How to Sell a Junk Car in Ontario (2026): Paperwork, Plates, Insurance & Getting Paid

To sell a junk car in Ontario, you need the vehicle portion of your ownership permit signed over to the buyer, valid photo ID, and your licence plates removed and kept. After the sale, you cancel or change your insurance and keep a record of the transaction. EcoScrap.ca buys junk cars anywhere within 200 km of Toronto, tows them for free and pays cash on the spot. Call (647) 915-5440 for a free quote.

For the official rules, see Ontario’s guide to buying or selling a used vehicle and the province’s vehicle registration page. This article is general information, not legal advice.

Selling an old car for scrap is simple once you know the steps, but the paperwork side trips people up all the time. Where is the ownership? Which part do I sign? Do the plates go with the car? When do I cancel insurance? What if the car belonged to a parent who passed away? This 2026 guide walks through each step in plain language so you can sell your junk car in Ontario quickly, safely and without surprises.

Important: this article is general information for Ontario drivers, not legal advice. Government rules, forms and fees can change. For official requirements, check with ServiceOntario or the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, and for complicated situations such as estates, disputes or liens, speak with a lawyer or licensed paralegal.

The short version: 8 steps to sell a junk car in Ontario

1. Find your vehicle ownership permit (or start replacing it if it’s lost).
2. Get a quote from a scrap car buyer and book a pickup.
3. Remove all personal belongings and accessories from the car.
4. Remove your licence plates; you keep them.
5. At pickup, show valid government photo ID and complete the transfer section on the vehicle portion of the permit.
6. Get paid and keep a record: the buyer’s name, date, time and the vehicle’s VIN.
7. Call your insurance company to cancel or change your coverage.
8. Keep the plate portion of your permit and decide whether to transfer or return the plates.

The rest of this guide explains each step in more detail, plus what to do in less common situations.

Step 1: Find your vehicle ownership permit

In Ontario, the document most people call “the ownership” is officially the vehicle permit. It is usually a two-part document:

• The vehicle portion describes the vehicle: the make, model, year, colour and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), plus the registered owner’s name and address. This is the part that gets signed over when you sell the car.
• The plate portion relates to your licence plates and stays with you, because in Ontario the plates belong to the owner, not the vehicle.

Before you call a buyer, find the permit and check a few things:

• Is the name on it yours? It needs to match your photo ID. If it does not, see the section below on selling a car that is not in your name.
• Does the VIN match the car? The VIN is a 17-character code found on the driver’s side of the dashboard (visible through the windshield) and on a label in the driver’s door jamb. A buyer will check that it matches the permit.
• Are there other owners? If two people are listed, both may need to sign.
• Is there a lien on the car? If you financed the car and still owe money, the lender may have an interest in it. That needs to be cleared before you sell.

Most people keep the ownership in the glove box, a desk drawer or a folder of car documents. If it’s not anywhere you look, skip ahead to the section on lost ownership.

Step 2: Get a quote and book your pickup

When you call a scrap car buyer, have this information ready so the quote is accurate:

• Year, make and model
• Approximate kilometres, if known
• Whether it runs and drives
• What is missing or damaged (engine, transmission, catalytic converter, wheels, body damage)
• Whether it has factory alloy wheels
• Whether you have the keys
• Where the car is and how accessible it is (driveway, garage, backyard, underground parking)

The value of a junk car comes mainly from its weight in metal, the catalytic converter (which contains platinum, palladium and rhodium), aluminum alloy wheels and any reusable parts. Prices follow live metal markets, so a quote is usually for that day or a short time. For a full breakdown, see our cash for junk cars page.

At EcoScrap, towing is free anywhere within 200 km of Toronto, including the GTA, Hamilton, Niagara, Waterloo Region, Barrie, Durham and Peterborough. We often have same-day or next-day pickup available in the GTA.

Questions to ask any buyer

Whoever you sell to, a few questions help you avoid problems:

• Is towing included, or is there a fee taken off the price?
• How and when do I get paid?
• Will the price change when the driver arrives? Under what conditions?
• What documents do you need from me?
• Do you check ownership and ID? (A buyer who does not ask for ownership is a red flag.)

