Are you thinking about selling your car directly to another person within Ontario? You should keep in mind that the Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) is a requisite to transfer ownership of a vehicle. In this article, we explain what the UVIP package is, what information it includes and how you can request it.
What is The Used Vehicle Information Package?
Selling or buying a used car directly from a car’s owner is a trust transaction that requires patience and transparency. In order to be fair to both parties (the seller and the buyer), the Government of Ontario requires a document called “the used vehicle information package” for residents of the province to be able to sell a pre-owned automobile. This document contains the general description and history of the vehicle. It is the responsibility of the seller to purchase this package and complete it with the required information before delivering it to the buyer. The UVIP allows a more transparent and fair transaction so the buyer can make an informed decision.
What Is Included in the Used Vehicle Information Package?
The used vehicle information package in Ontario contains the following information:
- The vehicle details (including the year, make, model, colour, body type, cylinders and power)
- The vehicle registration history in Ontario (including all present and previous owners, their city of residence and odometer reading)
- Information about the vehicle currently attached to that plate number.
- Vehicle liens, such as whether a third party is owed money or whether a lien claimant has the right to the automobile or the amount owed
- The average wholesale value of the vehicle (minimum value on which Retail Sales Tax (RST) will apply)
- Whether the car is physically unfit or has not been granted a Safety Standards Certificate
- If the vehicle has been completely dismantled or crushed
- The bill of sale section
How Much Does a UVIP Cost in Ontario?
The cost of a used vehicle information package is $20, and you don’t have to step outside to get it. It can be purchased online and paid by credit card Visa, Mastercard or Interact Online. Once you make a request and payment, the UVIP will be delivered to the address on file or the address that you provide in 5 business days. It’s the seller’s responsibility to complete the information in the package and hand it to the buyer.
Is a Used Vehicle Information Package Mandatory, and are There Any Exemptions?
We can say “yes” to both questions. Obtaining a used vehicle information package is mandatory when selling a pre-owned vehicle in Ontario. However, there are some exceptions that may apply to you.
According to the Government of Ontario’s website, you may sell or transfer ownership of a vehicle without this document if:
- You are buying a previously owned vehicle from a registered vehicle dealer
- It’s a transaction between taxi license holders
- A sale is between family members
- A vehicle was sold outside of Ontario
- It is a charitable donation to a licensed religious or benevolent organization
- A vehicle is sold or transferred to a hospital, local service board, municipality, school board, university, or college
- It is a prize for registered lotteries or raffles
- It is purchased from a registered motor vehicle dealer
What Information Do I Need to Request a Used Vehicle Information Package?
Both online and in person, you will be required to provide the following information to request the UVIP for a used car or vehicle:
- A vehicle identification number (VIN), or a license plate number of a used vehicle
- Your Ontario driver’s license number or registrant identification number (RIN),
- Your name and address
Who Is Required to Order a Used Vehicle Information Package?
If you are selling a used car, van, light truck, self-propelled motor home or pre-owned motorcycle, you certainly are required to get a used vehicle information package. Failure to do so is considered an offence by The Highway Traffic Act. Sanctions and fees for not following this rule can range from $100 to $1,000 depending on whether it is the first or second time you commit the offence.
Where Can You Get a Used Vehicle Information Package?
There are only two ways you can request a used vehicle information package. You can buy it online or order it in person. If you don’t want leave the comfort of your house then you can visit the Service Ontario website and order it from there. Or, if you happen to swing by a Service Ontario office often, then you can do it in person, and the staff will help you order one.
How Long is the Used Vehicle Information Package Valid?
The UVIP does not have an expiry date. Keep in mind that you need an original and undamaged used vehicle information package to sell a vehicle privately.
Why Insurers Care About UVIP
Insurers care about UVIP when you buy a used car because it contains essential information about the car’s history. Checking UVIPs is part of an insurer’s due diligence to assess the vehicle’s condition and assign insurance rates. Without a UVIP, insurers may have issues calculating rates because the previous owner may have hidden problems with the car.
What to Do If the UVIP Is Missing or Wrong Before a Sale
If the UVIP is missing before a sale, you can’t proceed because the seller is legally required to provide it. You can ask the seller to provide one or order a UVIP yourself through ServiceOntario. Ask the seller for the car’s VIN and use it to submit an order. UVIP orders cost $20, payable by credit card. If you need one quickly, you can get a UVIP issued on the same day from your local ServiceOntario centre.
If you find incorrect details on your UVIP, you can contact ServiceOntario through one of these numbers:
- 1-800-387-387-3445 (Toll-free, Canada)
- 416-235-2999 (GTA)
If you plan to sell your car privately, getting the UVIP ready to alleviate buyer concerns is a good idea.
What’s the Difference Between a Used Vehicle Information Package and Carfax?
A used vehicle information package and Carfax are not the same things. You need the used vehicle information package to complete the used car purchase process. Carfax or CarProof is an optional report you can purchase for a fee, but it isn’t mandatory. However, Carfax also provides valuable vehicle history information such as:
- If a car has been in an accident.
- If a car has been stolen.
- If there are safety recalls on a vehicle.
- If there is a lien on a car.
Key Advice from MyChoice
- You don’t need a UVIP if you get your car from a dealership or a family member.
- If the seller can’t provide a UVIP, you can order one yourself through ServiceOntario.
- You can contact ServiceOntario by phone to report a UVIP with incorrect details.