Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a vehicle in Canada?

Yes. Every provincial motor vehicle registry requires proof of sale to transfer ownership. In Ontario it is combined with a UVIP; in BC with an ICBC Transfer/Tax Form; in Alberta it is submitted to a registry agent. Without a bill of sale the transfer simply cannot be completed.

How do I check for liens on a used vehicle?

You can search the Personal Property Security Register for the province where the vehicle is registered — for example the Ontario PPSA through ServiceOntario or the BC PPR through BC Online. A lien search shows whether any secured creditor has a registered interest that could follow the car to the new owner.

Can I sell a vehicle “as is” privately?

Yes. Private sellers in Canada can sell “as is” and exclude most implied warranties in the provincial Sale of Goods Act, provided the buyer is told clearly and the language is in the bill of sale. The implied warranty of clear title cannot be excluded.

How much tax do I pay on a private sale?

Provincial sales tax is calculated on the higher of the purchase price in the bill of sale and the wholesale or “red book” value used by the province. Ontario charges 13% RST on private sales, Alberta has no provincial sales tax and BC applies PST on a graduated scale based on purchase price.

What happens if the buyer does not register the vehicle?

In most provinces the seller can remain on the registry as the legal owner until the transfer is completed. That is why Ontario sellers should submit the “Seller’s Portion” of the Permit at ServiceOntario immediately after the sale and keep a signed copy of the bill of sale.

Does the bill of sale need to be witnessed?

Most provincial registries do not require a witness, but a witness signature adds an extra layer of evidence and is good practice, especially for higher-value vehicles.

Can I use this template for a motorcycle or trailer?

Yes. The template works for any type of motor vehicle, including motorcycles, trailers, RVs and snowmobiles, as long as the VIN and vehicle description fields are completed correctly.

Is a handwritten bill of sale valid?

A handwritten bill of sale can be valid if it contains all the key information, but most registries prefer a clean typed document. Using a template avoids missing fields and the risk of the registry rejecting the transfer at the counter.

LegalCanada

Vehicle Bill of Sale Template

A vehicle bill of sale records the private sale of a car, truck, motorcycle or trailer between a buyer and seller and is usually required by the provincial motor vehicle registry to transfer ownership. Our free Canadian template is drafted to satisfy section 11 of the Highway Traffic Act (Ontario), the Motor Vehicle Act (British Columbia) and the Traffic Safety Act (Alberta).

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VEHICLE BILL OF SALE

Motor Vehicle · Province Of Ontario, Canada

SELLER

Lisa M. Campbell

55 Queen Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5C5

BUYER

Michael T. Singh

890 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5J 3N2

2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE · VIN: 2T3P1RFV1MC123456

Odometer: 45,200 km · Price: 28,500.00 CAD

VEHICLE DETAILS

YEAR / MAKE / MODEL	2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE (Silver)
COLOUR	Silver
VIN	2T3P1RFV1MC123456
ODOMETER READING	45,200 km
PURCHASE PRICE	28,500.00 CAD
SALE DATE	March 25, 2026
PAYMENT METHOD	Certified Cheque
PROVINCE	Ontario

This Vehicle Bill of Sale is made effective as of March 25, 2026. For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Lisa M. Campbell (the "Seller") hereby sells, transfers, and conveys to Michael T. Singh (the "Buyer") all right, title, and interest in and to the motor vehicle described herein.

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION

The Seller hereby sells and transfers to the Buyer the following motor vehicle (the "Vehicle"): 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE (Silver), Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): 2T3P1RFV1MC123456. The VIN is a 17-character identifier as required by Transport Canada and can be verified on the dashboard, the driver's door frame, or the vehicle registration.

PURCHASE PRICE AND PAYMENT

The total purchase price for the Vehicle is 28,500.00 CAD, payable by Certified Cheque. The Seller acknowledges receipt of the full purchase price. The Parties confirm that this consideration is fair and adequate and reflects the arm's-length nature of this transaction.

