You can sell your car in Canada through a private marketplace, online dealer, bidding site or online automotive marketplace. Requirements for how to sell a car will vary by province, and you may need to take different steps depending on which platform you choose.
Steps for how to sell a car
Follow these steps on how to sell a car in Canada for an easy process from start to finish:
Clean your car. Wash and polish the outside (including engine and tires), vacuum the seats, wipe down surfaces and hang an air freshener. You may even want to consider a professional cleaning to help with your sale.
Visit your mechanic. Get an inspection report for your car to make sure it’s in good shape. This costs a bit extra but could help you net a higher price for your car. Prices for inspections usually range from $150 to $250.
Compile your records. Gather records for oil changes, emergency repairs and accessories such as new tires or wipers to show that you take good care of your car. You can also download a copy of your CARFAX report to have on hand.
Prepare your ad. If you plan to post an ad online, take high-quality photos of your car in a nice location with good lighting. Write a compelling ad that lists out key information and special features, and don’t be afraid to sponsor your ad with a fee to get more attention.
2. Determine how much your car is worth
Search your car on sites like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, Consumer Reports or AutoTrader to figure out how much it’s worth. Look for vehicles that are the same make and model, with a similar condition and number of kilometres. Read our article to learn more about how much your car is worth.
Tips for how to get the best price or offer
Private marketplaces. Set a higher price to start so you can negotiate down. Come ready to haggle but be firm about your bottom line.
Online dealer. Compare offers from multiple dealers to get the best price when you sell your car online in Canada.
Bidding site. Set a minimum price and choose the highest offer from multiple bids. Don’t be afraid to look into other platforms if you aren’t satisfied.
Online automotive marketplace. Set a higher price to start so you can negotiate down, and list across platforms to get the most visibility.
3. Choose a platform
Compare the 4 main platform types for how to sell a car in Canada:
Type of platform
Examples
Best for
Pros
Cons
Private marketplace
Craigslist, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, and Used.ca
Used vehicle information package (private sales only)
Signed bill of sale
Completed and signed application for transfer – on back of ownership permit
Certificate that verifies the vehicle meets safety standards (in some cases)
Selling a car in Prince Edward Island
Completed notification of transfer form on the registration permit
Vehicle permit with your signature
Bill of sale
Motor vehicle inspection form
Selling a car in Quebec
Both the buyer and seller must go to an SAAQ service outlet to have the vehicle registered in the buyer’s name. This process may differ if you’re selling to a dealer.
Selling a car in Saskatchewan
Bill of sale
Transfer of ownership form on registration permit
Government-issued ID. Most buyers want to see that you are who you say you are, so make sure you have a valid piece of ID on you.
CARFAX report. Download a CARFAX report to show prospective buyers that your vehicle hasn’t been involved in any accidents or thefts.
Inspection report. Bring your car in for an inspection to make sure it’s in good working order and make repairs as needed.
Maintenance records. Keep your receipts for oil changes, air and fuel filter changes, emergency repairs and other maintenance to show that you take good care of your car.
5. List your car and get an offer
You’ll follow a different process to list your car online and get an offer for each platform:
Platform type
Process to follow
Private marketplaces
Choose where you want to sell your car online in Canada or cross-post across several platforms for greater visibility.
Post pictures of your car and write a description outlining key information in a compelling way.
Include your contact details and pricing information.
Click submit and wait for buyers to contact you directly.
Organize viewings and test drives for your vehicle.
Select the offer you’re comfortable with.
Online dealers
Visit the website of the online dealer you’re interested in.
Click the tab with details on how to sell a car online.
Enter your vehicle details or VIN, along with contact info.
Get your vehicle appraised by the dealer (they will usually do this by inspecting at your home).
Your vehicle won’t be listed online but the dealer will send you an offer.
Choose to trade your car in for a discount on a new car or get the offer in cash.
Once the offer is accepted, your dealer will pick up your vehicle from your house in most cases.
Bidding sites
Visit the website of the bidding site you want to use.
Enter your vehicle details or VIN, along with contact info.
The bidding site will post your car and you’ll get multiple offers (usually from anonymous bidders).
Select the bid you’re interested in and request payment.
Delivery or pick-up options will vary depending on the bidding site you use.
Online automotive marketplaces
Choose the site where you want to post or cross-post across several platforms for greater visibility
Post pictures of your car and write a description outlining key information in a compelling way.
Include your contact details.
Click submit and wait for buyers to contact you directly.
Organize viewings and test drives for your vehicle.
Select the offer you’re comfortable with.
6. Finalize the sale
Once your buyer agrees to a price, you’ll need to complete the following tasks to sell your car in Canada:
Request payment. Wait until the money is in your account before you begin the process of transferring ownership.
Transfer ownership. Each province has its own requirements for how to do this (outlined below). Organize pick up or delivery. Hand your keys over to the buyer or arrange to deliver the vehicle or have someone pick it up.
Cancel your coverage. Cancel your insurance and registration and remove your licence plates either before or immediately after the sale.
How to transfer ownership by province
Expand each province for more detailed information about how to transfer ownership of your vehicle. **This information may change so it’s best to visit the website for your province’s motor vehicle registry for up-to-date details.