Step 3: Remove personal items and accessories

Once the car is towed away, getting anything back is difficult. Do a thorough search before pickup day:

• Glove box and centre console: registration papers, insurance slips, receipts, sunglasses, chargers
• Under and between the seats: phones, wallets, keys, cards, jewellery
• Door pockets and seat-back pockets
• Trunk and spare-tire well: tools, emergency kits, car seats, sports gear
• Visors and overhead consoles: garage door openers, parking passes
• Windshield and dash: toll transponders (such as a 407 ETR transponder), dash cams and phone mounts

Clear your personal data

Many newer cars store personal information. If your car has a built-in infotainment or navigation system, consider doing a factory reset or deleting paired phones, saved addresses and garage door codes. If the car has a connected-car app or subscription, remove the vehicle from your account and cancel the service.

Toll transponders and accounts

If you have a 407 ETR transponder or account linked to the vehicle, remove the transponder and update your account so charges are not linked to a car you no longer own. Check with the toll operator for their process.

Step 4: Remove and keep your licence plates

This is one of the most common mistakes people make. In Ontario, licence plates are registered to the person, not the car. When you sell a vehicle, the plates should not go with it.

Remove the plates before the tow truck leaves. You usually need a screwdriver and, on older cars, possibly some penetrating oil for rusty bolts. If you can’t get them off, ask the driver for help.

What to do with the plates afterwards

You generally have two options:

• Transfer them to another vehicle you own or are buying. This is done through ServiceOntario when you register the other vehicle.
• Return them to a ServiceOntario centre if you are not going to use them.

Keep the plate portion of your permit with the plates. If you are not sure which option suits you, ServiceOntario can explain the current process.

Why keeping your plates matters

Your plates are linked to you, not to the car. Removing them before the vehicle leaves is a simple way to make sure nothing done with that car later can be traced back to your plates.

Step 5: Sign over the vehicle portion of the ownership

At pickup, the buyer will ask to see your photo ID and the vehicle portion of the permit. Here is what generally happens:

1. The buyer checks that your ID matches the name on the ownership.
2. The buyer checks the VIN on the car against the VIN on the permit.
3. You complete the transfer section on the back of the vehicle portion, which typically includes the date of sale, the sale price and your signature as seller. The buyer completes their part.
4. You hand the vehicle portion to the buyer.
5. You keep the plate portion.

Write clearly and fill in every field the form asks for. Do not leave the transfer section blank or hand over a signed but empty ownership, because that makes it harder to prove when and to whom you sold the vehicle.

What about the Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)?

When a used vehicle is sold privately in Ontario, the seller is generally required to provide the buyer with a Used Vehicle Information Package, which contains the vehicle’s registration and lien history. Requirements can depend on who the buyer is and how the vehicle is being sold, so selling a car for scrap may not follow exactly the same steps as a driveway sale to another driver. Ask your buyer what they need, and check ServiceOntario for current rules if you are unsure.

Safety standards certificate

You generally do not need a safety standards certificate to sell a vehicle for scrap. A safety certificate is related to registering a used vehicle to be driven on the road. A car going for recycling is not being put back on the road by the buyer.

Step 6: Get paid and keep a record

Do not let the car leave until you have been paid. At EcoScrap, we pay on the spot when the car is loaded, in cash or by e-Transfer if you prefer.

Keep a simple record of the sale for your own files:

• Date and time of the sale
• Buyer’s business name and phone number
• The vehicle’s year, make, model and VIN
• The amount you were paid
• A photo of the completed transfer section before you hand it over (helpful for your records)
• A photo of the car being loaded, if you want extra peace of mind

This record helps if you ever need to show your insurer or anyone else when the vehicle left your possession.

Step 7: Cancel or change your insurance

Once the car is sold and gone, contact your insurance company or broker. Depending on your policy, you may:

• Cancel the policy if you no longer have a vehicle
• Remove the junk car from a multi-vehicle policy
• Transfer the coverage to a new vehicle you are buying

Do not cancel your insurance before the sale if the car is parked on a public street or will be driven to the pickup. A car parked on your private property and not being driven may have different requirements, so ask your insurer. Many policies refund unused premium when you cancel, but this depends on your insurer and policy terms.

Tell your insurer the car was sold, not just stopped

Make sure your insurer knows the vehicle was sold and removed. Have the date of sale and the buyer’s business name ready. Some insurers ask for proof such as the completed transfer section or a receipt.

