How to Sell Your Used Car in Ottawa: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Gather Your Documents
Before listing your car, make sure you have:
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Vehicle Registration (Ownership Permit)
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Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) – Required in Ontario; available from Service Ontario.
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Lien Release Letter – If your car was financed and the loan is paid off.
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Safety Standards Certificate (optional) – Not mandatory for private sales, but needed if the buyer wants to register the car right away.
2. Determine Your Car’s Value
Research your car’s market value using:
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Canadian Black Book
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Kelley Blue Book Canada
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Auto Trader or Kijiji comparisons
Be realistic about pricing based on the car’s age, mileage, condition, and similar listings in Ottawa.
3. Get Your Car Ready
Clean and prep your car:
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Wash and detail inside and out
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Fix minor issues (e.g. lights, windshield wipers)
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Take quality photos in good lighting
4. Advertise the Vehicle
List your car on popular platforms:
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Kijiji
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AutoTrader.ca
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Facebook Marketplace
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Craigslist
Include clear photos and detailed info like:
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Year, make, and model
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Kilometres driven
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Condition (any damages or recent maintenance)
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Asking price
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Contact info
5. Communicate With Potential Buyers
Respond to inquiries quickly and politely. Be ready to answer:
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Why you’re selling
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Service history
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If any issues exist with the car
Arrange safe test drives – meet in public spaces and accompany buyers.
6. Negotiate the Sale
Be open to reasonable offers but know your lowest acceptable price. Once you agree:
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Fill out the bill of sale portion on the UVIP
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Sign over the vehicle ownership
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Give the buyer the UVIP and (if applicable) the Safety Standards Certificate
7. Remove the Plates
Ontario law requires plates stay with the seller, not the vehicle. Remove your plates before handing over the car.
8. Cancel or Transfer Insurance
Contact your insurance provider to cancel or transfer your policy to your new vehicle. Don’t forget this step!
9. Notify Service Ontario
Let Service Ontario know the car has been sold. This protects you from any future liability.
