Posted on: October 5, 2025|By: Monica Orosz

If you’ve recently moved to Ontario, registering your out-of-province vehicle is one of the first legal steps to take. You’ll need to update your driver’s licence, obtain Ontario auto insurance, and complete registration at a ServiceOntario centre within 30 days of your move. This guide explains how to register your car in Ontario — including updated fees, forms, and requirements.

Steps to Registering Your Car

Whether you’re moving from out of province or simply getting your paperwork in order, having your vehicle appropriately registered in the province of Ontario is an essential part of legal ownership and operation of a car. By registering your vehicle, you confirm your ownership with Ontario and receive the necessary documents and license plates to drive. If your car is registered outside of Ontario, you can register your vehicle at a ServiceOntario centre. In comparison to cars within the province, registering an out-of-province vehicle requires a few additional steps. These steps differ depending on where you are bringing the vehicle from.

1. Gather Required Documents

Collect the following documents before visiting ServiceOntario:

- Driver’s Licence: Your valid Ontario driver’s licence.
- Proof of Insurance: An insurance “pink slip” from an Ontario-licensed provider.
- Vehicle Permit: The original permit from the seller, with the transfer section completed.
- Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP): Required for private sales to show the car’s history and value.
- Bill of Sale: Proof of the purchase, which can be on the UVIP.
- Safety Standards Certificate (SSC): A certificate for the most used vehicles proving they meet Ontario safety regulations.
- Plate Portion of the Permit: If you are transferring your existing license plates.

2. Visit a ServiceOntario location

You’ll need to register your vehicle in person at a ServiceOntario location.

3. Complete the Registration

Submit your documents and complete the registration application at the counter.

4. Pay The Fees

Pay the vehicle permit fee and any applicable sales tax or licensing fee.

5. Receive Your Permit and Plates

You will receive your vehicle permit, license plates, and validation stickers once you have completed the process.

Important Information:

Timeframe: You must register a used vehicle within six days of the purchase date.
Emissions Testing: A Drive Clean emissions test may be required for certain vehicles depending on their age.
Dealerships: If you purchase from a dealership, they can often handle the registration and plating process for you.

When Registering An Out-of-Province Vehicle in Ontario:

Provide your driver’s licence or a copy of your RIN (Registrant Identification Number). This will serve as proof of your full name and date of birth, which are also requirements.
If you’re registering a passenger vehicle, motorhome, or motorcycle, you’ll need to provide a complete Used Vehicle Information package.
Present a copy of proof of purchase.
Provide your vehicle permit and the plate portion of the permit. If you have a licence plate you wish to attach to your vehicle, bring that along.

After completing these steps, you will have officially registered your car and can now legally drive as a new resident of Ontario.

Registering a Leased Vehicle in Ontario

The Government of Ontario now requires proof of lease to register your out-of-province leased vehicle in Ontario. If the vehicle is under a leasing agreement, you will also need to provide one of the following:

A copy of the lease agreement or invoice.
A letter from the leasing company with the RIN and VIN.
A letter from the leasing company authorizing the vehicle to be registered in Ontario.

Register Your Car in Ontario From Outside of Canada

You will need to do the following:

Complete all general requirements to register your vehicle in Ontario
Complete the customs clearance Vehicle Import Form 1 from the Canada Border Service Agency website
Include your vehicle in the list of imported goods
Provide proof of identity (name, date of birth, and signature) when you register a vehicle for the first time using your driver’s licence number or Registrant Identification Number (RIN)

You can find the location where you can register your vehicle here.

Vehicle Registration Fees in Ontario

Registering a vehicle in Ontario is relatively affordable, especially since the province eliminated license plate sticker renewal fees in 2022. Still, there are a few costs to be aware of when registering a new or used car.

Standard Registration Fees

Vehicle permit (new registration): $32
New licence plates (if needed): $59
Replacement licence plate: $59
Licence plate sticker renewal: $0 (as of March 2022)

Retail Sales Tax (RST)

For private sales, you’ll also need to pay 13% RST based on the greater of:

The purchase price listed on the bill of sale, or
The average wholesale value listed in the UVIP

If the car was a gift between eligible family members, you may be exempt from RST. You’ll need to provide a sworn statement and proof of relationship.

Out-of-Province Vehicles

Additional fees may apply if the vehicle was purchased outside Ontario or if it requires an inspection before registration.

Renewing Your Vehicle Registration in Ontario

Once your vehicle is registered, you’ll need to keep that registration current to drive in Ontario legally. Fortunately, the renewal process is straightforward — and as of 2022, it’s also free.

How Often Do You Need to Renew?

Vehicle registration typically needs to be renewed every one or two years, depending on your preference.
You’ll receive a reminder from ServiceOntario when your renewal is due.

How to Renew

You can renew your registration:

Online through the ServiceOntario website.
In person at any ServiceOntario location.

You’ll need:

Your licence plate number
Your vehicle permit number (RIN or driver’s licence number)
Proof of valid Ontario auto insurance

Cost of Renewal

$0 — Since March 13, 2022, Ontario no longer charges for licence plate sticker renewals for most vehicles.
You must still complete the renewal process, even if there’s no fee, to remain compliant.

Note: Renewal fees may still apply to commercial vehicles and heavy-duty trucks.

Pay Retail Sales Tax or Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)

You will be required to pay HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) or the retail sales tax at 13% for registration in Ontario if the vehicle is purchased privately in a different Canadian province. Suppose the car is registered in a non-HST province, like British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, or Quebec. In that case, you will only have to pay the Ontario portion of HST, which is 8%, rather than the standard 13%.

Important: If you are becoming an Ontario resident, you can declare an exemption when you register the vehicle instead of paying the retail sales tax. If you have questions about retail sales tax exemptions, please contact ServiceOntario at 416-235-235-2999 (GTA) or call toll-free at 1-800-387-3445 (within Canada).

A temporary GST/HST break was in effect on specific items from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025. During the tax break, no GST or HST (whichever applied in your province or territory) was charged on qualifying items.

You now know the steps required to register your car in Ontario. Although it might sound complicated, it is an essential process to follow. You can contact an isure representative at any time to help you with obtaining auto insurance for your newly-registered vehicle!

Register Your Car in Ontario: A Complete Guide