A Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) is a mandatory document in Ontario for private car sales. It includes essential details like ownership history, lien status, and vehicle valuation. Sellers must provide it to buyers to complete the sale legally.
If you're buying or selling a used car in Ontario through a private sale, the Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) isn't just a helpful resource—it's a legal necessity. Introduced by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), the UVIP is designed to protect consumers and ensure transparency in the resale market. It serves as a complete history document of the vehicle in question, helping to facilitate informed decisions and reduce fraudulent activity.
This package provides potential buyers with a wealth of key information, such as the vehicle's registration history, liens, odometer readings (if available), and its valuation for retail sales tax (RST) purposes. For sellers, it's a tool that supports a smoother transaction and shows a level of due diligence that builds trust with buyers.
Whether you're looking to sell your personal vehicle or are preparing to purchase one from a private seller, knowing what a UVIP is—and why it matters—is essential.
UVIP stands for Used Vehicle Information Package, a document issued by Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation (MTO). It is mandatory for all private vehicle sales within the province and is designed to provide transparency in used car transactions. The UVIP verifies that the seller legally owns the vehicle and discloses important details such as previous ownerships, liens, registration history, and the car's estimated value for tax purposes.
The UVIP is not optional—it’s required by law and must be provided by the seller to complete the transaction. By supplying this document, sellers comply with Ontario regulations, and buyers gain peace of mind knowing they are receiving accurate, government-verified data about the vehicle they’re purchasing.
Why Is the UVIP Important?
The UVIP plays a pivotal role in private vehicle transactions in Ontario. Its importance stems from a few key areas: legal compliance, buyer protection, and transaction transparency.
From a legal standpoint, Ontario law requires private sellers to provide a UVIP to the buyer. This isn't optional—failure to do so can lead to fines. That alone makes it a mandatory part of any vehicle sale between private individuals.
From the buyer’s perspective, the UVIP reduces uncertainty. When you purchase a used car, there’s always some risk—hidden accidents, unpaid liens, or previous issues with the title. The UVIP helps eliminate much of that uncertainty by supplying a verified record from the Ministry of Transportation. It essentially confirms that the person selling the car is the rightful owner and discloses whether the vehicle is carrying any debt or legal claim (lien).
Transparency is also a huge benefit. By including a vehicle valuation, a registration history, and even a bill of sale template, the UVIP ensures both parties have access to the same information, leading to fairer deals and fewer disputes down the line.
What Information Does the UVIP Contain?
The Used Vehicle Information Package is quite detailed. It’s designed to give a comprehensive overview of the car’s legal and ownership history, which is crucial in helping buyers assess the condition, value, and legitimacy of the vehicle.
Here’s a breakdown of what the UVIP includes:
1. Vehicle Description: This section covers the vehicle’s year, make, model, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), colour, body style, engine specifications, and fuel type. These details help ensure that the car being sold matches the listing and prevent VIN tampering or fraud.
2. Registration History: You’ll find a full list of previous owners along with the dates of ownership and the city in which the vehicle was registered. This lets buyers see how often the vehicle has changed hands—which can be a clue to how well it’s been maintained.
3. Lien Information: This section will show if there is any registered lien on the vehicle. A lien is essentially a claim against the vehicle for unpaid loans or debts. Buying a car with a lien could leave the new owner responsible for paying off someone else’s debt, so this is one of the most critical parts of the UVIP.
4. Retail Sales Tax (RST) Information: The UVIP provides the vehicle’s valuation used to calculate the RST, which buyers must pay when registering the vehicle. It prevents tax underpayment and ensures the province collects the correct amount based on fair market value.
5. Safety Standards Certificate Status: Though the certificate itself isn’t included, the UVIP notes whether a Safety Standards Certificate has been issued for the vehicle. This certificate is required if the buyer plans to register the vehicle for road use.
6. Bill of Sale Template: To make the transaction smoother, the UVIP includes a blank bill of sale that both parties can complete. This legally documents the transfer of ownership, price paid, and terms agreed upon.
All in all, the UVIP is designed to eliminate ambiguity and allow for a cleaner, more confident sale or purchase.
How to Obtain a UVIP
Getting a UVIP is a straightforward process, but it's essential to follow the correct steps to avoid delays—especially when you're planning to sell your vehicle quickly. The package must be ordered by the current vehicle owner and cannot be requested by the buyer.
