What does each character in a VIN mean?

Characters 1-3 = Manufacturer (WMI), 4-9 = Vehicle attributes (VDS), 10 = Model year, 11 = Plant code, 12-17 = Serial number.

How do I check if a VIN is valid?

A valid VIN is exactly 17 characters, doesn't contain I, O, or Q, and passes the check digit verification at position 9.

Can I check for open recalls with a VIN?

Yes, our decoder checks US NHTSA recall data. Canadian buyers should also check Transport Canada.

What information can I get from a VIN?

Manufacturer, make, model year, country of origin, engine type, body style, plant code, and recall history.

Is VIN decoding free?

Yes, our VIN decoder is completely free. No sign-up, no limits, no hidden fees.

Can I decode a 16-character VIN?

No, vehicles manufactured after 1981 use 17-character VINs. Older vehicles may have shorter VINs.

ServiceOntario Private Vehicle Transfer Tax

Ontario Private Car Sale Tax Calculator (2026)

Name: VIN Decoder
Author: usecos.app Research & Engineering

Calculate the 13% Ontario Retail Sales Tax (RST) due at ServiceOntario when buying or selling a used vehicle privately in Ontario.

Researched by usecos.app Research & Engineering · Official Ministry of Finance sources verified 2026-08-01

Direct answer

In Ontario, private used vehicle transfers pay 13% Retail Sales Tax (RST) directly to ServiceOntario. Tax is calculated on the higher of the agreed purchase price or the Canadian Red Book wholesale value shown on the UVIP. If a vehicle is 20+ years old or severely damaged, an official motor vehicle appraisal can be submitted to establish the taxable value.

Official tax boundary. This calculator estimates 13% Ontario RST based on Ministry of Finance rules. It does not replace ServiceOntario cashier determination, official Red Book UVIP lookups, or licensed appraisals.

Back to VIN & vehicle tools

RST Calculator Inputs

Tax-Exempt Transfer? (Family Gift, Status Indian, etc.)

Agreed Purchase Price ($ CAD)

The actual amount paid to the private seller on the Bill of Sale.

Canadian Red Book Wholesale Value ($ CAD)

Found on page 3 of the Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP).

Vehicle Has an Official Professional Appraisal?

ServiceOntario Calculation

RST Payable: $1,560.00

Taxable Base Amount$12,000.00Source: purchase price

Total Cost (Price + Tax)$13,560.0013% Ontario RST Included

Why this tax amount?Tax is calculated on your agreed purchase price ($12,000.00) because it equals or exceeds the Red Book wholesale value.

ServiceOntario Counter Checklist

0/5 Ready

UVIP Package ($20)Must be purchased by the seller and shown to buyer before sale.

Signed Bill of SaleCompleted on page 4 of the UVIP with buyer & seller signatures.

Application for TransferSigned vehicle portion of the green/pink ownership permit.

Safety Standards Certificate (SSC)Needed to attach license plates (valid for 36 days from inspection).

Proof of Ontario Auto InsuranceValid insurance card or policy number in the new owner’s name.

Ontario Private Car Tax Worked Examples

Scenario A

Price Exceeds Red Book

Purchase Price: $15,000
Wholesale Value: $12,000
Taxable Base: $15,000
13% RST: $1,950

Scenario B

Red Book Exceeds Price

Purchase Price: $10,000
Wholesale Value: $14,000
Taxable Base: $14,000
13% RST: $1,820

Scenario C

Licensed Appraisal

Purchase Price: $5,000
Wholesale Value: $12,000
Appraisal Value: $6,000
Taxable Base: $6,000
13% RST: $780

Methodology and assumptions

Tax is calculated at 13% Retail Sales Tax (RST) on specified private vehicle transfers in Ontario.
The taxable amount equals the higher of the reported agreed purchase price or the Canadian Red Book wholesale value from the UVIP.
When an official appraisal is submitted (Form 1157E or licensed motor vehicle appraiser report for vehicles 20+ years old or damaged), the appraisal value replaces the Red Book wholesale value.
Exempt transfers (eligible family gifts with Form 1157E, transfers to Status Indians on reserves, or inheritances) incur $0 RST at ServiceOntario.

Important limitations

Does not apply to GST/HST collected by registered motor vehicle dealers (dealers collect 13% HST directly).
Does not replace the official UVIP wholesale value lookup provided by ServiceOntario.
Appraisals must meet Ministry of Finance guidelines to be accepted for tax reductions.
Does not calculate ServiceOntario plate transfer fees ($32) or new permit fees.

Official sources and verification links

Verify current Ontario Ministry of Finance rules and ServiceOntario requirements before completing your transfer.

Ontario.ca Specified Vehicles Retail Sales Tax (RST)Official Ministry of Finance guide on 13% RST tax rates, Red Book wholesale valuation, appraisals, and family gift exemptions.Ontario.ca Buy or sell a used vehicle in OntarioServiceOntario requirements for private vehicle registration, UVIP presentation, Bill of Sale, and safety certificates.Ontario.ca Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP)Official UVIP ordering instructions, wholesale valuation lookup rules, and lien history details.