Vehicle Transfer

What are the obligations of the seller and purchaser when a motor vehicle is sold?

The seller is required to notify the Motor Registration Division within 10 days of the sale of a motor vehicle. A Notice of Sale is provided on the reverse of the vehicle registration permit for this purpose. Failure to submit a Notice of Sale within 10 days is an offence and could result in a fine. If the vehicle remains in your name, you may receive the traffic fines that were issued to the new owner. Should an accident occur, you could be financially responsible if the new owner has not obtained insurance. Remember to protect yourself and submit a Notice of Sale. Never depend on the purchaser to transfer ownership.

The purchaser is required to transfer ownership of the motor vehicle within 10 days. Failure to do so is an offence and could result in a fine. You may operate the motor vehicle within this time, if you have valid public liability insurance on the vehicle.

The seller's vehicle registration permit, bill of sale and your Public Liability Insurance Card has to be kept in the vehicle while the vehicle is being operated, and must be produced to a traffic officer upon request.

What documents will I need to transfer my motor vehicle?

You will require

the seller's vehicle registration permit. The seller must be the registered owner of the vehicle
a bill of sale and/or a sworn affidavit
a completed and signed insurance declaration (found on the reverse of the seller's vehicle registration permit)
a motor vehicle safety inspection certificate

Note: The following vehicles do not require an inspection at the time of transfer:

motorcycles, public buses, school buses, commercial vehicles (exceeding 4500 kg), taxis or disabled passenger vehicles.

What information needs to be on the bill of sale?

The bill of sale must contain

date of sale
buyer's name and driver's licence number
year, make and model of the vehicle
plate number and serial number
purchase price
name and signature of the seller
The seller's HST registration number, if tax was collected by the seller

Note: A bill of sale is provided on the reverse side of the current vehicle registration permit or you may use a separate document

What fees will I have to pay to transfer my motor vehicle?

The following fees will have to paid at the time of transfer

transfer fee
provincial sales tax on the purchase price or the Red Book value of vehicle
all outstanding fines appearing on your record

Note: If you purchased the vehicle within 45 days of the vehicle registration expiry date, you should also consider paying the annual renewal fee, since the renewal notice has already been mailed to the previous owner.

When do I need to obtain a sworn affidavit?

A sworn affidavit from the buyer and seller is required when the purchase price of the vehicle is below the wholesale Red Book value.

Note: If you purchase the vehicle from a business and the HST registration number is shown on the bill of sale, an affidavit will not be required.

When should I obtain insurance?

You are required to obtain public liability insurance coverage before the vehicle can be transferred or driven on a highway.

Transfers can be made without insurance or an inspection certificate, if the plates are expired or returned to the Motor Registration Division.

Where do I obtain a Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Certificate?

Most service stations and automotive centres are registered as Official Inspection Stations and are able to issue the inspection certificate required for the transfer of your vehicle. A vehicle branded as salvage will require a three-stage inspection upon being rebuilt. A current list of Official Inspection Stations, which are authorized to perform inspections on salvage vehicles, may be obtained from the Motor Registration Division.

How can I pay?

You can pay by one of the following

Cheque or money order made payable to the Newfoundland Exchequer; or
Visa or MasterCard. Please include card number, expiry date by month and year, Authorization to deduct fees from credit card and signature of card holder.
If you pay in person you may also pay by debit card.

What else do I need to know?

You may have your transfer of ownership processed in person, at any Regional Motor Registration Division Office, or by mail.