Province
Transferring ownership by province
Alberta
Complete an original bill of sale for both you and the buyer.
Rip off section 2 of your Alberta vehicle registration certificate and give it to the buyer.
Cancel your licence plates or transfer them over to the new owner at a registry agent.
The buyer must go to a registry agent with the bill of sale and proof of valid insurance to register the car in their name.
British Columbia
Remove your licence plates and cancel or transfer your insurance.
Tear off the bottom part of your vehicle registration and make sure you sign it before giving it to the buyer.
The buyer must take the registration and transfer/tax form to an Autoplan broker (you can also go along to help with the process).
Manitoba
Fill out the transfer of ownership card on the back of your vehicle’s registration.
Write up a bill of sale for both you and the buyer, which includes the vehicle’s year, make, model, serial number and the agreed selling price (sample template).
Provide the buyer with your valid certificate of inspection (COI) or inform them they will need to have the vehicle inspected themselves.
Retain the licence plates and cancel your Autopac coverage.
The buyer must take the transfer of ownership, bill of sale and COI into the registry office to transfer the vehicle.
New Brunswick
Give the buyer your signed certificate of registration.
Remove the licence plates and cancel your insurance coverage.
Your buyer will need to go to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to register the vehicle.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Give the buyer your vehicle registration permit and make sure they complete the signed insurance declaration on the back.
Fill out a bill of sale including the 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 and your full name and signature.
Provide the buyer with a motor vehicle safety inspection certificate or inform them they will need to have the vehicle inspected themselves.
Fill out a sworn affidavit with the buyer for a private sale
Remove the notice of sale portion of your registration, sign and submit it to motor registration within 10 days of the sale of a vehicle.
Your buyer will need to go to a registry office with the documents to register the vehicle.
Nova Scotia
Sign the reverse of the certificate of registration, fill out the transfer of title certificate of sale (part 1) and give both to the buyer.
Remove the notice of sale portion of your registration, sign and submit it to the Registry of Motor Vehicles immediately after the sale.
Take off the plates and cancel or transfer insurance.
Your buyer will need to go to a registry office to register the vehicle.
Ontario
Purchase a used vehicle information package from ServiceOntario to give to your buyer (details your vehicle history and costs $20). This is for private sales only.
Provide your buyer with a signed bill of sale with your name, the buyer’s name and address, the date and the purchase price.
Fill out and sign the application for transfer on the back of your ownership permit, under the vehicle portion.
You may also need to provide a certificate that verifies the vehicle meets safety standards from a mechanic.
Retain your licence plates and the plate portion of your registration permit.
Your buyer will need to go to a registry office with the documents to register the vehicle.
Prince Edward Island
Complete and sign the back of the registration permit.
Complete a bill of sale that outlines info such as your name, the buyer’s name and address, the date and purchase price.
Fill in the notification of transfer form on the registration permit and mail it to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles within 7 days of the transfer date.
Take off the plates and cancel or transfer your insurance.
Your buyer will need to go to a registry office with the registration permit and bill of sale to register the vehicle.
Quebec
Find a buyer and accompany them to an SAAQ service outlet to transfer the registration. This must be done entirely in person and you will get all the necessary documents to fill out when you arrive.
Saskatchewan
Complete a bill of sale with the required information (sample here).
Complete the transfer of ownership form on your registration permit and give it to the buyer.
Take off the plates and cancel or transfer your insurance.
Your buyer will need to go to a registry office with the bill of sale and transfer of ownership permit to register the vehicle.
Bottom line
You have several choices in how to sell your car in Canada. Online dealers and bidding sites are the most convenient method, but you may not get the highest offer. Selling privately to an individual may get you a better offer, but it takes more time and effort.
The best way to sell a car online without being scammed is to use a reputable car dealer such as Canada Drives, CarDoor or Clutch. For other platforms, be sure to verify your buyer’s ID, meet in a safe place, go with them on a test drive, collect payment before signing paperwork and accompany them to the registry to make sure the car is transferred over properly.
You can sell your car online in Canada for free with any of the sellers listed above. The only time you may need to pay is if you want to purchase a sponsored ad with a private marketplace or online car broker. Online dealers and bidding sites should never charge a fee to list your vehicle or provide a quote.
The fastest way to sell your car online in Canada will depend on how in demand it is. If you have an older vehicle, you may have more luck selling it on a private marketplace. If it’s newer, you could lock in a quick sale with an online dealer. The best strategy is to list your car with multiple platforms at once to ensure a quick sale on one of them.
It depends. If you’re buying a new car from a dealership, trading in your old car can help you save money without going through the hassle of selling it online. But you can usually get more money if you sell your car privately, through a bidding site or to an online dealer.
Claire Horwood was a writer at Finder, specializing in credit cards, loans and other financial products. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from the University of Victoria, and an Associate’s Degree in Science from Camosun College. Much of Claire’s coursework has focused on writing and statistics, with a healthy dose of social and cultural analysis mixed in for good measure. In her spare time, Claire enjoys rock climbing, travelling and drinking inordinate amounts of coffee. See full bio
It can be tough to convince a buyer that a financed vehicle will be theirs free and clear if they choose to buy it. Here’s what you should know beforehand to help make the sale a success.
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