Buying or selling a vehicle in Quebec: the ownership transfer, without getting caught
A transfer done badly leaves the seller liable for the buyer's tickets and the buyer without recourse if the vehicle was hiding a problem. The order of the steps protects both.
A transfer done badly leaves the seller liable for the buyer's tickets and the buyer without recourse if the vehicle was hiding a problem. The order of the steps protects both.
Selling also protects your own file
Until the transfer is done, notices, tickets and liabilities linked to the vehicle can still reach the registered seller. Never hand over the keys without the transfer, or without a signed dated writing announcing it, and keep proof of the transfer.
What the buyer must check
That the name on the registration certificate matches the person selling; the vehicle history, including rebuilt or damaged status and mechanical inspections; the register of movable charges (RDPRM) for liens; an independent mechanical inspection before payment; that the VIN matches the certificate and the vehicle; and any open manufacturer recalls.
The transfer
Fill in the written sale (price, date and time, both parties, VIN, mileage, make, model, year and any important statement), sign the required transfer certificate with a copy for each party, complete the transaction online when it is eligible or go to a service point or mandatary, pay the applicable duties and taxes, and get the new registration certificate in the buyer's name.
What blocks most sales
No insurance at the moment of possession (organise coverage before taking the keys), an untraceable payment (cash deposit with no receipt, transfer to a third party, a deposit before seeing the vehicle), a vehicle with a special status, and taxes payable at registration.
Official sources
- SAAQ — transferring ownership
- Registre des droits personnels et reels mobiliers
- Office de la protection du consommateur