Introduction
Losing your vehicle ownership certificate in Ontario—often called the “vehicle permit” or title—can feel stressful. You’ve stored it safely, maybe in your glove box or filing cabinet, and now it’s nowhere to be found. But take a deep breath. You are still the owner.
The lost paper does not erase your rights or your legal ownership. What changes is that you’ll need to visit ServiceOntario and ask for a replacement permit. This step ensures your ownership record remains official and that messy situations (like a buyer demanding proof) are avoided. Keep reading to understand exactly what losing your car title means, how to replace it, what you can still do (and can’t do) while you wait, and how to protect yourself from issues going forward.
What the “title” really is in Ontario
Every province calls it differently. In Ontario, you’re dealing with the vehicle permit (sometimes called the ownership certificate or title). That permit shows your name, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the licence plate number, indicating you own the car. It is the document you use when transferring ownership to someone else or scrapping the vehicle.
If you lose this document, you haven’t lost your car—only the paper proving your ownership. You’ll still own the vehicle; you must replace the document.
Immediate implications of losing your document
Ownership still exists
Even without the paper in hand, you remain the vehicle’s legal owner. The permit is proof of that ownership. Its loss doesn’t mean you no longer own the car.
You can’t transfer ownership easily
If you plan to sell or transfer the vehicle while you don’t have the permit, things get tricky. A buyer (or the buyer’s insurer) will want proof that you legally own the vehicle and that there are no outstanding liens or issues. Without the permit, you’ll need to get a replacement first.
Risk of misuse
If someone else finds the lost document, they might try to use it to register or sell the car. Although rare, such cases can happen — so always treat a lost title seriously to avoid potential ownership fraud.
No major immediate penalty
There’s no fine simply for losing the document. However, delays in replacing it can cause trouble if you try to sell the vehicle or register changes.
How to replace a lost car title in Ontario
Here’s what you’ll need to do:
- Visit a ServiceOntario centre. You’ll need to go in person, as online replacement of the vehicle permit is not currently available.
- Bring valid identification—an Ontario licence or Ontario Photo Card.
- Provide the vehicle’s details: the licence plate number or the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is enough.
- Pay the applied fee. The current cost to replace a lost or damaged vehicle permit is $32.
- Ask for the replacement permit document. It is given on the spot in most cases. As one person shared:
“Took my driver’s licence and paid $32… they gave me a new registration on the spot.”
If the vehicle is not in your name or you are acting on behalf of the owner, you’ll need a Letter of Authorization signed by the owner.
Things you should and shouldn’t do while you wait
Should do:
- Replace immediately. Delay means increased risk of someone misusing the information or you encountering problems when selling the car.
- Keep a scanned copy of the replacement permit once you get it. Store it safely, separate from the car.
- Check for any suspicious activity/liens on the car if you’re worried about the document being used by someone else.
Shouldn’t do:
- Don’t assume you’re free to sell the car without the permit. A buyer will expect the document.
- Don’t ignore the loss. Even though you still own the car legally, leaving the situation unresolved can cause future headaches.
- Don’t skip insurance or registration. Even if you’ve lost the title, you must still insure and register the vehicle if it’s being driven.
What about when you wish to sell, scrap, or transfer ownership?
When you sell or scrap the vehicle, the permit (title) must typically be surrendered or signed over. Without it, the buyer or scrap yard will ask to see proof. The lost document needs to be replaced before these steps. Once you have the new permit, you may proceed to:
- Sign the back of the permit and hand it to the buyer.
- Return the plates and permit when scrapping the vehicle.
- Update the vehicle status if needed at ServiceOntario (sold/scrapped).
Protecting against fraud or misuse
Losing the ownership document leaves a small window of risk. To reduce that risk:
- If you believe the document was stolen, file a police report. A police occurrence number can help show that you reported the loss.
- Let your insurance provider and/or ServiceOntario know the document was lost.
- Monitor for any correspondence or fees tied to the vehicle you don’t recognize (parking fines, tolls, etc).
- Once replaced, treat the new permit like a vital document — store it securely and never leave it in the car unattended.
Final word
Losing your car title in Ontario can slow you down, but it’s an easy fix once you know the process. A quick visit to ServiceOntario gets you a new permit on the same day, restoring your ability to sell, scrap, or update your vehicle information. The most important step is not to delay, especially if you plan to transfer ownership soon. Keep your new document safe, stay alert for any suspicious use of your old one, and you’ll avoid future trouble.
If you’re ready to recycle or sell your old car after transferring ownership, Greenway Auto Recycling can help. They offer fast scrap car removal across Ontario, handle ownership and plate return details, and pay top cash value for your vehicle. It’s a smooth way to close one chapter and move forward confidently.
