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Ontario Vehicle Registration –

Requirements, Fees & Renewal Guide (2026)

Need to register a car in Ontario or renew your plates?

Whether you’ve just purchased a vehicle, moved to Ontario, or need to renew your registration, this 2026 Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) guide covers everything: required documents, UVIP, fees, renewals, license plates, safety standards, and insurance requirements.

Updated for 2026 with the latest Ontario vehicle registration fees and renewal rules.

How to Register a Car in Ontario (Step-by-Step)

All vehicles in Ontario must be registered with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) before being driven on public roads.

Steps to Register a Vehicle in Ontario

  1. Obtain valid Ontario auto insurance.
  2. Complete a Safety Standards Certificate (for most used vehicles).
  3. Get a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) (required for private sales).
  4. Visit a ServiceOntario centre in person.
  5. Provide required documents (see list below).
  6. Pay registration and plate fees.
  7. Receive your vehicle permit, license plate, and validation sticker.
  • Ontario driver’s licence or government-issued ID
  • Proof of valid Ontario auto insurance (pink slip)
  • Bill of Sale or transfer of ownership form
  • Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) for private sales
  • Safety Standards Certificate (for used vehicles, valid for 36 days)
  • Emissions Test (if required for specific vehicle classes)
  • NVIS (New Vehicle Information Statement) for new vehicles
  • Payment for registration fees and HST (13%)
  • VIN history check (recommended to confirm liens, theft, or accident history)

Ontario Vehicle Registration Fees (2026)

Vehicle Type
Fee
Passenger vehicle registration
$32 (one-time permit fee)
Plate issuance (standard)
$59
Plate replacement
$59
Personalized plates
$310 (new) / $100 (renewal)
Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)
$20
Vehicle transfer
$32
Safety Standards Certificate
Varies (~$100–$120 inspection fee)

Note: Ontario eliminated annual license plate renewal fees in 2022. However, vehicles must still be renewed every 1–2 years to keep the registration valid, even though there is no cost for standard renewals.

Before registering, check your car’s history with an Ontario VIN Check Report to confirm ownership, liens, or accident records.

Out-of-Province Vehicle Registration in Ontario

If you move to Ontario, you must register your out-of-province vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency.

Steps for Out-of-Province Vehicles
  1. Obtain Ontario auto insurance.
  2. Complete a Safety Standards Certificate (inspection).
  3. Provide original ownership/title from previous jurisdiction.
  4. Visit a ServiceOntario centre to complete registration.
  5. Pay all applicable taxes and fees.
Residency Requirements

To register in Ontario, you must:

  • Hold a valid Ontario driver’s licence
  • Have proof of residence in Ontario (utility bill, lease, or property ownership)

Ontario License Plates

Standard Plates
  • Blue and white Ontario design with slogan “A Place to Grow”
  • Cost: $59 per plate
  • Rear plate required (front plate not required for passenger vehicles as of 2022)
Personalized Plates
  • Initial cost: $310
  • Renewal: $100 every five years
  • 2–8 characters (2–6 for motorcycles)
Specialty Plates
  • Options include veterans, charities, sports teams, universities
  • Costs vary ($82–$120 initial)

How to Renew Your Ontario Vehicle Registration (2026)

Ontario eliminated license plate renewal fees, but renewal is still mandatory to keep vehicle information and insurance status valid.

Renewal Steps
  1. ServiceOntario will send a renewal notice (optional reminder).
  2. Choose renewal method: online, in person, or by phone.
  3. Provide licence plate number, vehicle permit number, and insurance details.
  4. Confirm renewal for 1 or 2 years (no cost for standard plates).
  5. Keep confirmation with your registration documents.
Renewal Methods
  • Online: Through the ServiceOntario website.
  • In person: At any ServiceOntario centre.
  • By phone: Call ServiceOntario automated renewal line.

Ontario Safety Standards Certificate (SSC)

A Safety Standards Certificate is required when:
  • Registering most used vehicles in a private sale
  • Registering an out-of-province vehicle
  • Re-registering a rebuilt or salvage vehicle

Validity: 36 days from inspection date.

Inspection covers: brakes, steering, suspension, lights, tires, frame and body condition, emissions equipment.

Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)

Ontario requires a UVIP for all private vehicle sales.

The UVIP includes:
  • Vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN)
  • Current and previous owners
  • Ontario lien search results
  • Odometer information (where available)
  • Average wholesale value (for tax calculation)

Cost: $20 (purchased from ServiceOntario).

VIN Check & Vehicle History Reports

Running an Ontario VIN Check before registration helps confirm:
  • Vehicle authenticity and legal ownership
  • Accident and collision history
  • Outstanding liens or financial claims
  • Theft records
  • Recalls and odometer discrepancies

A VIN history report protects buyers from costly surprises, fraud, and registration delays.

Insurance Requirements in Ontario

Ontario law requires auto insurance to register a vehicle.
  • Proof of valid insurance (pink slip) must be presented at registration.
  • Insurance must be issued by an Ontario-licensed provider.
  • Policy must include:
  • Third-party liability coverage (minimum $200,000)
  • Accident benefits coverage
  • Direct compensation property damage coverage
  • Uninsured automobile coverage

Taxes on Vehicle Registration in Ontario

  • Retail Sales Tax (RST) or HST (13%) applies at registration.
  • Tax is calculated on the higher of the purchase price or the Canadian Red Book wholesale value.

Family Gift Exemption

Transfers between immediate family members may be exempt from tax if:

  • A Sworn Statement for the Transfer of a Family Gift form is completed
  • Both parties provide identification

Quick Tips for a Smooth Registration

  • Complete your Safety Standards Certificate within 36 days.
  • Obtain the UVIP early for private sales.
  • Confirm auto insurance before visiting ServiceOntario.
  • Bring multiple payment options (debit, credit, cheque).
  • Clear all liens before completing transfer.

Special Vehicle Types in Ontario

  • Antique Vehicles: Registration available for vehicles over 30 years old.
  • Commercial Vehicles: Fees based on weight and vehicle type.
  • Trailers: Must be registered but no annual validation fee.
  • Diplomatic Vehicles: Exempt from provincial fees.

ServiceOntario Locations

Office Hours

Most centres: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (some extended hours, and select offices open Saturdays).

Services Offered
  • Vehicle registration and renewal
  • License plate issuance and replacement
  • Title transfers and UVIP purchases
  • Temporary permits

Find the nearest office on the ServiceOntario website.

Final Checklist Before Registering Your Vehicle

  • Register a used vehicle: within 6 days of purchase
  • Register an out-of-province vehicle: within 30 days of residency
  • Safety Standards Certificate: valid for 36 days
  • UVIP required for private sales
  • Insurance must be active before registration

Ready to register your vehicle?

Start with an Ontario Vehicle History Report to confirm your car’s history and avoid costly surprises.

Contact Information

Vehicle Registration Services

Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO)

General inquiries and online services

ServiceOntario

1-800-387-3445

Customer Care Line