Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rate of tax and how much is the transfer fee?

The current tax rate is 15% and the transfer fee is $50.00, senior’s transfer fee (65 years of age and older) $16.00.

Do I need an inspection to transfer my vehicle?

Yes, you need an inspection to transfer if the vehicle registration is valid or you intend to renew the vehicle registration at the time of transfer. 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 for hire disabled passenger vehicles (commercial vehicles defined in section 2(f) of the Official Inspection Station Regulations, such as accessible vehicles used in para-transit services).

How do I licence a homemade trailer?

You must complete a declaration that you have built the trailer and have paid taxes on parts used to construct the trailer. The registration fee is $63, senior’s fee (65 years of age and older) is $34.

How long does it take to do a photo ID or driver’s licence? Do I get it right away?

Once your application is received by a clerk you will be issued a temporary driver’s licence document and your card will be sent to you in the mail.

How can I pay for my driver’s licence and vehicle registration?

Payment Options

Can I pay traffic fines at Motor Registration?

If the fines are on your record you can pay them at Motor Registration. Otherwise, you have to pay them at the nearest Provincial Court or Traffic Court in St. John’s. For information on fines payment please contact Fines Administration at (709) 729-0424.

If I renew my vehicle registration after it has expired, why isn’t my registration effective from the month I pay it?

Vehicles must be renewed annually. The original expiry month is kept, unless the vehicle registration is renewed three months or longer beyond its original expiry.

For example, a vehicle registration that expired Dec. 31, 2020 would still receive a one-year expiry date of Dec. 31, 2021 even if it wasn’t renewed until January, February or March 2021. If renewed in April 2020, the 12 months includes the month indicated on the sticker so the expiry date will be March 31, 2020.

Vehicle owners are reminded that it is illegal to operate a vehicle without a valid registration.

I’d like to import a vehicle into Canada from the U.S. What is the process?

For information on importing a vehicle into Canada, and registration requirements in Newfoundland & Labrador, please see ‘Imported Vehicles’ under How to Register a Vehicle.