How do I register a used vehicle I bought in Québec?

When you buy a vehicle from an individual, the transfer and registration are done in SAAQclic or at a SAAQ service point. In SAAQclic, once the seller has made the transfer, you have 48 business hours to accept it and register the vehicle. You must pay the QST to the SAAQ when you register, even if the vehicle is used; there is no GST to pay when the sale is between two individuals. The registration cost itself is found in the SAAQ's Tarifs et amendes (rates and fines) section.

Key facts

Deadline (SAAQclic)

48 business hours after the transfer made by the seller, to accept the transfer and register the vehicle.

Taxes

QST paid to the SAAQ when registering, calculated on the higher of the sale price and the vehicle's estimated value. No GST for a sale between individuals.

Registration cost

See the SAAQ's Tarifs et amendes section (amount not repeated here). It is higher for a luxury vehicle: an additional 1% of the value above $40,000.

Plate

Paper temporary plate if the seller did not give up their plate; the metal plate arrives by mail within 10 to 20 business days.

Payment methods (service point)

Cash, debit card (except at some service points), automatic bank withdrawals, cheque or money order. No credit card. Online, you must add a bank account to your file.

Insurance

Private liability insurance of at least $50,000.

Steps

1. Before buying, check with the Registre des droits personnels et réels mobiliers (register of personal and movable real rights) whether the vehicle is free of debts. You can also request the vehicle's ownership history (fees apply).
2. Do the transfer in SAAQclic if the vehicle is a passenger vehicle (car, SUV or minivan) registered in Québec, under 25 years old, and if the seller and you are 18 or older and have a SAAQclic file. Otherwise, go to a SAAQ service point.
3. In SAAQclic: the seller starts the transaction (vehicle, your holder identification number, sale amount). You then accept the transfer and register the vehicle within 48 business hours after the transfer made by the seller.
4. Enter the actual mileage shown on the odometer and add to your file the bank account that will be used to pay the QST and, if applicable, the registration cost.
5. At a service point: the seller and you show your driver's licence or another official document with a photo, and you state the actual mileage. If you are under 18, bring the consent form from the holder of parental authority.
6. Pay the QST to the SAAQ when you register (calculated on the higher of the sale price and the vehicle's estimated value), as well as the registration cost.
7. If the seller did not give you their plate, put the paper temporary licence plate on the rear window while you wait for your metal plate, which you will receive by mail.
8. Make sure you have private liability insurance of at least $50,000 before driving.