There are two primary ways to get your UVIP:
1. Online via ServiceOntario
You can order your UVIP online through the ServiceOntario website. To complete the transaction, you’ll need the following:
Your vehicle’s licence plate number or VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
A valid Ontario driver’s licence or a Registrant Identification Number (RIN)
A payment method (Visa, Mastercard, or Interac)
Once submitted, you’ll typically receive the UVIP by mail within five business days.
2. In Person at a ServiceOntario Centre
If you need the UVIP right away or prefer a face-to-face option, visit a ServiceOntario location. Bring the same documentation (plate or VIN and personal ID), and you’ll be issued a UVIP on the spot.
Cost
As of 2025, the cost remains $20, and this fee is non-refundable. It's a small price for the legal protection and clarity the document provides.
It’s important to note that each UVIP is unique to the vehicle and its current registration. If the vehicle changes owners again, the new seller must order a fresh UVIP.
When Is a UVIP Required?
The UVIP is a mandatory document for all private used vehicle sales in Ontario involving certain vehicle types. That includes when you are:
Selling a car, van, or light truck privately
Selling a motorcycle or motorhome
Transferring a light farm vehicle (up to 2,200 kg)
Selling any self-propelled vehicle that’s road-registered and under the applicable weight limit
If you’re selling a vehicle to a stranger—whether it’s online, in person, or through a classified listing—you must provide a UVIP to comply with provincial law.
Even if the buyer doesn’t specifically ask for the UVIP (perhaps they’re unaware of the requirement), it is still your responsibility as the seller to have it ready. Without it, the buyer cannot legally register the vehicle in their name.
Not only is the UVIP required for legal registration, but it also builds credibility. Buyers are more likely to trust and purchase from someone who has all their documents in order.
Exemptions from UVIP Requirement
Not all vehicle transfers require a UVIP. The Ministry of Transportation allows for certain exemptions where ownership transfers occur without the mandatory package. These exemptions typically apply to:
Family Transfers: If you're gifting or transferring a vehicle between immediate family members (such as a spouse, parent, child, or sibling), you don’t need to provide a UVIP. However, a signed sworn statement or affidavit is usually required to complete the transfer.
Registered Dealerships: If you’re selling your vehicle to, or buying from, a licensed dealership, no UVIP is necessary. Dealers have access to their own set of MTO tools and are governed under different licensing rules.
Institutional Transfers: Vehicles donated or sold to registered charities, municipalities, religious organizations, or educational institutions are generally exempt.
Certain Vehicle Types: Vehicles such as snowmobiles, mopeds, off-road vehicles, heavy-duty trucks over 2,200 kg (empty weight), and construction equipment are excluded from UVIP requirements.
If your transaction falls into one of these categories, you’ll still want to ensure documentation is complete—especially if taxes or fees apply—but the UVIP itself won’t be needed.
What Happens If You Don’t Provide a UVIP?
Failing to provide a UVIP during a private sale in Ontario can result in serious consequences. Most notably, it’s a violation of the Highway Traffic Act, and sellers can face fines if caught. The law is designed to protect buyers from fraudulent or incomplete transactions, so enforcement is taken seriously.
Beyond the legal risks, refusing or forgetting to provide a UVIP can create major barriers in completing the sale. Buyers won’t be able to legally register the vehicle, which means they can’t insure or operate it. This could result in disputes, refund requests, or damage to your reputation as a seller.
If you’re buying a vehicle and the seller doesn’t offer a UVIP, it should raise red flags. It could be a sign that:
The seller is not the legal owner
There may be an undisclosed lien
The vehicle might have a sketchy history
To avoid headaches, always insist on receiving the UVIP before finalizing any payment.
Tips for Buyers and Sellers
Here are some essential tips to make the process of buying or selling a used vehicle smoother and safer:
For Sellers:
Order the UVIP early: Don’t wait until you have a buyer. Get the package when you decide to list your car—it can take a few days to arrive if you order online.
Be transparent: Use the UVIP to show you have nothing to hide. Offering it upfront builds trust.
Complete the Bill of Sale properly: This is included in the UVIP and must include the date, price, VIN, and both signatures.
Don’t remove plates: Keep your licence plates and notify the MTO once the vehicle is sold.
For Buyers:
Ask for the UVIP before paying anything: Review it carefully. Look for lien information, ownership history, and whether the vehicle has changed hands frequently.
