Selling a car privately in Ontario is pretty common. What surprises a lot of people is that the paperwork involved is more than just handing over the ownership slip. Depending on the situation, you may need a sworn statement before the transfer goes through at Service Ontario.

Here is what you need to know.

What Is a Sworn Statement for a Vehicle Transfer?

When you sell or transfer a used vehicle in Ontario, the buyer often needs to visit Service Ontario to register the vehicle in their name. In certain situations, a sworn statement is required to confirm details about the transaction, such as the purchase price or the nature of the transfer.

A sworn statement is simply a written declaration that you sign under oath, confirming that the information you are providing is true. Because it is sworn, it carries legal weight.

There are two common types:

• Sworn Statement for the Transfer of a Used Vehicle: used in a standard private sale, often to declare the actual sale price for tax purposes
• Sworn Statement for a Family Gift of a Used Vehicle: used when a vehicle is being gifted between family members, which can affect how retail sales tax is calculated

When Is a Notary or Commissioner Needed?

Both of these documents need to be signed before a notary public or commissioner of oaths, meaning you cannot just sign them at home and hand them over.

A notary or commissioner will:

• Verify your identity using government issued photo ID
• Administer an oath confirming the information is true
• Witness your signature and apply their official seal or stamp

Without this step, Service Ontario will not process the transfer.

A Common Example

Say you are selling your car to a friend in Pickering for $8,000. The buyer needs to register the vehicle and pay retail sales tax based on either the sale price or the vehicle’s wholesale value, whichever is higher. If the sale price is lower than expected, the buyer may need a sworn statement confirming the actual amount paid to avoid being taxed on the higher value.

Or perhaps you are gifting a car to your adult child. A sworn statement for a family gift allows the transfer to happen without the recipient paying retail sales tax, as long as the relationship qualifies under Ontario’s rules.

What to Bring

The process is quick. Come prepared with:

• The unsigned sworn statement form (available from Service Ontario)
• Valid government issued photo ID
• Details about the vehicle and the transaction

The appointment itself typically takes just a few minutes.

Convenient Options in Ajax and Beyond

Notable Notary offers general notary and commissioner services that cover sworn statements for vehicle transfers. If getting to an office is not convenient, ask about our mobile notary service across Ajax, Whitby, Pickering, and surrounding areas.

Ready to Complete Your Vehicle Transfer?

Do not let a missing sworn statement delay your sale or transfer. It is a simple step once you know where to go.

📞 Call us at (289) 312-6678

💻 Book online at notablenotary.ca/book-now

📧 Email info@notablenotary.ca

Notable Notary makes Ontario notarization fast, clear, and stress free so you can get back to what matters.