Licensing a Vehicle in Ontario

Introduction to Licensing a Vehicle in Ontario

Most vehicles on Ontario roads must be registered, insured and maintained to meet certain basic standards. If you own a vehicle, you are responsible for making sure it meets the requirements. People who buy and sell vehicles also have certain responsibilities.

Insurance

Ontario has compulsory automobile insurance. Before you can attach plates to a vehicle or renew your registration, or buy a temporary (trip) permit, the vehicle must be insured. In Ontario, private companies provide insurance coverage.

All vehicles must be insured for third party liability for at least $200,000. This covers you in the event that you injure or kill someone or damage someone's property. Collision insurance to cover damage to your own vehicle is a good idea but not required by law.

When driving your own or someone else's vehicle, you must carry the pink liability insurance card for that particular vehicle. You must show this card when a police officer asks for it. If you do not, you can be fined up to $400.

Every person who operates a vehicle without insurance is guilty of an offence and is liable on a first conviction to a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $25,000. On a subsequent conviction to a fine of not less than $10,000 and not more than $50,000.

Insurance Coverage for Seasonal Vehicles

Seasonal vehicles are vehicles where mandatory road insurance and liability and accident benefits coverage is removed but comprehensive coverage is left on. Comprehensive coverage protects the vehicle against fire, theft, etc. Examples of seasonal vehicles are high-valued/collector vehicles stored for the winter and vehicles that are stored in garages while the driver is away for an extended period of time.

When you are ready to drive your seasonal vehicle, you will need to re-instate your vehicle's mandatory road insurance coverage first and then renew your licence plate sticker. 

Mandatory insurance coverage is electronically queried during the licence plate renewal process.

Please advise your insurance provider of your intention to re-instate the mandatory coverage approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to the actual re-instatement effective date.  This will allow the insurance provider sufficient time to report the necessary insurance information to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

Registration

Your vehicle permit must accurately describe your vehicle. If a change is made to your vehicle, you must report it at a Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office within six days.

If you own a vehicle and change your name or address, you must notify the Ministry within six days (There is no charge for these changes). You can change your name and address in person at a Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office. You can change your address:

• by mail by using the change of information stub attached to your vehicle permit,
• at a ServiceOntario kiosk, or
• online using ServiceOntario Address Change.

Fee Table

Vehicle-Related Transactions	Cost
Vehicle permit and number plate(s)	$20.00
Vehicle permit and plate for a trailer	$35.00
Vehicle permit and decal for a motorized snow vehicle	$30.00
Vehicle permit and plate for an Off-Road vehicle	$35.00

Yearly Vehicle Validation Fees	Cost
Passenger vehicles or motorized mobile homes
In Southern Ontario	$74.00*
In Northern Ontario	$37.00*
Motorcycles
In Southern Ontario	$42.00*
In Northern Ontario	$21.00*
Mopeds
In Southern Ontario	$12.00*
In Northern Ontario	$12.00*
Commercial vehicle gross weight 3,000 kg or less
In Southern Ontario	$74.00*
In Northern Ontario	$37.00*
Commercial vehicle gross weight 3,000 kg or less, personal use
In Southern Ontario	$74.00*
In Northern Ontario	$37.00*
Historical vehicles	$18.00*
Motorized snow vehicles	$15.00*

* add a $1 convenience fee if purchased through a ServiceOntario kiosk.

Effective January 1, 2005, all personal cheques must be certified unless payment is sent by mail.