Licensing a Vehicle that is Registered in Another Jurisdiction

"To Do" Checklist

Licensing Vehicles Registered Out-of-Province

1. Completed Application for Registration. A Supplementary Application is also required if the vehicle is registered to two persons or if the plate and vehicle owners are different. Blank applications are available at ServiceOntario Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Offices (cannot be downloaded from the Internet).

2. The original copy of the vehicle registration permit in your name. If the permit is not in your name, a signed Bill of Sale describing the vehicle fully from the seller to you is also required. If you have a Certificate of Title in your name and wish to keep it, you must provide a legible photocopy of the title with the original. The licence office will view the original title, keep the photocopy and return the original to you at the same time. The ministry does not mail back titles to applicants. Make sure you collect your title before you leave the licence office.

3. A Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) if the vehicle is registered "fit". This Certificate is not required for new, unregistered vehicles or trailers or motor assisted bicycles (mopeds) or vehicles registered "unfit".

4. A Drive Clean Vehicle Emissions Pass Report may be required if the vehicle is being registered as 'fit" in the Drive Clean program area. Current and future model year vehicles are exempt. For more information on the Drive Clean Program, call the Drive Clean Call Centre at 1-888-758-2999 or visit the Drive Clean Website. Note: Motorcycles/motor scooters do not have to pass an emission test.

5. Ontario insurance company's name and policy number if the vehicle is being plated in Ontario.

6. Odometer information for passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles (3000 kg or less and for personal and business use only) and buses (non prorate). Heavy commercial vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, off-road vehicles, snowmobiles and mopeds are exempt from the odometer information requirement.

7. Provincial Retail Sales Tax (RST) of eight percent on the declared value of the vehicle. If you are becoming an Ontario resident, instead of paying the sales tax, an exemption declaration may be completed at the time of vehicle registration. For plated motor vehicles that are 20 years or older, the RST is payable on the greater of either one of the following:
   • the purchase price
   • the replacement value for insurance purposes
   • the appraised value of the vehicle.

   For other RST exemptions, please contact the ServiceOntario Driver and Vehicle Contact Centre at 416-235-2999 or toll free (Canada-Wide) at 1-800-387-3445 (Canada wide).

   The Ministry of Transportation collects retail sales tax (RST) on behalf of the Retail Sales Tax Branch of the Ministry of Finance. For further information on RST, please contact them.

8. Fees: $20.00 for licence plates and a vehicle permit. The owner will also be required to buy plate validation from the date of vehicle registration to the assigned validation expiry. Fees will be calculated according to the class of vehicle and declaration(s).

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

9. Proof of identity (name, date of birth and signature) for applicant who has never registered a plate or vehicle with this ministry.

10. Outside Canada - Additional Requirement
    Customs Clearance Form (Vehicle Import Form 1)