Can I Sell My Car Without Registration in Quebec?

Understanding Registration Requirements for Vehicle Sales in Quebec

Can I Sell My Car Without the Registration in Quebec?

You cannot sell a car in Quebec without the registration. Dealers and private buyers will not take the vehicle without the official certificat d’immatriculation. However, you can sometimes scrap a car without the registration if a scrapyard or automotive recycler is willing to accept supporting documents that show you are the owner.

1. Selling a Car Without Registration in Quebec
You cannot legally sell a car without the registration certificate. Dealers, private buyers, and used-car buyers must verify ownership using the registration. Bills of sale, insurance papers, and invoices do not replace the registration.

2. Scrapping a Car Without Registration
You can sometimes scrap a car without the registration in Quebec. This is the only exception and applies only to scrap vehicles. Scrapyards and automotive recyclers may accept the vehicle at their discretion if you provide alternative documents that support ownership, such as:
• Old or expired registration
• Old insurance slip with your name and VIN
• Photo or copy of a past registration
• Repair invoice with your name and VIN
• Your government-issued photo ID
These documents are not legally equivalent to the registration, but some recyclers will accept them for scrap vehicles only.

3. Is This Officially Allowed by the SAAQ?
Legally, the SAAQ expects the registration. Practically, scrapyards will sometimes accept supporting documents because the vehicle is being dismantled, not resold. This is entirely the scrapyard’s decision, not a legal right for the seller.

4. If You Have No Documents
If you cannot provide any document showing that the car was yours, no scrapyard will take the vehicle. Your only option is to get a replacement registration from the SAAQ, either online (if your address is updated) or in person, where it is printed immediately. Once you have the duplicate, any scrapyard can take the car normally.

Below is a video explaining in full depth why you can't sell a car without the registration in Quebec.

Key Takeaways

You must have vehicle registration to legally sell a car in Quebec.
SAAQ requires registration for ownership proof and transfer.
Lost registration can be replaced via SAAQ before selling.
Estate, family, or inherited cars require extra documents.
EcoRecycle streamlines the process once paperwork is ready.

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