How do I transfer ownership of a boat trailer in Ontario?

Transfer a used Ontario boat trailer into your name at ServiceOntario within six days of purchase, taking the signed vehicle portion of its permit, a bill of sale and acceptable identification. The seller keeps their trailer plate, and the trailer transfer is separate from any ownership or licence changes for the boat.

Check the VIN and ownership

Check the trailer's vehicle identification number, or VIN, against its original Ontario vehicle permit. The number on the permit must match the plate, label or stamping on the trailer frame, commonly near the drawbar, to confirm that the paperwork belongs to the trailer.

The seller's name should match the registered owner on the permit. If someone is selling on another person's behalf, ask for evidence of their authority before paying.

• Check that the VIN is legible and has no unexplained alterations.
• Compare the make, year and other identifying details with the trailer.
• Ask if any finance or lien remains outstanding; registration paperwork alone does not establish that the trailer is debt-free.

Older trailers may have shorter identification numbers than the familiar 17-character VIN. Resolve a missing number or mismatch with ServiceOntario before purchase. Do not describe an unidentified manufactured trailer as homemade.

Complete the sale paperwork

The seller completes and signs the transfer section on the vehicle portion of the trailer permit. Check every required field, including the buyer's details and transfer date, and take the original document.

Prepare a bill of sale that records:

• The buyer's and seller's full names and addresses.
• The purchase date and trailer purchase price.
• The trailer's make, model where known, year and VIN.
• The signatures of both parties.

If the boat, engine and trailer are sold together, record a genuine separate price for each on the agreement. An unexplained package price can complicate the trailer's tax assessment and leave doubt about what was included.

A Used Vehicle Information Package is not required for an Ontario trailer transfer. An ordinary boat trailer does not require a Safety Standards Certificate for this ownership transfer, although its roadworthiness remains your responsibility.

Register the trailer and plate

Take the signed permit, original bill of sale and acceptable identification to a ServiceOntario centre that handles vehicle registrations. An Ontario driving licence is the usual identification. If you do not have one, check the accepted alternatives before visiting.