Step 8: Wrap up the details

After the sale, a few small tasks finish everything off:

• Decide whether to transfer or return your plates through ServiceOntario
• Cancel or update any connected-car apps, roadside assistance, warranties or service plans linked to the vehicle
• Update your 407 ETR or other toll accounts if you had a transponder
• Cancel any parking permits tied to the plate or vehicle
• Keep your sale record with your other important papers

What if you lost your ownership permit?

Losing the ownership is very common, especially for cars that have been parked for years. Here is how it generally works.

Replacing a lost or damaged permit

In Ontario, a registered owner can generally get a replacement vehicle permit through ServiceOntario. You will typically need to show identification and pay a fee. Some services may be available online and others in person at a ServiceOntario centre. Because requirements, fees and online options can change, check the ServiceOntario website or call them before you go.

What you’ll typically need to bring

• Valid government-issued photo ID
• Information about the vehicle, ideally the VIN, which you can read from the dashboard or door jamb
• Payment for the replacement fee

Can I sell my junk car without the ownership?

A responsible buyer will not buy a vehicle without proof of ownership. This protects you from someone else selling your car without permission, and it keeps stolen vehicles out of the recycling system. If you have lost your ownership, call us at (647) 915-5440 anyway. We can give you a quote, explain what we need, and schedule the pickup for after you have the replacement.

What if the car isn’t in your name?

There are many reasons you might need to sell a car registered to someone else. Here are the most common, with general guidance. Every situation is different, so the best first step is to call us and explain.

The car is in a family member’s name

If the registered owner is alive and able to sign, the simplest route is for that person to sign the transfer and provide their ID at pickup, or to transfer the vehicle to you first through ServiceOntario. If they can’t be there in person, call us to discuss what documents would show you are authorised to sell on their behalf.

The owner has passed away (estate vehicles)

Selling a vehicle that belonged to someone who has died is usually handled by the estate trustee (executor) or the person legally entitled to deal with the estate. The vehicle is generally transferred or sold using estate documents, which may include a death certificate and documents showing who has authority over the estate. Small estates and estates with a will can follow different processes. ServiceOntario can explain what they require to transfer a deceased person’s vehicle, and an estates lawyer can help if the situation is not straightforward.

We understand that clearing out a loved one’s property is stressful. Call (647) 915-5440 and we’ll tell you what we need to see before we book, so there are no surprises on pickup day.

The car belongs to a business

If the vehicle is registered to a company, the person selling needs authority to sign for the company. Bring your ID and be ready to show you can act for the business.

The car is an abandoned or unclaimed vehicle at a shop

Repair shops and storage operators in Ontario that are left with unclaimed vehicles generally have to follow the process in the Repair and Storage Liens Act before the vehicle can be sold. This includes notice requirements and timelines. Get legal advice for your specific case. Once the process is complete and you have the documents that give you the right to sell, we can buy the vehicle. More on how we work with shops: scrap program for mechanic, tire and muffler shops.

The car still has a loan on it

If there is money owing on the car and the lender has registered a lien, the lien generally needs to be paid off and discharged before the vehicle can be sold free and clear. Contact your lender about a payout amount and a lien discharge letter.

Someone abandoned a car on your property

If a vehicle that isn’t yours has been left on your property, do not sell it. Contact your municipality or local police for guidance on how abandoned vehicles are handled where you live.

Common situations at a glance

Situation	What you’ll generally need	First step
Car in your name, ownership in hand	Vehicle portion of permit + photo ID	Call for a quote and book pickup
Car in your name, ownership lost	Replacement permit from ServiceOntario	Apply for a replacement; get a quote meanwhile
Jointly owned car	Signatures from all registered owners	Arrange for all owners to sign
Family member’s car (owner alive)	Owner signs, or vehicle transferred to you first	Call us to confirm documents
Deceased owner’s car	Estate documents showing authority to sell	Check ServiceOntario requirements; call us
Company vehicle	Proof of signing authority	Call us to confirm documents
Unclaimed customer car at a shop	Completed legal process under the RSLA	Get legal advice, then call us
Car with an outstanding loan	Lien paid off and discharged	Contact your lender

Common mistakes to avoid when selling a junk car

Most problems with scrap car sales come from a handful of avoidable mistakes. Here’s what to watch for:

• Leaving the plates on the car. Your plates are registered to you. Take them off every time.
• Handing over a blank, signed ownership. Always fill in the date and buyer details on the transfer section so there is a clear record of when the car left your hands.
• Cancelling insurance too early. If the car is on a public street or will be moved before pickup, check with your insurer before cancelling.
• Forgetting the toll transponder. A transponder left in the car can cause billing headaches later.
• Not checking for a lien. If you ever financed the car, confirm the loan is paid and the lien discharged.
• Accepting a price that drops at the curb. Describe the car honestly when you call, and choose a buyer who explains how the price is set. Then the quote should hold.
• Pulling parts to sell separately, then scrapping the shell. This can work, but it takes time and tools, and a stripped car is worth much less. For most owners, selling the car complete is simpler.
• Letting the car sit “until later”. Parked cars keep rusting, can leak fluids and keep costing you in insurance, space and sometimes municipal property standards complaints.

