You’ve finally spotted the perfect used car on the lot — the price is right, the mileage looks good, and it feels like a great fit. But before you sign anything, it’s smart to take a closer look at the vehicle’s history. That’s where an Ontario vehicle record (also known as a vehicle abstract) comes in. Whether you’re buying a car, securing insurance, or meeting an employer’s requirements, a vehicle record provides essential details about a car registered in Ontario. Below, isure breaks down what a vehicle record is, why you might need one, and how to easily obtain it.
What is an Ontario Vehicle Record?
To start, a vehicle record is a ‘document containing information about a vehicle registered in Ontario.’ There are two general types:
- Certified vehicle record
- Uncertified vehicle record
The main difference between the two is that a certified vehicle record will be embossed with a Ministry of Transportation seal of certification. Similar to a driving record, these are generally only necessary during specific legal situations. In most cases, an uncertified record will do just fine! Check with the person who is asking for the VR which type they require. Uncertified vehicle records in Ontario are generally requested by an employer or the insurer that deals with your auto insurance. You can order them online for your convenience. An uncertified vehicle report may contain:
- A description of the vehicle, specifically the year, make and model
- The current plate number on the vehicle
- Any recent plate numbers attached to the vehicle
- Registration dates for the vehicle for each specific registrant
- The vehicle status (e.x, rental)
Vehicle records you order online will not include specific details, such as odometer readings, previous collision information, or the personal information of previous owners.
What Documentation is Required?
If neither the licence plate or VIN are showing results, you may have to request an uncertified vehicle report yourself. Luckily, this can be done quite easily online through the Government of Ontario’s website or by visiting a ServiceOntario centre near you. To do this, you will need to have a bit of information and documents on hand, including:
- Your valid Ontario driver’s licence number
- Registrant Identification Number (RIN) or
- Your name and address
Depending on what type of record you are looking for, you may also need to present the following:
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Licence plate number
How Do I Order a Vehicle Record in Ontario?
There are different types of uncertified vehicle records that are available online. Uncertified vehicle records in Ontario can be ordered by mail, at ServiceOntario, or online, through websites such as ontario.ca and carfax.ca. When it comes to these websites, there are two ways to search for a specific record. Most commonly, people will use a vehicle’s licence plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). By doing so, you can find:
- Specific date ranges for the vehicle
- Current owner and vehicle information
- Complete history of the vehicle, including when it was purchased, what its been used for, etc.
Remember, if ordering online, save or print the PDF of your vehicle abstract after the transaction is complete. A paper copy will not be mailed to you.
How Much Does a Vehicle Abstract Cost?
When it comes to the cost of obtaining a vehicle report in Ontario, it is easy to know the general cost when ordering through the Ontario website or by visiting ServiceOntario. A certified report, with an approved seal from the Ministry of Transportation, will cost you $18.00. An uncertified report will cost you only $12.00. However, when ordering through websites like Carfax, prices can vary. The amount will depend on the website you use and what exactly you are looking for in your report. However, never by more than a few dollars!
What is a Vehicle Confirmation Letter?
Sometimes, a vehicle record won’t provide the information you’re looking for. This can be extra frustrating when you are required to have specific information on a vehicle for legal or work purposes. When this happens, your next step will be to request a vehicle confirmation letter. By sending a letter and a small payment to the Ministry of Transportation, you will be able to receive any information on the vehicles you may be looking for. You can make these requests online through the Ontario government website or by mail order. Your mail request should include the following:
- Name of cardholder and person requesting
- Card type (Visa or Mastercard)
- Card number
- Expiry date
- Reason for the vehicle confirmation letter request
- Amount to be charged
An Ontario vehicle record is a simple but valuable tool that can help you make informed decisions when buying, insuring, or verifying a vehicle. Knowing which type of record you need — and how to access it — can save time, prevent surprises, and give you greater peace of mind. If you’re purchasing a used vehicle and need auto insurance, isure is here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote, or let us update your existing policy to fit your new ride. Getting covered should be just as straightforward as getting your vehicle record.
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