It is legal for a tourist or any temporary resident in Canada to buy a car. Money, a valid international driver’s license, and a local address within the country are all you need to get yourself a car.
Although, deciding which provinces you wish to have your road trip to and how long you want to stay in Canada is the first step in getting the car because each province varies in regulations and policies.
So, depending on the location, you can have an easy time buying, insuring, and reselling the car before you head back to your country.
Canada is vast, and the most flexible and easiest way to explore it is on wheels. We’ll discuss steps on how a tourist like you can buy, insure and register a car in Canada.
Transfer of ownership of a car as a foreigner in Canada
Finding a car that interests you and a willing seller is the first step to transferring ownership of the vehicle to your name. In most cases, the seller already has the necessary forms; if not, you can visit the provincial road authority registry such as SAAQ, ICBC, and MTO to collect relevant transfer documents.
You and the seller must fill and sign these forms and return them to the road registry offices. The seller will now have the purchase bill, which must be in the tax form.
Whatever amount you have agreed with the seller, you need to pay tax; so that you may collect from your insurance if you ever need to make a claim later. Together with the seller, you will take this paperwork to an Auto Broker to complete the transfer. Different provinces have different transfer steps; you may want to inquire.
The car registration process in Canada for tourists
For a successful registration process, your car must have insurance, a certificate of ownership, and your license. Your registration papers should be with you at all times.
If you make your purchase through a dealer, they prepare and arrange the car registration process. Depending on your province, the car registration process needs a safety inspection.
The seller does the inspection and necessary repairs. Before registration, the car has to pass the roadworthiness and an emission test. If the vehicle is too old, it is not registered—provinces such as Fraser Valley and Vancouver must take an emission test.
Getting car license plates as a foreigner in Canada
After you buy a car, it does not come with a license plate. You receive a new license plate registered under your name if the vehicle is new.
If you buy from a private seller, you also receive a new pater, and the seller returns the old plate to the registry after your car registers; your car gets new plates. If your vehicle permit is temporary, they will provide a quick printout to stick on your windscreen.
Purchasing car insurance in Canada as a nonresident
As a foreigner visiting or temporarily residing in Canada, you can apply for car insurance for non-residents. If you want to learn more about car insurance in Canada, visit this website. There are essential documents needed to get your car insurance in Canada.
It would help if you had a Canadian driver’s license or an international driving permit. Depending on your needs and the time you will spend in Canada, there are options for short-term insurance plans that can last you six to one year.
The Canadian auto insurance plan has various levels of coverage to choose from. You can decide to get the insurance that covers you and any damage to your car.
Alternatively, you can choose insurance that covers the cost of injury and damage to a third party affected by the accident. Different automotive insurance companies charge different rates for each plan.
Considering factors such as the jurisdiction, driving experiences, and the age, ensure to compare rates per plan from different car insurance companies for non-residents to get the best and fair deal. Each province has a specified least amount for third-party coverage.
Driver license requirements for foreigners in Canada
In some provinces, you cannot buy a car without a Canadian license. To acquire a Canadian license, you need to provide your home country’s current license, ID, and other documents like a visa permit to Canada.
A driver’s license is one of the most important documents you can have as a foreigner in Canada. You can drive for a maximum of 90 days with your (home country) driver’s license while in Canada, at least in most provinces, on a tourist visa.
Yet if your stay exceeds the 90 days and you legally want to continue driving, you can either get a driver’s license from your province of residence or an international driver’s permit. An international driver’s permit is better acquired before leaving your home country. You must carry your driver’s license or permit when driving in Canada.
What type of vehicle should you buy?
The type of car you should buy depends on the purpose plan for the car. Whether you are going cross country or on a road trip, the kind of vehicle you drive has a significant impact on how fun, comfortable, and costly the trip will be.
The next reasonable question is how the roads and the terrain of the location you want to explore are. All types of cars have pros and cons, so getting a good fit depending on your preferences will be a huge step closer to a successful expedition.
Road -Tripping the Trans-Canada Highway
The distance you are planning to cover is another determiner of what type of wheels you get. For example, when road tripping the Trans-Canada highway using the Victoria, British Columbia to St. John’s, Labrador route, you will have to cover about 4,860 miles.
The type of car you use should be able to cover the distance with ease; consider a less fuel-consuming vehicle that is big and comfortable. A highly recommended car for highway use is a 4WD.
Road-tripping across Country farm to Alaska
Going off the beaten paths and more dirt roads is likely when driving through farms—at this point, getting an all-wheel-drive with better traction on slick or slippery surfaces is ideal.
Depending on how many stops you intend to take, your trip may take three to four days. A truck or van that is well serviced will make your trip bearable. Click here to learn if living in a van is cheaper than renting.
Road-tripping across the country (US, Mexico, and beyond)
You need a comfortable car, big enough to hold your cooking appliances and traveling equipment before crossing the border. Before cross-tripping out of the country, ensure that your car has the necessary coverage before leaving the country. Double-check with the insurance company since most automobile policies have no specific range, especially for Canada or Mexico.
Where to find vehicles for sale in Canada
When you are ready for the purchase, there are numerous resources available that can aid you in getting the car you want. You can decide to buy from a willing seller or straight up to the car dealer shop.
You can save money by buying cars from private sellers, although it’s a bit risky because the seller offers no car warranty once they sell it to you. However, with a private seller, you can make a lower offer and have a chance to bargain with the seller at a comfortable price.
Some credible websites include:
- Facebook Marketplace: A rich platform with a lot of private sellers who are reselling their vehicles
- Autotrader.ca – The largest auto classified site in Canada largest for both used and new cars for sale
- Kijiji.ca –The site is a free Marketplace and has a large section specifically for Vehicles to sell in Canada
You can also make your purchase at a dealership. Although the dealer may offer a warranty and help you with the required documentation, buying from a dealer is more expensive. As digital marketing is more embraced, some companies now provide purchase processes online.
This alternative has many people transitioning from the old purchasing of cars in person. With online purchasing, you get the opportunity to get your vehicle delivered to you, a hassle-free procedure.
Conclusion
The above steps will make you a proud car owner as a tourist. You can now make more memories with your new car by enjoying all Canada offers. Exploring and driving across Canada with your car will save you money and give you more time to spend.
Having a car will allow you to save money from buses and tour operators and explore off-the-beaten-path places. Click this link to learn everything you need to know before road-tripping across Canada.
