As a general rule in Canada, license plates are the property of the government and cannot be altered, defaced, or removed without permission. Here are some things you can and cannot do with your license plates in Canada:

What you can do:

1. Attach your license plates to your vehicle: License plates must be properly attached to your vehicle and visible from a distance. They should not be obstructed by any object or material, such as a bike rack or trailer hitch.
2. Renew your license plates: You must renew your license plates every year and pay the appropriate fees to ensure they remain valid.
3. Transfer your license plates: If you sell your vehicle, you can transfer your license plates to the new owner. You must provide the new owner with a signed bill of sale and inform your insurance company of the transfer.
4. Customize your license plates: Depending on the province or territory you live in, you may be able to purchase personalized license plates. This allows you to choose a custom combination of letters and numbers for your license plate.

What you cannot do:

1. Alter your license plates: You cannot alter your license plates in any way, including painting over them, bending them, or covering them with any material that obstructs their visibility.
2. Display invalid license plates: It is illegal to display license plates that are not valid or have been canceled or suspended by the government.
3. Use license plates from another vehicle: You cannot use license plates from another vehicle, even if they are from the same province or territory.
4. Drive without license plates: It is illegal to drive a vehicle without license plates or with expired plates.
5. Sell counterfeit license plates: It is illegal to sell counterfeit license plates or to use counterfeit license plates on your vehicle.

Overall, it’s important to remember that license plates are a vital part of ensuring road safety and identifying vehicles. As such, it’s essential to follow the rules and regulations governing license plates in Canada.

Can You Transfer a License Plate from One Person To Another?

In Canada, the rules regarding transferring license plates from one person to another vary by province. Here’s an overview of the rules in each province:

1. Ontario: In Ontario, license plates cannot be transferred between individuals. When a vehicle is sold, the license plates stay with the vehicle, and the new owner must register the vehicle and get new plates.
2. Quebec: In Quebec, license plates can be transferred between individuals if they are in the same family (e.g., spouse, parent, child). To transfer plates, both parties must go to a Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) service center and provide the necessary documentation.
3. British Columbia: In British Columbia, license plates can be transferred between individuals if the vehicle is sold or gifted. To transfer plates, both parties must complete and sign a Transfer/Tax Form at an Autoplan broker or ICBC Driver Licensing Office.
4. Alberta: In Alberta, license plates can be transferred between individuals if the vehicle is sold or gifted. To transfer plates, both parties must complete and sign a Vehicle Registration Form at a registry agent.
5. Saskatchewan: In Saskatchewan, license plates cannot be transferred between individuals. When a vehicle is sold, the license plates stay with the vehicle, and the new owner must register the vehicle and get new plates.
6. Manitoba: In Manitoba, license plates cannot be transferred between individuals. When a vehicle is sold, the license plates stay with the vehicle, and the new owner must register the vehicle and get new plates.
7. New Brunswick: In New Brunswick, license plates can be transferred between individuals if the vehicle is sold or gifted. To transfer plates, both parties must go to a Service New Brunswick location and provide the necessary documentation.
8. Nova Scotia: In Nova Scotia, license plates can be transferred between individuals if the vehicle is sold or gifted. To transfer plates, both parties must go to a Service Nova Scotia location and provide the necessary documentation.
9. Prince Edward Island: In Prince Edward Island, license plates cannot be transferred between individuals. When a vehicle is sold, the license plates stay with the vehicle, and the new owner must register the vehicle and get new plates.
10. Newfoundland and Labrador: In Newfoundland and Labrador, license plates can be transferred between individuals if the vehicle is sold or gifted. To transfer plates, both parties must go to a Motor Registration Division office and provide the necessary documentation.

It’s important to note that these rules are subject to change, and it’s always best to check with your local licensing agency to confirm the current regulations regarding license plate transfers.

Special Circumstances for Plate Transfer

In some special circumstances, license plate transfers between individuals may be allowed in certain Canadian provinces. Here are some examples:

1. Inherited Vehicles: In many provinces, license plates can be transferred between family members when a vehicle is inherited. This typically requires proof of the inheritance, such as a will or probate documents, as well as proof of ownership of the vehicle.
2. Divorce or Separation: In some provinces, license plates can be transferred between spouses in the event of a divorce or separation. This typically requires proof of the separation or divorce, as well as proof of ownership of the vehicle.
3. Joint Ownership: In some provinces, license plates can be transferred between joint owners of a vehicle, such as co-owners or business partners. This typically requires proof of joint ownership of the vehicle.
4. Trade-Ins: In some provinces, license plates can be transferred when a vehicle is traded in at a dealership. The dealership will typically handle the transfer and provide the necessary documentation.

It’s important to note that the rules regarding license plate transfers can vary by province and can be subject to change. If you have a special circumstance that you believe may allow for a license plate transfer, it’s best to check with your local licensing agency to confirm the requirements and procedures.

