Skip to content

Taxes

  • Text size: + -

Used Vehicle Information Program

Are you buying or selling a privately owned used vehicle in Ontario?

By Ontario law, private sellers of most motor vehicles, including motorcycles, must provide buyers with a Used Vehicle Information Package. The package guides you through the buying or selling process and helps you understand your rights and responsibilities.

Who pays Retail Sales Tax (RST)?

You must pay RST when you buy a used vehicle privately. The amount of RST is on either the purchase price or the vehicle's average wholesale price, whichever is greater.

Who is exempt from RST?

You do not have to pay RST if:

  • you are a foreign representative or Status Indian
  • you receive a vehicle as a gift from a family member, such as:
    • spouse
    • parent or step-parent
    • grandparent
    • son or step-son
    • daughter or step-daughter
    • grandson or granddaughter
    • step-grandson or step-granddaughter
    • son-in-law
    • daughter-in-law
    • father-in-law
    • mother-in-law

For some transfers, such as gifts between family members and transfers for insurance purposes, you must have a statement sworn before a Commissioner for Taking Affidavits. Present this statement when registering your vehicle at a Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Office.

What is the wholesale value?

The wholesale value is based on the Canadian Red Book or the Canadian Older Car/Truck Red Book (Red Books), which lists the wholesale and retail values of used vehicles. These books are well-known standards for used vehicle prices and may be ordered through the publisher or copies are available at your local library.

What vehicles need a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)?

You need a package only if you are privately selling a:

  • passenger car
  • van
  • light truck that have an empty weight of 2,200 kilograms or less
  • motorcycle

What vehicles do not need a UVIP Package?

The UVIP rules do not apply to the following vehicles:

  • buses (regular and school)
  • imported vehicles registered for the first time in Ontario
  • mopeds
  • motor homes
  • off-road vehicles
  • snow vehicles (snowmobiles, ATVs)
  • trailers
  • trucks that have an empty weight greater than 2,200 kilograms

What's included in the UVIP package?

Private sellers of used motor vehicles in Ontario are required to provide purchasers with a UVIP package. The ownership of the motor vehicle will not be transferred if the purchaser cannot provide the Licence Issuing Office with the necessary documents from this package.

The package costs $20 and includes:

  • a description of the vehicle
  • Ontario vehicle registration history
  • odometer information
  • if there are any liens registered against the vehicle
  • wholesale and retail values for the vehicle's model and year
  • RST requirements
  • bill of sale
  • other information, such as consumer tips on vehicle safety standards inspections.

How do I purchase a UVIP package?

To purchase a used Vehicle Information Package:

To obtain a UVIP package, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or the licence plate number of the motor vehicle is required.

Learn more

What if I have more questions or need help?

Share this page or Subscribe