Verify VIN and registration details: Make sure they match the car and the seller’s ID.
Check for liens through a PPSA search: Even though the UVIP includes this, doing a second check at ServiceOntario’s Personal Property Security Registration is wise.
Don’t forget about safety certificates: You’ll need one to register and insure the vehicle. Ask the seller if they’ve had one recently issued.
How the UVIP Differs from a Carfax Report
While both the UVIP and Carfax report offer insight into a vehicle’s history, they serve different purposes and come from different sources.
UVIP:
Issued by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation
Legally required in private sales
Includes owner history, lien status, and valuation
Does not show accident history
Carfax (or similar reports):
Private, third-party vehicle history services
Not legally required, but highly recommended
Shows accident history, service records (if reported), recall information, and U.S. import data
May not include up-to-date lien or ownership information from the Ontario registry
The best practice? Use both. The UVIP gives you legal and registration assurance, while a Carfax can reveal important mechanical or collision-related red flags.
Yes, there are exceptions to the rule as a buyer. If you buy a used vehicle from a registered used dealer, are exchanging taxi license holders, or are transferring between family members, you do not need a used vehicle information package.
There are also exceptions to the rule as a seller. If you are selling a car outside of Ontario, you will not need a UVIP. If it is a donation, a prize, or given to a hospital, school, or service board, there does not need to be a used vehicle information package.
UVIP is a required document by law in Ontario that states necessary historical vehicle information. A Carfax gives detailed information about accidents, safety recalls, and if the car has ever been stolen. A Carfax is not mandatory when buying a car in Ontario.
Since a used vehicle information package does not provide the same information as a Carfax, it is recommended to also purchase a Carfax report.
If you are purchasing a vehicle from a dealer, they should provide the Carfax for free. If they do not, this is a sign to look elsewhere as they may be hiding something wrong with the vehicle, which the used car package wouldn't show.
No, the UVIP will not show any accidents on the report. For a more detailed report, you should order a vehicle history report through Carfax. A Carfax report costs around $40.
The UVIP does not include any warranty claims, but you can access it through a vehicle history report. The report will provide the mileage and factory warranty status.
Yes, the UVIP shows if the car has had maintenance, but it does not show everything done on the car. If you want to know more about the car history regarding maintenance and condition, ordering a Carfax is always helpful. The CARFAX will show all accident data and the place of damage, service history and maintenance records, ownership history, and use of the vehicle.
If you are unsure about the maintenance, it never hurts to get a used vehicle inspected. Most thorough inspections can be done in under an hour, but they do cost money. They will also inspect the condition of the vehicle, mechanics, any damage, steering and power, and conduct a road test.
If you plan to maintain your car regularly, you may want to look into mechanical breakdown insurance for your vehicle. This insurance will cover any repairs necessary for things unrelated to accidents. It will cover engine parts, transmission, brakes, and any electrical components.
Yes, you will need a UVIP to register your car. You will need to register the vehicle within six days of purchase. When you go to register the car, you will need to bring your UVIP.
That's completely up to you! Buying a used car often comes with benefits such as lower prices for more features. Maybe you wanted a cool feature, but the new vehicle was too expensive, but a used one fits your budget.
No, a UVIP is not required when transferring ownership of a vehicle between immediate family members such as spouses, parents, or children. However, you may need to complete a sworn statement and submit proof of relationship to the MTO.
You can purchase a UVIP online at the ServiceOntario website or in person at any ServiceOntario location. You’ll need the vehicle’s VIN or licence plate number and valid ID
No. Selling a car privately without providing a UVIP is against the law in Ontario. It’s mandatory for all private sales of cars, light trucks, and motorcycles. Not providing one can result in fines and an invalid sale.
What Comes After the UVIP?
Although many other things go into purchasing a used car, ensuring you have a used vehicle information package comes first.
Once you've made the purchase and received a used vehicle information package, you've got a few more steps to complete. You're not quite ready to hit the road! You need to grab car insurance first.
It is not smart to drive off the lot without insurance. Purchasing before you leave is the best idea just in case something happens on your way home.
Insurdinary is a leading financial comparison platform that provides great rates for insurance and car loans. At Insurdinary, we want to give you top-notch insurance for your car, and you'll be on the road before you know it.
Ontario's Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) page
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