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Whether you own or lease an automobile, Ontario law mandates that it be registered for insurance. The registration process might, however, differ for every sort of driver. For novice drivers, immigrants from new countries, and drivers undergoing renewal, the procedures may vary.

If you need a reminder of the fees, required paperwork, and overall procedure for registering a car in Ontario in 2023, see our guide.

Why Do You Need a Vehicle Registration and What Is It?

There are three steps involved in registering a car in Ontario:

First vehicle registration number

California licence plate

Sticker for a licence plate

All drivers in Ontario are required by law to register their cars for the following reasons:

Identifying information for law enforcement personnel

Verification of ownership, in case you are in an accident and have to have your car retrieved from the holding facility

A record of the taxes paid

Government initiatives are financed by vehicle registration fees.

A vehicle permit : what is it?

Automobile permits serve as proof that your car is legally registered in Ontario. A green piece of paper serves as this proof of registration.

There is a corresponding 9-digit registered identity number for these permits (RIN). A RIN can be used for many different transactions, such as purchasing auto insurance.

Every driver must carry their vehicle permits with them at all times.

You must show your original vehicle permit if the police stop you or if you wish to sell your car.

What Is the Number on a Vehicle Permit?

Your driver's licence has a 9-digit number called a vehicle permit number or registered identity number that you can use for registration-related tasks.

Ontario Vehicle Registration Procedures

At Service Ontario locations, all car registrations in Ontario are handled. Your application can be turned in in person, by mail, or online. Examine each of the procedures listed below before registering your automobile.

Brand-new vehicle

The dealership registers the vehicle for you when you buy a new car. Your dealership will give you the registration papers, licence plates, plate stickers, and other paperwork you need to leave the lot for a price.

New Car

There are more processes involved in registering a secondhand car than a new one. Unless you are buying a car from a dealership that can register it, you will need to submit your own application to Service Ontario. You might have to submit to an appraisal through the Ministry of Finance if your vehicle is more than 20 years old.

Not sure whether to purchase a new or used car? Make your choice with the aid of our guide.

Business vehicle

You will require a RIN from any Service Ontario location in order to register a commercial vehicle. Then, in order to update the firm name or the address on a RIN, you must submit the information below:

A notarized letter of authorization from a company director or owner serving as proof of the company's address

a letter of good standing or an article of amendment that serves as a business identifying document

A energy bill or pink slip can be used as evidence of a business's address.

Temporary Permit

You can apply for a special permit if you're visiting Ontario and only need to operate a vehicle temporarily. Foreign drivers in Ontario are permitted to operate unregistered automobiles for a maximum of ten days with special permissions.

Required Documents

If registering your vehicle independently from a dealership, below are the documents you’ll need to submit:

• Driver’s licence
• Used vehicle information form (if necessary)
• Proof of purchase 
• Proof of vehicle insurance
• Original vehicle permit from the previous owner (if necessary)
• Plate portion (if plates are already registered)

Does the registration of a vehicle require auto insurance?

Auto insurance is essential in order to register a vehicle, as you must produce this proof to a Service Ontario agent.

When selling a car, do you have to surrender your registration?

Indeed, when selling an automobile, you must transfer the registration to the buyer. A transfer of ownership application must be filled out and signed.

Can another else register your car on your behalf?

If you give a letter of authorization, someone else may register your car.