How do I submit paperwork when buying a car during COVID-19?
By Kijiji Autos
Filling out the paperwork necessary to finance and register your car was a nuisance long before the COVID-19 restrictions. But even with restrictions in place, you can still complete and submit all required forms in order to set up financing and drive your car legally. But how can you do that when provincial governments are telling people to stay home?
Here's a quick guide to help you navigate the process:
What is my province doing to help me complete my paperwork during the pandemic?
Provincial motor vehicle offices are deemed essential services, but all citizens are encouraged to avoid these offices unless absolutely necessary.
Citizens across the country can register their new cars in person if their dealer doesn't do it for them, though most new-car dealerships can complete your registration for you.
Before heading to your nearest office, call ahead, but please stay home if you're showing symptoms of illness. To help prevent the influx of people, many services are available online in your province.
What vehicle services does my province offer online?
Due to COVID-19, provinces and territories have expanded the expiration dates of vehicle registrations and licences. More information about the following is available on individual provincial websites.
- British Columbia: Transfer of ownership, licence renewals and insurance purchases
- Saskatchewan: Auto insurance and financial relief applications
- Alberta: Registration transfers and renewals
- Manitoba: Licence, registration and insurance renewals as well as new registration and policy applications (over the phone)
- Ontario: Licence renewals and licence plate sticker renewals
- Quebec: Transfers of ownership and registration (over the phone) licence renewals and insurance
- New Brunswick: Registration renewals
- Newfoundland & Labrador: Registration and licence renewals – appointments for registration can be made online
- Nova Scotia: Registration and licence renewals
- Prince Edward Island: Licence and registration renewal. PEI has also extended vehicle registration to July 6th
- Yukon: Registration renewals
- Northwest Territories: Registration renewals and cancellations, licence renewals
- Nunavut: None
Can I apply for financing online during COVID-19?
Yes. Financing applications can be completed online. There are many different options available to prospective buyers. New car owners can apply for financing online with their bank or via dealership or automaker websites. Don't forget to ask your dealer about possible rebates that are applicable in your province.
Buying a used car? You can apply for a loan from your own bank or other financial institution. These services are available online, and many applications can be completed and approved in one day.
Can I apply for car insurance online?
Absolutely. Applying for car insurance online in Canada is easy and drivers have plenty of options. Your own bank may even offer this service.
To help Canadians afford to keep their cars on the road during the COVID-19 pandemic, many provinces are waiving, extending and reimbursing certain insurance fees. And because the pandemic means that you'll be spending less time on the road, your change in driving habits may actually lower your insurance premiums. Ask your broker for more information.
Do more online
Kijiji Autos makes it easy for you to research, find, test drive and buy the car of your dreams—even during the pandemic. Our easy-to-use site lets you browse for cars in your area, compare models and confidently contact dealers on one site.
Your well-being is our top priority. Consider whether in-person transactions are necessary and visit our Help Desk for more details and guidance. Follow Kijiji Autos' community safety tips for more advice about confidently connecting with dealers or sellers during COVID-19.
Easily find your next ride on Kijiji Autos
Search now![Man unloading wood from the bed of his pickup truck]()
10 popular work vehicles to consider
Built to provide rugged strength with a spacious and functional design, work vehicles help you overcome whatever challenges you might face throughout your day on the job site. Kijiji Autos makes it easy to browse and search through a wide selection of new and gently used work vehicles, so that...![5 thing to ask the mechanic during car inspection]()
The inspection: 5 things to ask the mechanic
The car ad may be appealing, the seller very nice, but when it comes to buying a used car, there’s nothing better than arranging for a basic inspection by a mechanic. After all, even if you’ve done your homework and examined the CARFAX Canada report that provides you with the vehicle’s complete...![8 things to know before buying a new car]()
8 things to know before buying a new car
Buying a car is an important step in life and requires sound planning. Here are some questions to ask yourself before choosing a new set of wheels. City or country Before buying a vehicle, you should first consider the environment in which you live. It seems obvious, but this basic information...![10 questions to ask your dealer before buying a new car]()
10 questions to ask your dealer before buying a new car
Here are 10 questions your dealer will be glad to answer and will help you find the information you need. 1. Do you have a car that meets my needs? This is a broad question but a good place to start because it means you have to define your own requirements. Do you need big towing capacity or...![Buyer's guide: 8 things to inspect when buying a used car]()
Buyers Guide: 8 things to inspect when buying a used car
There’s so much to choose from and an almost endless number of models, but it all boils down to your own tastes and needs. Once you’ve unearthed that rare gem, it would benefit you to take a few precautions before making your purchase. 1- Study the CARFAX Canada report CARFAX Canada is a report...![What to look for when buying used tires]()
What to look for when buying used tires
Buying used tires can seem daunting to the uninitiated. Here are some tips to make sure you end up with quality, well-kept tires: Regardless of how many safety and performance features a vehicle has, their effectiveness is ultimately decided by the tires. That small patch of rubber at the bottom...![5 family friendly cars that arent minivans]()
5 family-friendly cars that aren’t minivans
Having a family shouldn’t mean we’re destined to drive a minivan or an SUV. For those who’d prefer something else, the market offers a number of appealing options. Here are five cars that might fit the bill for you and your family. Mazda 5 The Mazda 5 is the only vehicle in the Mazda lineup...![Man sitting on a bench looking at his phone]()
4 things you should know before picking your hybrid or electric car
Hybrid and electric vehicles have certainly come a long way since they first debuted on the mass market in the late 90s. If the time has finally come for you to buy a hybrid or e-car that suits your lifestyle, here are some things to consider before going for a test drive. 1. Know the difference...![8 Mistakes First Time Car Buyers Make]()
8 Mistakes first-time car buyers make
Here’s a look at the eight most common mistakes made by first-time car buyers and how you can avoid them. Mistake #1: You didn’t do enough research After buying a house or business, purchasing a car could be the second- or third-largest purchase you make in your entire life. Wouldn’t you want...![Test drive your next new car]()
Test drive your next new car confidently with these 8 tips
You can do all the research in the world and read everything the experts say, but there's really only one way to find out if a car is right for you: Take it out for a spin. Here are eight steps for an effective test drive! When testing vehicles, car journalists often drive for several hundred...
