Introduction
When it comes time to sell a car, many people assume the licence plates stay with the vehicle. In Ontario, they don’t. The seller keeps the plates when the vehicle is sold. This raises a few practical questions: Can you sell a car without plates? What documents do you need? And how does the buyer legally get the vehicle home? If you find yourself in this situation, it is very important that you know the correct process.
Selling a car without plates is possible, but the exact requirements vary by province. This guide focuses mainly on Ontario. This guide explains what you need to know before selling a vehicle without plates, including the paperwork, insurance and transportation steps.
Can You Sell a Car Without Plates in Ontario?
Yes, you can sell a vehicle without its licence plates in Ontario. In Ontario, licence plates stay with the owner rather than the vehicle, so sellers generally remove their plates before handing over the vehicle.
In Ontario, you can keep your plates and use them on another vehicle if eligible. If you don’t plan to use them, you can return them to a ServiceOntario centre. The new owner is responsible for registering the vehicle in their name and affixing their plates before they legally operate it on public roadways.
Reasons to Remove Plates Before Selling
There are a few practical reasons to remove your plates before handing over the vehicle:
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- The plates stay with you: In Ontario, licence plates are assigned to the owner rather than the vehicle. When you sell the vehicle, you keep your plates.
- Avoid confusion after the sale: Keeping your plates prevents them from being used on a vehicle you no longer own.
- Use them on another vehicle: If you’re replacing your car, you may be able to use your existing plates on another vehicle, subject to Ontario’s registration requirements.
What paperwork is needed for selling a car without plates?
To sell a car without plates, you will need to assemble and fill out a few important documents. These documents help confirm the sale and give both parties a record of the transaction. The paperwork you typically need will include:
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- Vehicle Ownership (Registration Permit): Must be signed by both the seller and buyer.
- Bill of Sale: Includes the date, names of the seller and buyer, their addresses, details of the vehicle (VIN, make, model, and year), total sale price, and signatures.
- Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP): In Ontario, a private seller is required to provide the buyer with a UVIP when selling a used vehicle. It provides vehicle history and lien information.
- Safety Standards Certificate: Whether you need one depends on the transaction. In Ontario, a Safety Standards Certificate is required when applicable for registering a vehicle as fit for road use.
- Lien Release Letter (if applicable): If there were amounts borrowed against the car, then you will need proof that this has been paid off.
Also Read: 5 Signs It’s Time to Scrap Your Old Car: A Canadian Driver’s Checklist
How to Sell a Car Without Plates: Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a simple process to follow when selling a car without plates:
Step 1: Remove the Plates
Once the sale is agreed, remove your licence plates before handing the vehicle over to the buyer. Keep them somewhere safe if you plan to use them on another vehicle. Otherwise, you can return them to a ServiceOntario centre.
Step 2: Gather the Paperwork
Gather the required paperwork and complete the Bill of Sale. Make sure both you and the buyer review and sign the documents that require signatures.
Step 3: Update or Cancel Your Insurance
Contact your insurance company after the sale and let them know the vehicle has been sold. If you’re replacing it with another vehicle, ask about transferring or updating your policy.
Step 4: Complete the Ownership Transfer
The seller and buyer must complete the applicable sections of the vehicle registration permit. The buyer then takes the required documents to a ServiceOntario centre to register the vehicle in their name. In Ontario, the buyer must register the vehicle within six days of the purchase.
Step 5: Provide Buyer with Required Documentation
Give the buyer the Bill of Sale, completed ownership permit, UVIP and Safety Standards Certificate if one is required or available for the transaction.
Step 6: Notify the licensing authority
Requirements for notifying the licensing authority vary by province. In Ontario, make sure the ownership transfer is completed properly and keep copies of your sale documents for your records.
Can a Buyer Drive a Car Without Plates in Ontario?
A buyer generally cannot drive the vehicle on public roads without the required plates, registration and insurance. If the vehicle has no plates, the buyer needs to follow the applicable temporary permit or registration process or arrange another legal way to transport it.
What Happens to Your Old Plates?
After taking off your plates, you have some choices:
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- Transfer to another vehicle: If you’re acquiring another car, you can transfer your plates to it.
- Return to the licensing office: If you don’t want them, you can return them to your local ServiceOntario or licensing centre.
- Keep them for your next vehicle: In Ontario, you can keep your plates if you plan to use them on another vehicle and meet the registration requirements.
Also Read: How To Keep Your Personalized Number Plates When Scrapping Your Car?
Key Points to Consider
Before selling a vehicle with no plates, remember:
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- Always remove your plates before handing the vehicle over to the buyer.
- Don’t let the buyer drive the vehicle away until they have the required registration, insurance and legal means to transport it.
- Keep a copy of the Bill of Sale and other transaction records.
- Tell your insurance company about the sale as soon as possible.
- Return or transfer your plates according to local laws.
Conclusion
Selling a car without plates is straightforward in Ontario when you follow the correct process. The key is to complete your paperwork, safely remove your plates, and handle the transaction carefully. Make sure the buyer understands what they need to do next, and keep copies of your sale documents for your records.
Whether you’re selling to a private buyer or getting rid of an old vehicle through a scrapyard or scrap car removal company, handle the plate and paperwork process carefully. By following the steps outlined here, you can confidently sell your car legally, without problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I drive my car to the buyer without plates?
In Ontario, you generally cannot drive a vehicle on public roads without the required licence plates, registration and insurance. If the vehicle has no plates, the buyer should arrange the appropriate temporary permit or another legal way to transport it.
What happens if I forget to remove my plates before selling the car?
If you forget to remove your plates, contact the appropriate licensing authority and your insurer as soon as possible. Keep your Bill of Sale and other records showing when the vehicle was sold.
Can I sell my car without a Safety Standards Certificate?
Yes, a vehicle can be sold without a Safety Standards Certificate in some circumstances, but the buyer may need one before the vehicle can be registered as fit for road use.
What should I do after selling my car in Ontario?
Complete the required ownership transfer, remove your licence plates and keep copies of your Bill of Sale and other transaction records.
What if there’s still a lien on the vehicle?
If there’s an outstanding lien, deal with it before completing the sale and provide proof that the lien has been released when required.
