process takes more time, paperwork, and may cost extra.
This means if you inherited a car or found one, you still must address the ownership permit, not simply assume it is optional.
Myth 3: “You always have to carry the original ownership paper in the vehicle.”
Many drivers think they must keep the original green ownership permit in the car glove box at all times. You must carry proof of registration and insurance when driving, but it’s not always wise to keep the original ownership document in your car. In fact, police in Windsor advised drivers not to keep the original ownership paper in the vehicle, as losing it or having it stolen could pose risks.
A better practice is:
- Keep the original ownership document in a safe place at home.
- Carry a copy or digital proof when driving, along with insurance documents and a driver’s licence.
- Replace lost or damaged paper via ServiceOntario if needed.
This protects you from theft or misuse of original documents.
Myth 4: “If the name is spelled wrong on the ownership permit, it’s no problem.”
Some owners assume minor errors like spelling mistakes don’t matter. But in Ontario, the vehicle permit must accurately reflect the registered owner’s name and address. If there is a mistake, you risk complications when selling, registering, or insuring the vehicle.
Correcting these errors usually requires a visit to ServiceOntario, a valid ID, and a small fee. It’s much better to catch and fix them early rather than assume “close enough” will work.
Also Read: Title Jumping in Ontario: Why It’s Illegal and How to Stay Protected
Myth 5: “A bill of sale replaces the need for an ownership permit.”
A bill of sale is a helpful document — it shows who paid whom and when — but it does not replace the ownership permit in Ontario. But on its own, it does not replace the ownership permit in Ontario. When you buy a vehicle, you must ensure the permit is signed over properly and you register the vehicle in your name. The provincial site states you need a permit and licence plates to legally drive. Relying solely on the bill of sale can leave you without legal ownership and expose you to risk later.
Myth 6: “I can ignore liens or previous owner issues if the permit looks fine.”
Even if the ownership permit appears legitimate, you should still check for any liens, outstanding obligations, or past uses (such as rental or taxi service). The document called the “Used Vehicle Information Package” (UVIP) gives a history of owners, liens, and registration details.
Skipping this step and assuming the permit covers everything may lead you to buy a car with hidden problems. Always check the vehicle’s VIN, history report, and UVIP before finalizing.
Myth 7: “Once registered, I never need to update the information.”
Another common misunderstanding is that once ownership papers are done, you can forget about them. In Ontario, you must update your permit within six days of changing your address. Failing to update your address or other details can mean you don’t receive important notices, plate renewals may fail, or you may face fines. It pays to keep the information current.
Myth 8: “The ownership permit transfers licence plates automatically.”
Some believe that when you transfer a car, the licence plates automatically transfer too — but in Ontario, plates are registered to the owner, not the vehicle. In Ontario, licence plates are linked to the owner, not necessarily the vehicle. When you buy a new vehicle, you often need to change or renew the plates. If you assume plates transfer without checking, you could find yourself uninsured or unlicensed. Always verify how the plates work in your scenario.
Also Read: How to Get a Replacement Vehicle Title in Ontario (Step-by-Step Guide)
Myth 9: “Insurance alone covers ownership documentation issues.”
It’s easy to think that as long as you have insurance, you’re covered—even if the ownership papers are missing or wrong. That is a myth. The ownership permit shows who legally owns the car; insurance only covers who is responsible for driving and managing risk. If the ownership document is defective, you may face issues when claiming insurance, transferring the vehicle, or dealing with a crash.
Conclusion
Ownership papers aren’t just extra paperwork — they’re vital to proving, transferring, and protecting your ownership rights. They matter in many ways—from proving you own the car, to insuring it, registering it, scrapping it, or selling it. In Ontario, you must transfer ownership properly, carry or copy the right documents, check for liens, update information when necessary, and ensure everything is accurate.
Understanding and avoiding these myths puts you in control and protects you from costly mistakes. And if you ever need to dispose of your vehicle or handle the hassle of missing papers, services like Greenway Auto Recycling offer trusted scrap car removal and will also help with license plate return and paperwork. Knowing the facts ahead of time keeps things simple, legal, and safe.
