Selling or buying a used car privately in Ontario? You’ll need a bill of sale — here’s a free, fillable template, plus what actually has to be on it.
What Is a Bill of Sale, and Do You Actually Need One in Ontario?
A bill of sale is a signed record of a vehicle changing hands: who sold it, who bought it, what it is, and for how much. Ontario doesn’t require a specific form for it — it can be a typed document, a handwritten note, or a downloaded template like this one — but it does expect one to exist. ServiceOntario may ask to see it, and the buyer needs it to register the vehicle in their name within 6 days of the sale.
Without one, you have no paper trail if the car turns out to have a problem, the buyer disappears without transferring ownership, or you need to prove the sale price for tax purposes.
What has to be on a Used Vehicle Bill of Sale
A valid Ontario bill of sale should include:
- Vehicle details — VIN, year, make, model, body style, odometer reading, colour, license plate number
- Sale price
- Seller’s full name/company name, address, and signature
- Buyer’s full name/company name, address, and signature
- Date of sale
- Sale condition — sold “as-is, where-is,” or certified and safety tested
That’s it. It doesn’t need to be notarized, and both parties keeping a signed copy is usually enough.
As-Is vs. Certified — Which Box Do You Check?
- As-is, where-is means the buyer accepts the car in its current condition, with no guarantees from the seller. This is the standard for older or private-party sales.
- Certified and safety tested means the seller had the vehicle safety-inspected and is representing it as roadworthy. If you check this box, keep the safety certificate with the bill of sale.
Most private used-car sales in Ontario go through as-is — but be upfront about known issues either way. Misrepresenting a vehicle’s condition can create legal problems after the sale.
How to Fill Out a Used Vehicle Bill of Sale
- Fill in the vehicle section together, ideally while standing next to the car so the VIN and plate match exactly.
- Agree on and write in the purchase price.
- Check the as-is or certified box — only one.
- Both parties sign and date it.
- Make two copies — one for the buyer, one for the seller.
- The buyer brings their copy to ServiceOntario, along with the vehicle portion of the seller’s ownership permit and a completed Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP), to register the car in their name.
A Quick Note
This template is provided as a free, general-purpose example — it’s not legal advice, and every sale is a little different. If your situation involves a lien, a lease, an estate, or a dispute, it’s worth a quick call to a lawyer or ServiceOntario before you sign anything.
Not Selling Privately? Skip the Paperwork Entirely
If your car is older, non-running, or just not worth the hassle of a private sale, you don’t need a bill of sale at all — we handle the entire ownership transfer for you.
Scrap Car Buyer Toronto pays cash on the spot, tows the vehicle for free, and takes care of all the government paperwork the same day. No listing it, no meeting strangers, no waiting on a buyer to actually show up.
📞 Call (416) 540-7989 for a free, no-obligation quote — most pickups happen within 1–3 hours.
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