Deciding “it’s time to scrap my car” is usually the easy part. The paperwork is where many vehicle owners start to have questions, which often are:
- Do you need the registration?
- What if you lost the ownership papers?
- Does the process change depending on the province?
The basic documents are similar across Canada, but there are some important differences between Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Having everything ready before contacting a car scrapping service can prevent delays and make pickup much easier.
Here’s what you should know before selling your old vehicle.
Documents Commonly Required in Every Province
The exact process can vary depending on the province and the vehicle, but there are a few pieces of information you should have ready before you sell a scrap car.
Proof of Ownership or Registration
The recycler needs to confirm that you have the legal right to sell the vehicle. Depending on your province, this may be called a vehicle permit, registration certificate, or certificate of registration. Make sure the name and vehicle information on the document are correct.
If someone else is listed as the owner, additional authorization or documentation may be necessary before the vehicle can be transferred.
Government-Issued ID
Have valid government-issued photo identification ready. Your driver’s licence is usually the easiest option.
The information should match the vehicle’s ownership or registration records. This helps the recycler verify the seller and protects everyone involved from vehicle theft or an unauthorized sale.
Vehicle Information and VIN
You should also have basic vehicle details available, including:
- Make and model
- Model year
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Current condition
- Registration province
The VIN is especially important because it identifies the exact vehicle being sold. You can normally find it on your registration documents, dashboard, or driver’s-side door frame.
What Is Different in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia?
There’s no national vehicle registration system in Canada. Each province handles vehicle ownership and disposal differently.
Ontario
In Ontario, the vehicle permit, commonly called the green ownership document, identifies the registered owner and contains the VIN and other vehicle information. When ownership changes, the vehicle portion of the permit is used for the transfer.
Ontario licence plates belong to the vehicle owner rather than the vehicle, so sellers remove their plates and keep the plate portion of their permit.
Before arranging pickup, confirm with your recycler exactly which parts of your ownership documents they need.
Quebec
Quebec has a specific process for permanently discarding a vehicle through the SAAQ.
You should have your vehicle registration certificate available. If completing the transaction at an SAAQ service outlet, official photo identification is also required.
When a vehicle is sent to a recycler, the recycler provides documentation confirming the transaction. The owner then completes the appropriate vehicle-discarding or transfer process.
Quebec owners must also remove the licence plate from the vehicle.
New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, the registration certificate contains important information including the make, model, serial number, registration term, and assigned licence plate.
For a normal ownership transfer, the registered owner signs the required sections of the certificate of registration and provides the purchaser’s information.
In New Brunswick, remove the licence plate before the vehicle is recycled. For a registered vehicle being dismantled or wrecked, the registration certificate and plates must be returned to the Motor Vehicle Division.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia uses the Certificate of Registration as proof of vehicle ownership.
When a vehicle is transferred, the registered owner completes the transfer information on the certificate. The seller also completes the Notice of Sale, which is submitted to the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Nova Scotia sellers should remove their licence plates when a vehicle is sold, transferred, or disposed of.
What If You Are Missing a Required Document?
Don’t panic if an old car has been sitting around for years and you can’t find its paperwork.
Instead of guessing or trying to transfer the vehicle without proper documents, contact the appropriate provincial vehicle-registration authority or the recycler first. You may need to request replacement ownership or registration documents before the sale can be completed.
This is especially important if the vehicle belonged to someone else, was inherited, or has outdated registration information.
What If the Vehicle Has a Lien?
Paperwork becomes more important when money is still owing on the vehicle.
An active lien can give a lender a legal interest in the car even if the vehicle is badly damaged or no longer runs. In most cases, the lien needs to be resolved before a recycler can complete the purchase.
If you’re unsure about your vehicle, read What Happens If a Vehicle Has a Lien When You Try to Scrap It? before arranging pickup.
What Documents Should You Keep After Selling the Car?
Don’t throw away your paperwork as soon as the tow truck leaves. Keep any receipt, transaction record, ownership-transfer paperwork, or confirmation supplied by the recycler. These documents can help show when you stopped owning the vehicle and who received it. The exact records will depend on your province and the transaction.
For a complete checklist, see our guide What Proof Should You Get After Selling Your Car to a Wrecker?
Get Your Car Ready for Scrapping
Getting the paperwork organized beforehand makes the rest of the process much easier.
Have your identification, vehicle documents, and VIN ready, remove your personal belongings, and tell the recycler about anything that could affect pickup. You don’t need to repair or clean an old vehicle just to use professional vehicle recycling services.
Not sure what happens when the tow truck arrives? Read What Happens During Junk Car Pickup Day: Step-by-Step for a closer look at the process.
Once your paperwork is in order, Kenny U-Pull can help turn that unwanted vehicle into cash and get it out of your driveway. Search for the location closest to you.
