Compliance & Licensing
How to get your OMVIC dealer license in Ontario
To legally operate as a used car dealer in Ontario, you must register with OMVIC (Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council). This guide walks through the registration process from start to finish.
Key takeaways
- All dealers selling vehicles in Ontario must register with OMVIC — no exceptions
- You must complete the OMVIC Registration Course before applying
- Your OMVIC registration number must appear on all advertising including your website
- A physical business location inspection is part of the registration process
What OMVIC is and why registration is required
OMVIC is Ontario's regulator for the motor vehicle sales industry. All dealers who buy or sell vehicles for profit in Ontario must register with OMVIC. Operating without registration is illegal and can result in significant fines and prosecution.
OMVIC registration applies to used car dealers, new car dealers, motorcycle dealers, and any individual who regularly buys and resells vehicles for profit — not just those with a physical lot.
Types of OMVIC registration
There are two main types: Dealer registration (for businesses selling vehicles) and Salesperson registration (for individuals employed by a registered dealer). As an independent dealer operating your own lot, you need a Dealer registration.
Under Dealer registration, the business is registered and the individual(s) operating it are also registered as salespeople under that dealership.
The registration process
Complete the OMVIC Registration Course — this is mandatory for all new registrants. The course is available online through OMVIC's website and covers the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, consumer protection requirements, and ethical business practices.
Submit your registration application through OMVIC's online portal. You will need: completed application form, business registration documents (or articles of incorporation), proof of business location, lot inspection (OMVIC inspects your place of business), and payment of registration fees.
Key ongoing requirements
Once registered, you must display your OMVIC registration number on your advertising (including your website), provide buyers with a Buyer Information Sheet for every vehicle sold, comply with the 10-day cooling-off period for vehicles sold through certain channels, and renew your registration annually.
Violating OMVIC regulations can result in fines, suspension, or revocation of your registration. Staying compliant is not just a legal requirement — it builds buyer trust.
Frequently asked questions
How long does OMVIC registration take?
The process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from application submission to approval, assuming all documentation is in order and the lot inspection passes without issues.
Can I sell vehicles from my home in Ontario?
OMVIC requires dealers to have an approved place of business. Operating from a residential property may be allowed with proper zoning approval, but most residential properties are not approved for commercial dealer activity.
More guides on Compliance & Licensing
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Operating a used car dealership in Alberta — the complete guide
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