Introduction
Owning a car is not only paying for the gas and driving it. It comes with many responsibilities, such as maintaining valid insurance, having a valid Safety Standard Certificate, and, once the car reaches the end of its life, ensuring responsible disposal..
If you want to do anything with your car, you have to prove your ownership, especially when you are selling, trading, or scrapping it. So, how do you prove ownership of a car in Canada? So, here in this blog, we will discuss the documents you need to prove your car ownership.
1. Vehicle Registration Certificate
The primary proof of vehicle ownership in Canada is the “Vehicle Registration Certificate“. The provincial government where the car was registered issues this document. The certificate includes key vehicle details such as make, model, year, and VIN. Plus, this document also mentions the state name and address of the registered owner. Every time the vehicle is sold, you must update the registration certificate to reflect the new owner’s name. So, if you are buying a used car, you need to ask for the vehicle registration document.
2. Bill of Sale
The “Bill of Sale” is another important document to prove car ownership in Canada. The seller offers this document to the buyer at the time of the transaction. The Bill of Sale includes some important information like the buyer’s and seller’s details, purchase price, and the date of sale. Although the Bill of Sale alone may not be sufficient proof, when you combine the vehicle registration certificate and Bill of Sale, it makes a strong case.
Also Read: How do I replace a lost car ownership in Ontario?
3. Car Insurance Policy
A car insurance policy is another document that can prove your car’s ownership. Insurance policies usually list vehicle details, including the owner’s name, address, and registration date. However, in cases such as when a car is gifted, the policyholder may differ from the legal owner. So, to prove car ownership in Canada, just having an insurance copy is not enough, but it is still a very important document.
4. Vehicle History Reports
Many online portals in Canada offer Vehicle History Reports. You can get the detailed history of the car from its VIN, including its previous owners and accident details. The primary purpose of a history report is to review the background of a used car, but it serves as an important document to prove ownership.
5. Loan or Lease Agreements
If you’ve purchased or leased a car, the loan or lease agreement may serve as proof of ownership. These agreements will have the buyer’s name to make it a valid proof of ownership.
6. Title Document
The title document also serves as one of the proofs of vehicle ownership in some Canadian provinces. While it’s an important document, not all Canadian provinces issue or recognize vehicle titles.
Also Read: Can You Scrap a Car Without a Title in Ontario?
Final Thoughts:
Owning a car offers freedom and flexibility, but it’s important to have the right documents on hand to prove ownership—especially when selling, scrapping, or transferring the vehicle. It doesn’t matter if you want to sell your car for scrap or sell it to a second-hand car dealer. All the car documents are equally important.
If your car has reached the end of its road, consider scrapping it responsibly. At Greenway Auto Recycling, we offer top dollar for junk and end-of-life vehicles. Call us at (416) 783-9026 if you don’t want your vehicle with you or repair it. We ensure that you will get amazing services with 100% satisfaction.
NOTE: We are a fully licensed scrap car removal company. We purchase scrap vehicles only after verifying ownership documents, ensuring a smooth and legal transaction. So, be ready with the above documents for a smoother transaction.
