Is Vehicle Registration the Same as a Vehicle Permit in Ontario?
A vehicle permit is not the same as vehicle registration in Ontario; rather, the permit is part of the registration process. Vehicle registration is the overall process of officially linking your vehicle to your name with the province, which includes getting a vehicle permit (the green ownership document), license plates, and an annual renewal sticker.
Legal Definitions Under Ontario Law
Vehicle Registration Certificate
A Vehicle Registration Certificate (vehicle permit) contains the following information:
- Name and address of the registered owner
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Vehicle description (make, model, year, colour)
- Licence plate number
- Vehicle status (FIT, TMP, UNFIT)
- Registered gross weight (for commercial vehicles)
Vehicle Permits
In Ontario's regulatory framework, "permit" can refer to both the standard vehicle permit (which is the registration certificate) and temporary permits issued for specific purposes. Under Ontario Regulation 628 (Vehicle Permits), temporary permits are issued by ServiceOntario for circumstances that do not qualify for standard registration requirements.
Regulatory Framework and Issuing Agencies
Primary Legislation
- Highway Traffic Act, RSO 1990, Chapter H.8
- Ontario Regulation 628 (Vehicle Permits)
- Ontario Regulation 71/08 (Vehicle Permits)
Administering Authority The Ministry of Transportation, operating through ServiceOntario, administers both vehicle registration and permit issuance. Services are delivered through ServiceOntario centres and authorized registry agents throughout the province.
Key Differences Between Registration and Permits
Purpose and Duration
Vehicle Registration:
- Provides permanent legal authorization for highway operation
- Valid for one year for passenger vehicles and motorcycles
- Valid for varying periods for commercial vehicles based on weight classification
- Required for all motor vehicles operated on public highways
Vehicle Permits:
- Provides temporary authorization for specific circumstances
- Valid for maximum of 10 days for most permit types
- Addresses exceptional situations not covered by standard registration
Types of Vehicle Permits
Temporary Licence Plate Stickers Available through ServiceOntario centres, temporary licence plate stickers authorize registered vehicles for specific short-term purposes:
- Driving to obtain a safety standards certificate
- Completing registration requirements
- Other necessary short-term transportation purposes
- Valid for 10 days from date of issue
- Cost: $15
- Maximum of 2 permits per vehicle per 365-day period
Special Authorization Permits Under Ontario Regulation 628, ServiceOntario may issue Special Permits for:
- Imported vehicles not intended for Ontario registration
- Moving vehicles to or from auto auctions
- Commercial vehicle operations exceeding weight limits for relocation purposes
- New Ontario residents (30-day grace period for registration)
- Valid for 10 calendar days from date of issue
- Cost varies by vehicle type ($23.50 for passenger vehicles to $205 for commercial vehicles with trailers)
- Maximum of 2 permits per RIN/VIN combination within 365 days (except laden commercial vehicles)