ODOMETER DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

The Seller hereby certifies that the odometer reading of the Vehicle at the time of sale is 45,200 km. To the best of the Seller's knowledge and belief, this reading accurately reflects the actual distance the Vehicle has been driven, and the Seller has not tampered with, altered, disconnected, or reset the odometer or caused any other person to do so. If the Seller has knowledge that the odometer reading does not reflect the actual mileage, the Seller shall disclose this in writing to the Buyer prior to closing.

AS-IS CONDITION

The Vehicle is sold "AS-IS, WHERE-IS" without any representation, warranty, or guarantee of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to any implied warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, roadworthiness, compliance with any applicable safety standard, or freedom from defects. The Buyer acknowledges that they have had the opportunity to inspect the Vehicle and conduct any desired mechanical evaluation or CARFAX vehicle history report search prior to purchase, and accepts the Vehicle in its current condition.

TITLE, LIENS, AND ENCUMBRANCES

The Seller represents and warrants that: (a) the Seller is the lawful registered owner of the Vehicle as shown on the vehicle registration; (b) the Seller has full right, power, and authority to sell and transfer the Vehicle; (c) the Vehicle is free and clear of all liens, charges, security interests, encumbrances, and claims of any kind, including any security interest registered under the Personal Property Security Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.10 (Ontario) or the equivalent provincial PPSA legislation; and (d) the Seller will indemnify and defend the Buyer's title against all claims. The Buyer is strongly advised to conduct a lien search through the applicable provincial Personal Property Security Registry (PPSR) or a service such as CarProof / CARFAX Canada before completing this purchase.

TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP AND REGISTRATION

Upon execution of this Bill of Sale and receipt of the full purchase price, all right, title, and interest in the Vehicle shall transfer absolutely from the Seller to the Buyer. The Buyer is solely responsible for: (a) registering the Vehicle with the applicable provincial or territorial motor vehicle authority (e.g., ServiceOntario, ICBC, Alberta Registry, SAAQ); (b) obtaining insurance before operating the Vehicle; and (c) paying any applicable registration fees, transfer taxes, and provincial retail sales taxes on private vehicle sales. The Seller shall provide a signed vehicle permit (ownership) and any other documentation required by the applicable provincial authority.

TAXES ON PRIVATE VEHICLE SALES

The Buyer acknowledges that the purchase of a used motor vehicle through a private sale in the Province of Ontario may attract provincial retail sales tax (RST), provincial sales tax (PST), or other applicable taxes on the greater of the purchase price and the Canadian Red Book value of the Vehicle. The Buyer is solely responsible for remitting all applicable taxes to the relevant provincial authority upon registration. In Ontario, RST at 13% is assessed on the higher of the purchase price or the wholesale value (UVIP book value). The Seller is not responsible for any taxes payable by the Buyer.

GOVERNING LAW

This Vehicle Bill of Sale shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the applicable federal laws of Canada, including the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, R.S.C. 1993, c. 16, and the applicable provincial Highway Traffic Act or equivalent motor vehicle legislation.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Entire Agreement: This Bill of Sale constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the purchase and sale of the Vehicle and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, and understandings. Amendment: No amendment shall be valid unless made in writing and signed by both Parties. Severability: If any provision is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date first written above.

SELLER

DL: C1234-56789-01234

Lisa M. Campbell

Date: ____________________

BUYER

DL: S9876-54321-09876

Michael T. Singh

Date: ____________________

What Is a Vehicle Bill of Sale?

A vehicle bill of sale is a short contract that confirms the transfer of ownership of a vehicle from a seller to a buyer for a stated price. It identifies the parties, describes the vehicle (including make, model, year, colour, VIN and odometer reading), records the purchase price and is signed by both parties. It is the primary proof the buyer will take to their provincial motor vehicle registry to complete the title transfer.

In Ontario, section 11 of the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8 and Ministry of Transportation regulations require a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) along with a signed bill of sale to transfer ownership. British Columbia requires an ICBC Transfer/Tax Form and satisfies the Motor Vehicle Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 318. Alberta uses a bill of sale plus the Traffic Safety Act, R.S.A. 2000, c. T-6 process through a registry agent.

