Understanding vehicle transfers between individuals in Quebec
You’ve just received the keys to your new car bought from an individual and can’t wait to show it off to all your friends? It’s only natural! Buying a first vehicle, whether new or used, is a pivotal moment in anyone’s life. For many, it’s the first step towards independence and autonomy.
However, before you can consider yourself the rightful owner of this vehicle, you must first obtain a license plate, as required by law.
Don’t worry if you’ve never done this before: registering your car and getting a licence plate is a fast and simple process. In this article, our certified technicians at Certified Auto Repair will explain the steps involved in transferring a vehicle between individuals.
Visiting the SAAQ
While many government services are now available online, to register a new car you need to head to your local Société d’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) branch. You’ll also need to pay the obligatory Quebec Sales Tax (QST). This step is required by law after purchasing a used vehicle.
Since you bought the vehicle used, the seller will need to accompany you so that the transfer of ownership can be completed. If the seller is unable to travel, he or she will need to fill out and sign a power of attorney form and entrust it to someone who can represent him or her.
The documents you will need
Here are the required documents to register a used vehicle in Quebec. You will need to have them with you when you visit a Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) branch. Otherwise, you’ll have to go a second time!
To make the transfer on the first try, here are the documents you need to bring:
- A piece of photo ID. We recommend showing your driving license. Please note that the seller of the vehicle is also required to show his or her ID at the time of transfer.
- The vehicle’s current registration certificate, to be provided by the previous owner.
Accepted payment methods
It is very important to note that credit cards are not accepted when registering a vehicle at any Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) branch. There are three ways to pay the fees:
- Cash.
- Debit (Interac).
- A cheque or money order made out to the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec.
Receiving a new licence plate
Once the payment is made, a registration certificate will be issued for your vehicle. You’ll also receive a new licence plate if you don’t already have one. The seller can keep the licence plate that was previously on the vehicle and use it on a future vehicle if he or she chooses.
When selling a vehicle in Quebec, the previous owner has the option of transferring their old license plate to you, should they no longer have the need for it.
Choosing a personalized licence plate
Do you want to add a personal touch to your licence plate? Other than original colours and accessories, did you know that you can create your own personalized license plate?
Once your car has been properly registered, and even if it was with the original licence plate, you can order a personalized licence plate for just over $250.
It’s important to note:
This service is only available online and the combination of letters and numbers you choose must comply with certain criteria. The SAAQ also reserves the right to refuse or to remove from circulation any character combination that does not comply with its rules.
You’re all set! Just install your licence plate and you can hit the road with your new set of wheels in order.
A vehicle inspection before a transfer between individuals: an informed decision!
You would like to have a used vehicle inspected before transferring it from one individual to another? Smart move! An inspection carried out by certified technicians not only allows you to check the condition and operation of each of the vehicle’s parts, but it also gives you a more detailed history of the vehicle.
For exemplary service, visit the Certified Auto Repair repair shop nearest you for a vehicle inspection or maintenance using our repair shop locator. Our team of trusted technicians will provide you with a basic visual safety inspection checklist, certifying that all essential points of your vehicle’s proper operation and safety have been covered. Then you can get back behind the wheel with peace of mind.