Did you know That You Must Register Your Purchased Car Within Six Days in Ontario?

Buying a used car in Ontario? Great! But there are a couple of important deadlines and documents you must know about - especially the six-day registration rule and the requirement for a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC). Let’s walk through it so you can stay compliant, avoid fines, and get driving stress-free.

Why the Six-Day Rule Matters

When you buy a used vehicle privately in Ontario, you’re required to register that vehicle in your name within six days of the purchase.

Here’s why that rule is important:

• Registering promptly ensures the vehicle is legally in your name.

• It protects you from liability if the vehicle has issues or gets into trouble before transfer.

• It allows you to get your vehicle permit, licence plates (or transfer existing plates) and be road-legal.

• Delaying beyond six days can complicate insurance, tax, or smooth ownership transfer.

Understanding the Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) for Car Registration

While registering within 6 days is crucial, many used-vehicle purchases also require a Safety Standards Certificate (SSC). What is it? Here are the key points:

• The SSC is issued when your vehicle passes a minimum standard safety inspection at a licensed vehicle inspection station.

• The certificate confirms that on the date of inspection, the vehicle met the province’s minimum safety standards — but it’s not a warranty of long-term condition.

• In Ontario, you can buy and register a vehicle without an SSC; however, you cannot attach licence plates until you obtain one when required.

• The SSC is valid for 36 calendar days from the date of inspection. If you don’t act within that window, you’ll often need a new inspection.

How It All Works Together

Here’s a typical scenario to help you visualize the process:

1. You purchase a used vehicle from a private seller in Ontario.

2. You receive the Bill of Sale, any required “Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)”, and the seller signs off on the transfer portion of the permit.

3. You organize insurance coverage.

4. You book your vehicle for inspection (if required) and obtain the SSC.

5. You visit a ServiceOntario centre within 6 days of purchase with all documents — proof of insurance, your ID, bill of sale, UVIP (if a private sale), SSC (if applicable), and a completed transfer form.

6. You pay the required fees, register the vehicle, and receive your vehicle permit and licence plates (or transfer existing ones).

What Happens If You Delay or Miss Steps

• If you wait longer than six days to register, you risk additional complications, penalties, or being uninsurable for that time.

• If your SSC has expired (e.g., more than 36 days since inspection), you’ll need a new inspection and a new certificate.

• If you try to drive without proper registration or plating, you may be violating Ontario’s rules.

• If you skip the SSC when required (such as when transferring ownership or registering a vehicle from outside Ontario), you may not be able to plate the vehicle until it's compliant.

Tips:

• Book early: After purchase, call your trusted vehicle inspection station right away to avoid losing the SSC validity window.

• Organize your documents: Bill of Sale, UVIP, permit transfer portion, proof of insurance, and your ID. Have these ready before heading to ServiceOntario UVIP (available to be purchased at Service Ontario).

• Inspect before purchase: If possible, before you buy the vehicle, ask about recent maintenance, any outstanding repairs, or safety issues — the SSC confirms minimum safety standards, but not that a vehicle is in perfect condition.

• Transfer plates if possible: If you already own plates you’d like to reuse, mention this at registration to save cost and time.

• Make use of the six-day window: You’ve got it for a reason. Use it wisely to be fully legal and drive with peace of mind.