A proper bill of sale also protects both sides against disputes about what was sold, the purchase price and any representations made about the vehicle. It records that the vehicle is sold “as is” (if applicable), confirms whether there are any liens and provides clear evidence for the Canada Revenue Agency and provincial tax authorities about how much sales tax applies on the transfer.

What's Covered in This Template

Our vehicle bill of sale template contains every field a Canadian buyer, seller or provincial registry needs.

Buyer and Seller Details

Full legal names, Canadian addresses and driver’s licence numbers of both parties.

Vehicle Description

Make, model, year, colour, body type and fuel type of the vehicle being transferred.

Vehicle Identification Number

Full 17-character VIN, which the registry will verify against its records.

Odometer Reading

Current odometer reading with a declaration that the reading is accurate to the seller’s knowledge.

Purchase Price

Agreed price in Canadian dollars, written in both numbers and words, plus any deposit paid.

Method of Payment

Cash, bank draft, certified cheque or electronic transfer.

Lien and Encumbrance Disclosure

Seller’s declaration that the vehicle is free of liens or that any lien has been paid out.

Condition Statement

“As is” language or any specific representations and warranties made by the seller.

Date and Place of Sale

Date and location of the transaction for provincial sales tax purposes.

Signatures

Signature blocks for buyer and seller, with optional witness, to complete the transfer.

How to Create a Vehicle Bill of Sale

Follow these steps to produce a clear, registry-ready vehicle bill of sale anywhere in Canada.

1
Obtain the Vehicle History Package
In Ontario order the UVIP; in BC review an ICBC Vehicle Claims History; in Alberta request a Carfax or similar history report.
2
Check for Liens
Run a PPSA lien search in the province where the vehicle is registered to confirm there are no secured creditors.
3
Fill in Vehicle and Party Details
Complete the template with buyer, seller, vehicle description, VIN and odometer reading.
4
Agree on Price and Payment
Set the purchase price, deposit (if any) and an acceptable method of payment such as certified cheque or bank draft.
5
Sign and Transfer at the Registry
Both parties sign and date, then the buyer takes the bill of sale and supporting documents to the provincial registry to complete the transfer.

Legal Considerations

Vehicle sales are regulated by provincial traffic legislation, consumer protection statutes and the Sale of Goods Act of the relevant province.

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified lawyer in your province for advice specific to your situation.

Reviewed for Canadian law

Highway Traffic Act and Registry Requirements

Section 11 of the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8 makes the registered owner responsible for a vehicle until ownership is formally transferred through ServiceOntario. Ontario law also requires that a private seller provide the buyer with a Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) containing the vehicle’s history, lien information and retail sales tax value. Failing to transfer ownership can leave the former owner liable for parking tickets, tolls and even accidents involving the vehicle.

PPSA Lien Searches

Secured creditors register financing statements against specific vehicles under the Personal Property Security Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.10 in Ontario and the Personal Property Security Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 359 in British Columbia. A buyer who fails to search the PPSA register can find the vehicle seized by the lender even after paying the seller in full, so a lien search is essential before any money changes hands.

Sale of Goods Act Warranties

The Sale of Goods Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. S.1 implies certain warranties into private sales of goods, including that the seller has good title and that the goods are of merchantable quality when sold in the course of business. A private seller can in many cases contract out of the merchantability warranty with clear “as is” language, but the warranty of title cannot be excluded. The BC equivalent is the Sale of Goods Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 410.

Odometer Tampering

Tampering with an odometer or misrepresenting a vehicle’s mileage can amount to fraud under the Criminal Code, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46 and also breaches provincial consumer protection statutes such as the Ontario Consumer Protection Act, 2002. The bill of sale should therefore include a signed odometer declaration from the seller to document the reading at the time of transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Document your private vehicle sale properly with a Canadian-compliant bill of sale. Fill in the VIN, odometer and price, preview the document and download a PDF ready to sign at handover.

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