How To Register an Out of Province Vehicle In Ontario?
Vehicle registration in Ontario is regulated under the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, which establishes the legal framework for motor vehicle licensing, registration, and traffic regulations throughout the province.
If you are temporarily visiting Ontario with a vehicle registered in another jurisdiction, registration is not required. However, new Ontario residents must register their vehicle and obtain Ontario licence plates within 30 days of establishing residency in the province.
Essential Documentation Requirements
To register an out-of-province vehicle in Ontario, you must provide the following documentation to a ServiceOntario centre:
- Proof of ownership document - out-of-province vehicle permit/registration, bill of sale, lease agreement, or other acceptable ownership documentation
- Valid Ontario automobile insurance - proof must be from a licensed Ontario insurer and include the name(s) of the person(s) requesting registration
- Safety Standards Certificate - issued by a licensed DriveON Vehicle Inspection Centre within 36 days of registration
- Acceptable government-issued identification - Ontario driver's licence or acceptable proof of identity document with legal name, date of birth and signature
- Registrant Identification Number (RIN) - if applicable for business or organizational registrations
Out-of-Province Vehicle Inspection Process
The safety standards inspection is a mandatory requirement for registering out-of-province vehicles in Ontario, ensuring vehicles meet provincial safety and equipment standards. This inspection must be conducted by a licensed DriveON Vehicle Inspection Centre authorized by the Ministry of Transportation.
Step-by-Step Inspection Process
Step 1: Locate Inspection Facility Visit any licensed DriveON Vehicle Inspection Centre to schedule your vehicle inspection. Contact the DriveON Contact Centre toll-free at 1-833-420-2103 for assistance locating facilities or obtaining information about inspection requirements.
Step 2: Vehicle Safety Inspection Present your vehicle to the licensed inspection centre for a comprehensive safety standards inspection. The inspection covers critical safety components including brakes, lights, suspension, steering, and other mechanical systems. Inspection costs vary by facility and are not government-regulated.
Step 3: Complete Repairs (if necessary) If your vehicle fails inspection, necessary repairs must be completed to meet Ontario's minimum safety standards. You may choose any qualified repair facility to complete required work before returning for re-inspection.
Step 4: Obtain Safety Standards Certificate Upon passing inspection, you will receive a Safety Standards Certificate via email confirmation. This certificate is valid for 36 calendar days from the inspection date and must be presented to ServiceOntario within this timeframe. Expired certificates require a new inspection.
Inspection Exemptions
Certain vehicle types may be exempt from safety standards certificate requirements:
- Motorized snow vehicles - snowmobiles and similar off-road vehicles
- Off-road vehicles - ATVs and recreational off-highway vehicles
- Motor-assisted bicycles - mopeds and similar low-powered vehicles
- Trailers - under specific circumstances and weight classifications
- Spouse transfers - vehicles transferred between spouses
Required Forms and Documentation
Application for Vehicle Registration Form (SR-LV-006) The Application for Vehicle Registration form may be completed in advance of visiting ServiceOntario to expedite the registration process. This form is available in both English and French formats and can be downloaded from the Central Forms Repository.
Authorization for Third-Party Registration When registering a vehicle on behalf of another person, proper authorization documentation must be provided along with acceptable identification of the authorized representative.
Leased Vehicle Documentation For leased vehicles, additional documentation is required including:
- Copy of lease agreement or invoice
- Letter from leasing company including RIN and VIN
- Letter from leasing company authorizing Ontario registration
Commercial Vehicle Forms Commercial vehicles, including personal-use pickup trucks, require additional documentation such as:
- Annual/Semi-Annual Inspection Declaration Form for vehicles over 4,500 kg registered gross weight
- Proof of empty weight documentation from authorized scale sites
- Emissions testing for heavy-duty diesel vehicles older than current model year.