The Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) is the official package of information relating to a used-vehicle transaction in Ontario.
In most cases, if you’re a seller, you must provide a prospective buyer with a Used Vehicle Information Package, and they’ll need it to register the ownership transfer.
Learn more about UVIP requirements and exemptions, UVIP fees, where to get a copy, and the six-day vehicle transfer process.
Our editorial team researched Ontario’s Used Vehicle Information Package service, Ontario’s used-vehicle buying and selling guide, and Ontario Regulation 601/93 to learn more about the rules around transferring ownership of a used vehicle in a private sale.
Do You Need a UVIP to Buy or Sell a Used Vehicle in Ontario?
A Used Vehicle Information Package is generally required when completing a private sale of a qualifying used vehicle in Ontario. The seller must make a valid UVIP available to a prospective buyer and provide it when the sale is finalized.
A buyer may purchase a UVIP before completing a vehicle purchase or at ServiceOntario when registering the vehicle, but this does not remove the seller’s legal responsibility.
What Is the Used Vehicle Information Package?
Ontario issues a Used Vehicle Information Package for a vehicle. It combines Ontario registration and lien information with spaces to complete transfer information. A UVIP can help the parties to a private sale compare the vehicle, seller, and documentation details, but it does not confirm that all information about a vehicle is accurate or current.
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, which is the minimum value on which Retail Sales Tax (RST) will apply.
- Its last known status, including whether it is listed as unfit or wrecked.
- The bill-of-sale section.
How Much Does a UVIP Cost in Ontario?
| Order method | Cost and payment | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Online | $20; Visa or Mastercard accepted. | Mailed within five business days; allow up to 10 days for delivery. |
| ServiceOntario centre | $20; accepted payment methods vary by location. | Issued the same day. |
| Buyer orders at transfer | $20. The buyer can obtain one while registering the vehicle. | The seller is still legally required to provide one. |
To order a UVIP, you’ll need the vehicle’s VIN or licence plate number, plus your Ontario driver’s licence number, a registrant identification number, or a specific name and address.
Is a Used Vehicle Information Package Mandatory, and Are There Exemptions?
A UVIP is generally required for private sales of qualifying cars, vans, light trucks, self-propelled motor homes, motorcycles, and light farm vehicles.
Common exemptions include:
| Situation | UVIP typically not required |
|---|---|
| Registered dealer sale | Buying from an OMVIC-registered used-vehicle dealer. |
| Certain family transfers | Transferring ownership between qualifying family members. |
| Other listed transfers | Transfers involving qualifying taxi arrangements, eligible charities or public bodies, and registered lottery or raffle prizes. |
| Vehicle previously bought or sold outside Ontario | Listed as an Ontario exemption. |
| Certain vehicle types | Construction machinery, snow vehicles, heavy trucks, mopeds, and motorized boats. |
Always check Ontario’s current rules before relying on an exemption.
Read More: See How Ontario Taxes Used-Vehicle Purchases
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.
What to Do If the UVIP Is Missing, Damaged or Wrong
UVIP is missing: Ask the seller for it. A buyer can order one, but should not be pressured into bypassing the seller’s legal obligation.
UVIP is damaged: An original, undamaged package must have an unaltered serial number and the page-one stub attached. If it is not valid, ask the seller or ServiceOntario for a replacement.
UVIP is incorrect: Do not complete the vehicle transfer until ServiceOntario resolves the discrepancy. Contact ServiceOntario in Canada at 1-800-387-3445 or in the GTA at 416-235-2999.
Suspicious mismatch: Compare the physical VIN, permit, UVIP, and seller’s identification. Do not proceed with the sale until inconsistencies have been resolved.
Read More: See When You Need Insurance Before Buying a Car
What Is the Difference Between a UVIP and CARFAX?
A used vehicle information package and Carfax are not the same things. You generally need a UVIP to register a vehicle after a qualifying private sale.
Carfax or CarProof is an optional report you can purchase for a fee, but it isn’t mandatory. However, Carfax may provide vehicle-history information such as:
- whether a car has been in an accident;
- whether a car has been reported stolen;
- whether there are safety recalls on a vehicle; or
- whether there is a lien on a car.
Read More: Learn How to Check and Understand a VIN
Why the UVIP Is Not an Insurance Requirement
A UVIP is not an insurance requirement; it is a sale and registration document.
An insurance company identifies and rates the vehicle using the information it requests, which may include the correct vehicle identification number. Call your insurer before transferring ownership to confirm what it needs.