Essential for establishing ownership and acquiring license plates, Nova Scotia vehicle registration involves several key steps. (Registering new vehicles typically requires a New Vehicle Information Statement from the dealership, while used vehicles may need additional ownership verification like a bill of sale. Despite potential fee variations, the registration process remains similar for both new and used vehicles).

Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection (Out-of-Province and Used Cars)

Conducting a pre-sale safety inspection is mandatory for used vehicles and vehicles from outside the Atlantic provinces. It should be done no more than 30 days before the sale or within 30 days of entering the province of Nova Scotia. Sellers have three options for the safety inspection:

• Complete the inspection themselves and provide a Motor Vehicle Inspection (MVI) Number.
• Allow the buyer to obtain the inspection within 10 days of the sale.
• Sell the vehicle with a “Sale of Vehicle Not Safety Approved” form, allowing the buyer to obtain the MVI in their name before receiving the vehicle permit.

Certificate of Registration for Motor Vehicles

This signed document serves as proof of ownership for the buyer. Upon purchase, the seller must:

• Sign the “Seller” area on the Certificate of Registration (Transfer of Ownership).
• Complete the “Transfer of Title Certificate of Sale (Part 1)” section.
• Submit a notice of sale to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)

The buyer can use their licence plates temporarily for 30 days with this documentation.

Car Insurance

Get car insurance, with a minimum of $500,000 in liability coverage, from an insurance company. There is no government-operated auto insurer in the province. During the vehicle registration process, you’ll need to complete a Statement of Insurance, which details your insurance company, policy number, and the effective and expiry dates. This will facilitate the issuance of the passenger vehicle permit, commonly known as licence plates.

Certificate of Registration

Within 30 days of purchase, buyers must complete an Application for Certificate of Registration, which includes a tax declaration. Depending on specific circumstances, buyers may need to complete different sections of the application form.