By DrivePEI · Published October 4, 2026
Start with the permit and the real seller
PEI says the seller must complete and sign the back of the vehicle permit. The seller also completes the Notification of Transfer portion and mails it to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles within seven days of the transfer date. Check that the VIN on the permit matches the vehicle you inspected and the bill of sale.
When buying through a dealer, ask which transfer steps the dealership will handle and what documents you will receive. For a private sale, review the completed permit with the seller before money and keys change hands. A listing or text message is not a substitute for a properly completed ownership document.
The buyer has a seven-day transfer step
PEI says the buyer must transfer registration into their name within seven days of the transfer date. Its published list asks the buyer to present the vehicle permit signed by the previous owner, a bill of sale or receipt, the motor vehicle inspection form in the present owner’s or buyer’s name, and a valid insurance card.
Contact Access PEI about your specific transaction before you travel, especially if a document is missing, the vehicle comes from outside PEI or a lender has an interest in it. Arrange insurance for the intended use and transfer date; do not assume the previous owner’s coverage follows the car.
Budget for tax and other costs
PEI’s ownership-transfer page says tax is collected on the Redbook value, bill of sale or appraisal, whichever is greater. The amount due and the way it is collected can depend on the transaction, so ask for a written total and verify the current rule with Access PEI rather than assuming that a low written sale price sets the tax basis.
Keep room in the budget for registration, insurance, inspection-related work and any near-term tires or maintenance. A cheap asking price can be less attractive after these costs are included.
A document check before pickup
- Confirm the VIN, seller identity, agreed price and sale date on the paperwork.
- Check that the permit is signed and the bill of sale identifies both parties and the vehicle.
- Request the MVI form and ask whether any inspection-related work remains.
- Have your valid insurance card ready for the transfer.
- Ask who will submit each part of the transfer and keep copies of your records.
Use official guidance for unusual cases
An imported vehicle, estate sale, business-owned vehicle or missing permit may require extra steps. PEI prints instructions on the registration permit and publishes contact details for Access PEI. Use those channels for the current requirements rather than relying on a generic checklist.