Transferring License Plates to a Family Member

Here is an overview of how license plate transfers to family members work in each Canadian province:

1. Ontario: License plates cannot be transferred between individuals in Ontario, including family members. When a vehicle is sold or given to a family member, the new owner must obtain new license plates.
2. Quebec: License plates can be transferred between family members in Quebec, such as spouses, parents, and children. Both parties must go to a Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) service center and provide the necessary documentation.
3. British Columbia: License plates can be transferred between family members in British Columbia. Both parties must complete and sign a Transfer/Tax Form at an Autoplan broker or ICBC Driver Licensing Office.
4. Alberta: License plates can be transferred between family members in Alberta. Both parties must complete and sign a Vehicle Registration Form at a registry agent.
5. Saskatchewan: License plates cannot be transferred between individuals in Saskatchewan, including family members. When a vehicle is sold or given to a family member, the new owner must obtain new license plates.
6. Manitoba: License plates cannot be transferred between individuals in Manitoba, including family members. When a vehicle is sold or given to a family member, the new owner must obtain new license plates.
7. New Brunswick: License plates can be transferred between family members in New Brunswick, such as spouses, parents, and children. Both parties must go to a Service New Brunswick location and provide the necessary documentation.
8. Nova Scotia: License plates can be transferred between family members in Nova Scotia, such as spouses, parents, and children. Both parties must go to a Service Nova Scotia location and provide the necessary documentation.
9. Prince Edward Island: License plates cannot be transferred between individuals in Prince Edward Island, including family members. When a vehicle is sold or given to a family member, the new owner must obtain new license plates.
10. Newfoundland and Labrador: License plates can be transferred between family members in Newfoundland and Labrador, such as spouses, parents, and children. Both parties must go to a Motor Registration Division office and provide the necessary documentation.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements and fees for transferring license plates to family members can vary by province, so it’s a good idea to check with your local licensing agency for guidance.

What You Can and Cannot Do With Your License Plates FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about what you can and cannot do with your license plates in Canada:

Q: Can I transfer my license plates to another vehicle? A: Yes, in most provinces, you can transfer your license plates to another vehicle that you own or lease. However, there may be restrictions or fees associated with the transfer, so it’s a good idea to check with your local licensing agency.

Q: Can I sell my license plates to someone else? A: No, you cannot sell your license plates to someone else. License plates are issued to individuals or businesses and are not transferable or sellable.

Q: Can I keep my license plates when I sell my vehicle? A: In most provinces, no, you cannot keep your license plates when you sell your vehicle. The license plates are tied to the vehicle and must be transferred to the new owner or returned to the licensing agency.

Q: Can I use my license plates on a different vehicle than the one they were issued for? A: No, you cannot use your license plates on a different vehicle than the one they were issued for. License plates are tied to specific vehicles and cannot be transferred between vehicles without the proper documentation.

Q: Can I customize my license plates? A: In some provinces, yes, you can customize your license plates for an additional fee. However, there may be restrictions on the types of messages that are allowed, so it’s a good idea to check with your local licensing agency for guidance.

Q: Can I use my license plates if they are damaged or unreadable? A: No, if your license plates are damaged or unreadable, you must obtain new license plates from your local licensing agency. Driving with damaged or unreadable license plates can result in a fine.

It’s important to note that the rules and regulations regarding license plates can vary by province, so it’s a good idea to check with your local licensing agency for guidance if you have any questions or concerns.

Q: Can I transfer my license plates to someone else, such as a family member? A: This depends on the province. In some provinces, such as British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador, license plates can be transferred between family members. In other provinces, such as Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Prince Edward Island, license plates cannot be transferred between individuals, including family members.

Q: Can I use my license plates on a vehicle that I’m borrowing or renting? A: In most cases, no. License plates are tied to specific vehicles and cannot be transferred between vehicles without the proper documentation. If you’re borrowing or renting a vehicle, it should have its own license plates.

Q: Can I get a refund for my license plates if I no longer need them? A: This depends on the province. In some provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia, you may be eligible for a refund if you surrender your license plates and vehicle registration. In other provinces, such as Quebec and Manitoba, you may not be eligible for a refund.

Q: Can I keep my personalized license plates if I move to a different province? A: This depends on the province. In some provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia, you may be able to transfer your personalized license plates to your new province. In other provinces, such as Quebec, you may not be able to transfer your personalized license plates, but you may be able to obtain new personalized plates in your new province.

Q: Can I use license plate covers or frames on my vehicle? A: This depends on the province. In some provinces, license plate covers or frames are allowed as long as they don’t obscure the license plate number or any other information on the plate. In other provinces, license plate covers or frames are not allowed at all. It’s a good idea to check with your local licensing agency for guidance.

Q: Can I use a personalized license plate on a motorcycle or trailer? A: This depends on the province. In some provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia, personalized license plates can be used on motorcycles or trailers. In other provinces, such as Quebec, personalized license plates can only be used on passenger vehicles.

Q: Can I use my license plates if I’ve moved out of the province where they were issued? A: This depends on the province. In some provinces, such as British Columbia and Quebec, you must surrender your license plates if you move out of the province. In other provinces, such as Ontario and Alberta, you may be able to keep your license plates and use them on your vehicle in your new province. However, you may need to register your vehicle in your new province and obtain new license plates eventually.

Q: Can I use license plates from another province or country on my vehicle? A: No, you cannot use license plates from another province or country on your vehicle. You must obtain valid license plates from the province or country where your vehicle is registered.

Q: Can I get special license plates for a disability or medical condition? A: This depends on the province. In some provinces, such as Ontario and British Columbia, you may be able to obtain special license plates or decals for a disability or medical condition. These plates or decals may allow you to park in designated accessible parking spaces or provide other benefits. It’s a good idea to check with your local licensing agency for guidance.

Q: Can I use license plates that are expired or canceled? A: No, you cannot use license plates that are expired or canceled. Expired or canceled license plates must be surrendered to your local licensing agency. Driving with expired or canceled license plates can result in a fine.