What to expect on pickup day

Knowing what happens on pickup day makes the whole thing quick and stress-free.

1. Confirmation. We confirm the pickup window and address with you.
2. Arrival. Our driver arrives with a tow truck suited to the job. If the car is in a tight spot, we’ll have discussed it in advance.
3. Quick inspection. The driver checks that the car matches what you described and that the VIN matches the ownership.
4. Paperwork. You show your photo ID and complete the transfer section on the vehicle portion of the permit. We record the transaction.
5. Payment. You’re paid on the spot, in cash or by e-Transfer.
6. Loading. We load the car ourselves. You don’t need to push it, jump-start it or prepare it in any way.
7. Done. The car is towed away for recycling. You call your insurer and decide what to do with your plates.

For most cars, the whole visit takes well under an hour. If you’re not able to be home, call us to discuss whether another arrangement can work, but remember that the registered owner or an authorised person needs to sign and show ID.

How to choose a junk car buyer in Ontario

Not all buyers are the same. Here’s what to look for when you sell a junk car in Toronto or anywhere in Ontario:

• They ask for ownership and ID. This is a sign of a legitimate business, not an inconvenience.
• Towing is included. Make sure the quote is what you will actually receive, with no surprise towing fee.
• Clear payment terms. You should know exactly how and when you’ll be paid.
• The quote is based on details. A good buyer asks about weight, condition, converter and wheels instead of throwing out a number.
• Responsible recycling. The car should go for proper depollution, with fluids drained and captured, refrigerant recovered, batteries recycled and metals recovered.

Why Ontario drivers sell their junk cars to EcoScrap

• Free towing within 200 km of Toronto. Across the GTA, Golden Horseshoe and well beyond.
• Paid on the spot. Cash, or e-Transfer if you prefer.
• Any condition. No keys, flat tires, not running, accident-damaged or rusted.
• We explain the paperwork. If something is unusual, we’ll tell you before pickup day.
• Responsible buying. We check ID and ownership on every car and record each transaction.
• One call for all your scrap. We also buy catalytic converters, alloy rims and wheels, used car parts and scrap metal.

Tips to get more money when you scrap your car

• Keep it complete. Leave the catalytic converter, battery and wheels on unless you’re selling them separately.
• Be honest about condition. Accurate details mean your quote holds when the driver arrives.
• Mention alloy wheels and newer parts. Factory aluminum wheels, a new battery or good tires can add value.
• Have paperwork ready. Delays usually come from missing ownership or ID.
• Don’t wait too long. Cars that sit outside lose parts to rust and weather, and you keep paying for insurance and space.
• Bundle extra scrap. Spare rims, old batteries and scrap metal can go on the same pickup. See our guide to scrap rim prices.

Where we pick up junk cars in Ontario

EcoScrap offers free scrap pickup within 200 km of Toronto. We regularly tow junk cars from:

• Toronto: Toronto, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough
• Peel and Halton: Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, plus Caledon, Georgetown and Halton Hills
• York Region: Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Aurora, plus King City and Stouffville
• Durham and east: Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Peterborough, plus Bowmanville, Port Hope and Cobourg
• Hamilton and Niagara: Hamilton, St. Catharines, Brantford, plus Grimsby, Niagara Falls and Welland
• Waterloo Region and west: Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph, London, plus Waterloo, Woodstock and Stratford
• Simcoe County: Barrie, plus Bradford, Innisfil, Orillia and Collingwood

Frequently asked questions

Ready to sell your junk car in Ontario?

Find your ownership, take off your plates, clear out the car and give us a call. We’ll give you a free quote, tow the car for free anywhere within 200 km of Toronto and pay you on the spot. Call (647) 915-5440 now, or learn more about our cash for junk cars service.