Can a Non-Resident Register a Car in Québec?
Yes, non-residents can register a car in Québec under certain circumstances and conditions. Registration eligibility is governed by residency requirements, length of stay, and adherence to provincial regulations outlined in the Highway Safety Code.
When Non-Residents Must Register
Non-residents are obligated to register their vehicle in Québec when:
- An individual establishes residence in Québec (registration must occur within 90 days of settlement)
- Ownership of a vehicle is acquired in Québec for ongoing use within the province
- A non-resident's stay in Québec extends beyond 6 consecutive months from their date of arrival
- The vehicle was purchased or acquired within Québec territory
- Previously valid out-of-jurisdiction registration expires while the individual resides in Québec
When Registration is Not Required
Non-residents are exempt from registering their vehicle in Québec if:
- Passenger vehicles, trailers, or semi-trailers belonging to non-residents remain in Québec for 6 consecutive months or less from arrival
- The vehicle maintains valid registration as mandated by the jurisdiction of the owner's primary residence or business location
- Valid registration plates from the home jurisdiction are properly displayed on the vehicle
- Foreign students, coopérants, or trainees who acquired vehicles outside Québec maintain valid home jurisdiction registration throughout their study or training duration
- Reciprocal rights are extended to Québec students, coopérants, or trainees in the non-resident's home jurisdiction
- Temporary visitors remain in Québec for tourism, business meetings, or brief personal matters
Eligibility Requirements for Non-Resident Registration
Non-residents who qualify for vehicle registration include:
- Individuals establishing permanent residence in Québec from other provinces, territories, or international locations
- Foreign students, coopérants, or trainees whose stays exceed temporary exemption periods or who purchase vehicles within Québec
- Temporary workers and professionals whose assignments extend beyond 6 consecutive months
- Individuals who purchase or lease vehicles in Québec for extended personal or professional use
- Non-residents whose home jurisdiction registration becomes invalid while residing in Québec
Documentation Requirements
To register a vehicle, non-residents must provide:
- Official photo identification: Valid Québec driver's licence or another official photo ID document
- Sales or leasing documentation: Sales contract, leasing agreement, or invoice for the vehicle demonstrating lawful ownership
- **The vehicle’s weight certificate, if its net weight is not indicated in the other documents
If the vehicle is new, you must present one of the following documents:
- New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS)
- Certificate of Origin for a Vehicle (COV)
- Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO)
If the vehicle is used, you must present:
- Registration certificate from the previous jurisdiction
- Title or ownership document from the original registration location
Additional requirements:
- Temporary registration certificate if driving the vehicle into Québec before permanent registration
- Valid insurance documentation meeting Québec liability coverage standards
- Payment confirmation for applicable GST and QST taxes
Registration Process
Non-residents must complete registration through Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) or authorized service points throughout the province. The SAAQ and its authorized agents are empowered to:
- Accept and process vehicle registration applications with comprehensive documentation review
- Collect prescribed registration fees, duties, insurance contributions, and applicable charges
- Issue registration certificates, licence plates, and validation stickers as required under provincial regulations
- Verify vehicle identification information and ownership documentation authenticity
- Provide temporary registration certificates for short-term vehicle operation while permanent registration is being processed
- Enter vehicle and owner information into the official SAAQ registry system for ongoing record maintenance