What Is a Vehicle Registration Transfer in Northwest Territories?
In Northwest Territories, a vehicle registration transfer is the process of transferring the ownership and registration of a vehicle from the seller to the buyer. Instead of using a separate Transfer of Ownership document (TOD), the transfer is completed by providing the required documentation to a Driver and Vehicle Services office.
The vehicle registration certificate is a legal document issued by the Department of Infrastructure that serves as proof of vehicle ownership and registration. By completing the transfer process and providing the necessary documents, the seller officially transfers ownership to the buyer.
How Can One Transfer a Vehicle Registration in Northwest Territories?
To transfer a vehicle registration in Northwest Territories, follow these steps:
- The seller and buyer must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office together with:
- Photo identification
- Existing vehicle registration
- Bill of sale
- New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) if the vehicle is new
- Proof of valid insurance in the buyer's name
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If the buyer transfers their existing license plate to the new vehicle, they must ensure that the existing registration plate and vehicle are in their name.
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If the buyer trades their vehicle for a new one at a dealership, their existing license plate can be used on the latest vehicle for up to 14 days. During this period, the buyer must carry the bill of sale and proof of insurance until the registration and license plate are officially transferred.
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Pay the applicable transfer fees
Both the seller and buyer must ensure the accuracy and completeness of the provided documents, as any errors or omissions may delay the registration transfer process.
How to Submit the Vehicle Registration Transfer in Northwest Territories
To submit the vehicle registration transfer in Northwest Territories, the seller and buyer must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office together with all the required documents and payment for the applicable fees.
The office will verify the documents and process the transfer of ownership and registration. They will issue a new registration certificate in the buyer's name if everything is in order.
Who Requires a Vehicle Registration Transfer in Northwest Territories?
In Northwest Territories, a vehicle registration transfer is required whenever a vehicle is sold, gifted, or otherwise transferred from one owner to another. This applies to private sales between individuals as well as sales by dealerships.
- To complete the transfer, both the seller and the buyer must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office together, provide the necessary documents, and pay the fees.
- When transferring ownership to an individual or another business, the company must transfer the registration of vehicles registered to a business.
- Depending on the circumstances of the estate, executors, administrators, or beneficiaries may also need to transfer a vehicle registration when transferring ownership of a deceased person's vehicle.
Regardless of the nature of the transfer, the Department of Infrastructure requires the appropriate documentation and fees to legally transfer vehicle ownership and registration.
When Is a Vehicle Registration Transfer Needed in Northwest Territories?
A vehicle registration transfer is needed in Northwest Territories whenever a vehicle changes hands, whether through a sale, gift, or inheritance. Some common situations where a transfer is required include:
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Selling a vehicle to another individual or dealership
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Purchasing a vehicle from a private seller or dealership
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Gifting a vehicle to a family member or friend
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Transferring ownership of a vehicle to a beneficiary after the owner's death
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Transferring ownership of a leased vehicle to the lessee at the end of the lease term
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Donating a vehicle to a charitable organization
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Transferring ownership of a company vehicle to an individual or another business
In all these cases, the seller and buyer must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office together to complete the transfer, providing the necessary documents and payment for fees.
How Much Is Vehicle Registration Transfer in Northwest Territories?
The cost to transfer a vehicle registration in Northwest Territories depends on whether the buyer is transferring their existing license plate or obtaining a new plate. As of 2024, the fees are:
- Transfer registration using existing license plate: $25.00
- Transfer registration using new plate: $54.00 - $118.00 (seniors 60+: $28.00 - $60.00)
What Is Needed When Transferring Ownership of a Vehicle in Northwest Territories?
When transferring ownership of a vehicle in Northwest Territories, the seller and buyer must visit a Driver and Vehicle Services office together with the following:
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Photo identification for both parties
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Existing vehicle registration
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Bill of sale, including:
- Date of sale
- Purchase price
- Names and addresses of seller and buyer
- Vehicle information (make, model, year, VIN)
- Signatures of both seller and buyer
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New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) if the vehicle is new
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Proof of valid insurance in the buyer's name
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Payment for the applicable transfer fees
If the vehicle is being transferred as part of an estate, additional documents may be required, such as:
- A copy of the death certificate
- A copy of the will or court order appointing an executor or administrator
- A copy of the marriage certificate or other proof of relationship (if transferring to a surviving spouse or common-law partner)
It is important to ensure all documents are complete, accurate, and legible before visiting the Driver and Vehicle Services office.