Have you procured a secondhand vehicle in Ontario but find yourself without a bill of sale or proof of ownership, either due to never receiving it or misplacing it? If this situation resonates with you, it’s possible that you’ll need to obtain an affidavit of ownership to facilitate the registration process for your used vehicle with Service Ontario. This article will guide you through the steps of acquiring an affidavit of ownership for your used vehicle, especially in cases where you lack a bill of sale or any other substantiating documentation.

What exactly is an affidavit of ownership? An affidavit of ownership serves as a legally sworn statement in which you detail the circumstances surrounding your acquisition of the used vehicle. This includes information about the transaction, the seller, and the reasons why you’re unable to provide a bill of sale or any other proof of ownership. For validation purposes, these affidavits pertaining to used vehicle ownership must be executed in the presence of a notary public or a commissioner authorized to administer oaths.

The contents of the affidavit should encompass:

• Your personal particulars, including your name and address
• Specifics about the vehicle, such as its type and vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Particulars of the seller
• The precise date of the purchase
• The agreed-upon purchase price
• Explanations elucidating the absence of a bill of sale:
  • In cases where the seller didn’t furnish a bill of sale, you should outline the steps you took to acquire one and the reasons for your inability to obtain it.
  • If the bill of sale was lost or damaged, a comprehensive account of how this transpired should be provided.

How can I determine whether I need to secure an affidavit of ownership? As per Ontario regulations, it is mandatory to register a used vehicle with Service Ontario within six days from the date of purchase. To initiate the registration procedure, you’ll need to bring along the following documentation to a Service Ontario center:

• Proof of valid insurance
• Your Ontario Driver’s License
• The Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)
• A Bill of Sale (if unavailable, the designated section at the bottom of the UVIP can be used)
• A Safety Standards Certificate (SSC), if applicable
• An owner’s permit that includes the completed Application for Transfer section on the reverse side
• Odometer reading information

If you’re lacking a bill of sale, you can provide Service Ontario with an affidavit of ownership that has been notarized. This affidavit should encompass an explanation of the purchase date and reasons for not having a bill of sale.

What if I don’t possess information about the seller? No need to worry if you lack information about the seller. You have the option to request a Used Vehicle Information Package from Service Ontario. This package contains comprehensive information about all previous owners. You can conveniently obtain a Used Vehicle Information Package online for a fee of $20 via the Service Ontario website: Used Vehicle Information Package.