How To Register an Out-of-Province Vehicle In Manitoba?
Vehicle registration in Manitoba is regulated under the Highway Traffic Act, C.C.S.M. c. H60, which establishes the legal framework for motor vehicle registration, licensing, and equipment standards throughout the province. Vehicle registration and insurance are administered by Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and must be obtained together through authorized Autopac agents.
If you are temporarily visiting Manitoba with a vehicle registered in another Canadian jurisdiction for less than three months, registration is not required. However, new Manitoba residents must register passenger car-type vehicles (including vans) or trucks with a gross weight not exceeding 3,700 kilograms within three months of establishing residency. All other vehicle types must be registered as soon as possible.
Essential Documentation Requirements
To register an out-of-province vehicle from another Canadian province in Manitoba, you must provide the following documentation to an Autopac agent:
- Proof of vehicle ownership - original vehicle registration certificate from the previous jurisdiction for used vehicles, or New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) for new, unregistered vehicles
- Transfer of Ownership Document (TOD) - signed by the previous owner, or ownership document from the previous jurisdiction
- Bill of Sale - stating date purchased, vehicle model year, make, model and VIN, purchase price, and signatures of both purchaser and seller
- Valid Certificate of Inspection (COI) - issued by a Manitoba vehicle inspection station or accepted out-of-province inspection
- Valid government-issued identification - Manitoba driver's licence or acceptable identification
- Temporary Registration Permit - required to bring the vehicle into Manitoba
Out-of-Province Vehicle Inspection Process
The Certificate of Inspection is a mandatory requirement for registering out-of-province vehicles in Manitoba, ensuring vehicles meet provincial safety and equipment standards as set out in the Vehicle Equipment, Safety and Inspection Regulation. This inspection must be conducted by an approved Manitoba vehicle inspection station or through a substantially similar program accepted by MPI.
Step-by-Step Inspection Process
Step 1: Obtain Temporary Registration Permit Before bringing your vehicle into Manitoba, arrange for a Temporary Registration Permit through an MPI Service Centre or Autopac agent. Manitoba residents importing vehicles can call MPI to obtain this permit, which provides temporary registration and Basic Autopac coverage for up to 30 days.
Step 2: Locate Approved Inspection Station Use the inspection station search tool to locate an approved vehicle inspection station throughout Manitoba. Approved stations display signage designating them as Vehicle Inspection Safety Stations with Manitoba Public Insurance and Province of Manitoba logos.
Step 3: Vehicle Safety Inspection Present your vehicle for a comprehensive safety inspection covering brakes, suspension, tires, lights, exhaust system, seat belts, steering, and other critical components and systems. View the COI form for complete inspection requirements. Inspection costs vary by facility and are not government-regulated.
Step 4: Inspection Outcomes and Registration There are three possible inspection outcomes: Pass (vehicle receives COI), Advisement (vehicle passes but specified components will soon require servicing), or Fail (vehicle requires specified repairs and re-inspection). Upon receiving a passed COI, present all required documentation to an Autopac agent to complete registration and insurance.
Inspection Exemptions
Certain vehicle types and circumstances may be exempt from Certificate of Inspection requirements:
Ownership Transfer Exemptions
COI requirements do not apply to the following transfers:
- Vehicles transferred to spouse or common-law partner
- Vehicles transferred to child or stepchild
- Vehicles transferred to parent
- Vehicles received as an inheritance by the estate beneficiary
- New vehicles are not subject to periodic mandatory inspections
- Transfers between dealers or from dealer to recycler
- Vehicles with irreparable status transferred from the dealer
- Remote area vehicles
- Vehicles registered as antique motor vehicles
- Lease vehicles with specific lessor/lessee changes
Out-of-Province Inspection Acceptance
Manitoba accepts valid Certificates of Inspection from government-approved inspection programs in:
- British Columbia
- Alberta (Note: Alberta Mechanic Fitness Assessment is NOT acceptable)
- Saskatchewan
- Ontario
- Quebec
Inspections from all other provinces, territories, and U.S. states are not acceptable for Manitoba registration purposes.
Previous Manitoba Registration Exemption
If you are a previous Manitoba resident moving back to Manitoba and bringing a vehicle that was previously registered to you in Manitoba, the vehicle is exempt from the COI requirement, provided the vehicle's last permanent registration was in Manitoba and has not been registered in another jurisdiction.
Required Forms and Documentation
Bill of Sale A complete Bill of Sale must state date purchased, vehicle model year, make, model and serial number (VIN), purchase price, purchaser's name(s) and signature(s), and seller's name(s) and signature(s).
Transfer of Ownership Document (TOD) The Transfer of Ownership Document is part of the vehicle registration card from the previous jurisdiction. The seller must complete the date and odometer reading and sign in the designated space. The purchaser must also sign. The TOD provides information about vehicle status under the Stolen & Wrecked Vehicle Monitoring Program and inspection requirements.
Temporary Registration Permit Application Manitoba residents importing vehicles can download and complete the Temporary Registration Permit checklist to arrange for temporary coverage before bringing the vehicle into Manitoba. Contact MPI prior to faxing the checklist.
Letter of Gift For vehicles received as gifts, complete the Letter of Gift (transfer of ownership) form to indicate the vehicle was received as a gift.
United States Import Documentation If importing from the U.S., a Vehicle Import Form is required from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Review CBSA requirements for detailed information. Note that a New Vehicle Information Statement is called a "certificate of origin" and a Transfer of Ownership is called a "certificate of title" in the United States.