Knowledge Center

What is a Sworn Statement for Family Gift of a Used Vehicle (Form 1157E) ?

In the province of Ontario, a sworn statement for a family gift of a used vehicle is a legal document that serves as proof of the transfer of ownership of a vehicle within the same family. It’s typically used when a family member is transferring ownership of a vehicle to another family member without any monetary exchange. When you sell a car, there may be tax implications, such as capital gains tax or sales tax, depending on the circumstances. Gifting a car to a family member, on the other hand, typically avoids the resale sales tax transfer obligations.  Gifting a car can be simpler administratively since it doesn't involve negotiating a sale price, handling payment, or dealing with paperwork related to a sale. Nonetheless, there's still administrative tasks involved in transferring ownership (such as completing transfer forms and visiting ServiceOntario office).

Here are the general steps to complete a sworn statement for a family gift of a used vehicle in Ontario:

1.    Obtain the necessary forms: Contact your local ServiceOntario office or visit their website here to obtain the "Sworn Statement for a Family Gift of a Used Vehicle" form. 

2.    Complete the form: Fill out the required information on the form accurately and completely. This includes details about the vehicle, such as the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN). You will also need to provide your personal information and the details of the person receiving the vehicle.

3.    Swear or affirm the statement: Once you have completed the form, you will need to have it sworn or affirmed. Essentially, you will need a notary to witness your signature and confirm that the information provided is true to the best of your knowledge. This can be done at a ServiceOntario location or call us to have it done.

4.    Provide supporting documents: In addition to the sworn statement form, you will need to include other supporting documents. These may include the vehicle's ownership (or title) documents, a bill of sale if available, and any other relevant documentation that verifies the transfer of ownership.

5.    Submit the documents: Take the completed sworn statement form and the supporting documents to your local ServiceOntario office. They will review the paperwork and process the transfer of ownership. There may be fees associated with the transfer, so be prepared to pay any applicable charges.

Here's what you'll need to provide ServiceOntario:

1. Proof of Ownership: The original vehicle ownership (or title) document must be provided. If the ownership document has been lost, stolen, or is unavailable, you may need to provide a sworn affidavit of ownership or follow the specific requirements set by ServiceOntario for such cases.
2. Transfer Application: You will need to complete the "Application for Transfer/Tax Form" (Form Transfer/Tax Form - Ministry of Transportation). This form contains information about the vehicle, the seller, and the buyer. Make sure to accurately and completely fill out the form. Please note that transferring the same vehicle between family members is only permitted once within a 12 month period.
3. Identification: Both the seller and the buyer will need to provide valid identification, such as a driver's license or another government-issued identification document. This is necessary to verify the identity of the individuals involved in the transfer.
4. Vehicle Permit (Registration): The current vehicle permit (registration) must be provided. It is the document that shows the license plate number and expiration date. If the vehicle permit is lost or unavailable, you may need to follow the specific procedures set by ServiceOntario to obtain a replacement.
5. Cancel or update insurance: Contact your insurance provider to cancel your insurance coverage for the vehicle or update the policy to reflect the new owner (the family member). They will guide you through the process and ensure the vehicle is properly insured.
6. Safety Standards Certificate: If the vehicle is more than seven years old, you will typically need to provide a valid safety standards certificate. This certificate ensures that the vehicle meets the safety requirements outlined by the Ministry of Transportation. If the vehicle is a spouse-to-spouse transfer, you will not require the Safety Standards Certificate. However, if you are transferring the plates to your spouse, you will need to provide a completed plate transfer declaration in order to be exempt from the Safety Standards Certificate.
7. Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP): The UVIP is a document that provides important information about the vehicle's history, including lien information, accident history, and previous owners. It is typically required for all vehicle transfers in Ontario.
8. Emission Test (if applicable): Depending on the age and type of the vehicle, an emission test may be required. This test ensures that the vehicle meets the specified emission standards. Check with ServiceOntario to determine if an emission test is necessary for your particular vehicle.

Additional documents or requirements may apply depending on the specific circumstances or if there are any outstanding financial obligations related to the vehicle.

Step-By-Step Guide on How to fill out a Sworn Statement for a family gift of a Used Vehicle in Ontario

Section 1: Vehicle Information

a. Enter the make of the vehicle (e.g., Toyota, Honda, Ford).

b. Specify the model of the vehicle (e.g., Camry, Civic, F-150).

c. Provide the year of manufacture of the vehicle.

d. Enter the vehicle identification number (VIN) found on the vehicle's ownership or permit.

Section 2: Transferor (Person Gifting the Vehicle)

a. Enter the transferor's full legal name.

b. Specify the transferor's complete residential address, including street name, city, province, and postal code.

c. Provide the transferor's date of birth.

d. Indicate the transferor's driver's license number and the issuing province or country.

Section 3: Transferee (Person Receiving the Gifted Vehicle)

a. Enter the transferee's full legal name.

b. Specify the transferee's complete residential address, including street name, city, province, and postal code.

c. Provide the transferee's date of birth.

d. Indicate the transferee's driver's license number and the issuing province or country.

Section 4: Affirmation

a. Read the affirmation carefully, as it certifies that the information provided in the document is true.

b. Call us to swear and sign the document.

c. Our notary will fill in their name, title, and affix their official seal or stamp.

Section 5: Vehicle Identification Certification

a. Our notary will verify the vehicle's identification by providing their name, title, and affixing their official seal or stamp.

b. If the transferor is the only person listed on the vehicle's ownership or permit, the witness will also need to complete a separate "Vehicle Identification Certification" section to confirm that they have physically examined the vehicle.

Once you have completed all the necessary sections, made sure the form is accurate, complete and witnessed by a Commissioner of Oaths or notary public - click here to book your appointment.  Final notes: remember to gather the additional required documents, such as the vehicle ownership, bill of sale (if available), and any other supporting documentation, before submitting the form to your local ServiceOntario office.