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The Global Insight

Can I buy a car in Ontario and bring it to Alberta?

Author

Christopher Ramos

Updated on March 05, 2026

In short, yes you can! Whether through a dealership or a private sale, you can buy a car from any province in Canada. However, going this route can bring along a lot of extras – extra paperwork, extra research, extra time and extra cost.

Can you drive a used car you just bought Ontario?

In Ontario you can legally, temporarily switch your plates and insurance to a car that you have purchased and drive it without going to the ministry or notifying your insurance company for up to two weeks if certain conditions are met…. Basically, you MUST NOT DRIVE your OLD car at all after you make the switch.

How do I transfer a car from Ontario to Alberta?

You will need to visit an Alberta registry agent to purchase the necessary form for the OOP inspection, vehicle registration and obtain an Alberta driver’s licence. To obtain Alberta registration and a licence plate for your vehicle you will require: proof of ownership or previous registration for the vehicle.

Can I drive a car home that I just bought?

Yes, but only if you drive the vehicle directly to the first place of storage (usually your home) within three days of the sale. You must have the properly assigned title and proof of insurance with you. Do not use the seller’s license plate on the vehicle while driving it home.

How do I register an Alberta car in Ontario?

To register a vehicle, you must go to a registry agent with the following:

  1. proof of ownership document, such as a lease, bill of sale, probated will or letters of administration.
  2. proof of valid insurance for the vehicle that includes the name(s) of the person(s) requesting the registration.
  3. acceptable identification.

How much does it cost to ship a car from Alberta to Ontario?

The average cost to deliver a car depends on what kind of trailer you prefer, how far it is going, and your pick up and delivery needs. For distances between 300 and 2,000 km, you can estimate car transporting to cost between $450 and $1,900, depending on distance. Shorter shipments range from $120 to $500.

How do I avoid paying tax on a used car in Ontario?

Tax exemptions: You do not need to pay sales tax if you are:

  1. transferring the vehicle to a close family member as a gift.
  2. a qualifying diplomat or Status Indian.

Can an Ontario resident register a car in Alberta?

Re: Ontario resident registering a vehicle in Alberta The plates on the car match the licence you hold. So simply buy the car you want regardless where you buy it, but plate it in Ontario.

Can you drive your car straight away after taxing online?

It is no longer possible to transfer road tax from one car to another. Instead, the current owner of the vehicle can apply for a refund (see above) and the new owner has to re-tax the car. The new owner will have to tax the vehicle straight away before driving it.

How to buy a used vehicle in Alberta?

Before buying a vehicle from a private seller, take precautions to protect yourself. Research the process and potential risks of buying used vehicles. Check reliable resources, such as the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council (AMVIC). Make sure the seller has valid ID and proof that they own the vehicle.

How much does it cost to buy car out of Province in Ontario?

The costs below are a representative sample of what Corey might have to pay for buying a car out of province in Ontario: Purchasing the vehicle: $6,500 (loan + 6.5% interest) Acquiring a safety standards certificate: Costs vary by motor vehicle inspection station

How can I find out if my car is registered in Alberta?

Contact a registry agent or AMA to get a vehicle information report, which describes the vehicle’s registration history in Alberta. Get a personal property lien search from a registry agent, based on the vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Can a non repairable vehicle be sold in Alberta?

Designated as non-repairable can only be sold as scrap or dismantled for parts. They cannot be re-registered. Visit a registry agent to obtain the appropriate Request for Vehicle Inspection Form before booking an appointment. Click here to locate an Alberta inspection facility in your area. Unless otherwise stated, used vehicles are sold “as is”.