Vehicle Bill of Sale Gift Transfer in Saskatchewan

When you give a vehicle to a family member, friend, or anyone else as a gift in Saskatchewan, the transaction still requires a proper paperwork trail. The provincial government treats a gift as a bill of sale with a value of$0 (or a nominal amount) for the purpose of registering the transfer. This page explains everything you need to know to complete a vehiclegift transfer quickly, legally, and without unexpected fees.

Why a Bill of Sale Is Still Required

Even though no money changes hands, the Ministry of Highways & Infrastructure must be notified that ownership has changed. The reasons are:

• Update the legal owner on the Certificate of Registration and the License Plate Tag.
• Ensure the new owner is liable for future taxes, insurance, and any traffic infractions.
• Provide the Ministry with a record that the vehicle was not sold on the open market, which can affect the calculation of Provincial Sales Tax (PST) in certain circumstances.

Key Documents Needed for a Gift Transfer

Document	Purpose
Bill of Sale (gift)	Proof of transfer, includes buyer and seller details, vehicle description, and statement of gift.
Sellers Saskatchewan Drivers Licence or Photo ID	Verification of identity.
Buyers Saskatchewan Drivers Licence or Photo ID	Verification of identity.
Completed Transfer of Ownership Form (Form 5)	Official provincial form used for any change of ownership.
Proof of Insurance for the buyer	Mandatory before licence plates can be transferred.
Vehicles current registration and licence plates	To be surrendered or transferred.

How to Fill Out the Gift Bill of Sale

The bill of sale for a gift looks similar to a regular sale, with a few important tweaks:

1. Seller Information: Full name, address, phone number, and drivers licence number.
2. Buyer Information: Same details as above for the recipient.
3. Vehicle Description:
   • Year, make, model
   • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
   • License plate number (if being transferred)
   • Odometer reading (even for a gift, record the exact kilometres).
4. Transfer Amount: Write $0.00 Gift or a nominal amount such as $1.00 Gift where required.
5. Statement of Gift: Include a sentence like I, [Seller Name], hereby gift the abovedescribed vehicle to [Buyer Name] with no consideration received.
6. Signatures: Both parties must sign and date the document. If either party is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must cosign.

StepbyStep Process to Transfer the Vehicle

1. Obtain the Bill of Sale. Use the template below or a printed form from a registry office.
2. Complete Form 5 (Transfer of Ownership). This form can be filled out online, printed, or completed in person at a Saskatchewan Registry Office.
3. Gather supporting identification. Both parties need a valid Saskatchewan drivers licence or other governmentissued photo ID.
4. Provide proof of insurance for the buyer. The buyer must purchase a policy and obtain an insurance card before the transfer is processed.
5. Visit a Registration Office. Bring all documents, the current registration, and the licence plates (if the buyer wants to keep them).
6. Pay any applicable fees. While there is no PST on a genuine gift, a standard registration fee (approximately $30$50) and a plate transfer fee (if applicable) must be paid.
7. Receive the new registration and plate sticker. The registry will issue a new Certificate of Registration in the buyers name and attach the new sticker to the licence plate.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

• Forgetting the odometer reading. The Ministry may reject the transfer if the mileage field is left blank.
• Not providing proof of insurance. Registration cannot be completed without a valid insurance card.
• Assuming a gift means no paperwork. Skipping the bill of sale can lead to future disputes over ownership.
• Transferring a vehicle with an Ltype (learner) plate. Lplates can only be transferred if the new owner also holds a valid learner licence and meets all learnerplate conditions.
• Ignoring the PST exemption rules. If the vehicle was previously sold within the last 30 days, the Ministry could still assess PST despite the gift status. Verify the vehicles recent sale history before proceeding.

Sample Gift Bill of Sale

Copy this template into a word processor, fill in the details, and print two copies one for each party.

Bill of Sale  Gift TransferSeller:Name: _______________________________________Address: _____________________________________City/Province/Postal Code: _____________________Drivers Licence #: ____________________________Buyer:Name: _______________________________________Address: _____________________________________City/Province/Postal Code: _____________________Drivers Licence #: ____________________________Vehicle Information:Year: ______   Make: __________________ Model: __________________VIN: _______________________________________License Plate #: _____________________________Odometer Reading: __________ kmTransfer Amount: $0.00  GiftStatement: I, the undersigned seller, hereby gift the abovedescribed vehicle to the buyer named above. No consideration has been received.Seller Signature: _______________________   Date: ___________Buyer Signature: ________________________   Date: ___________    

Provincial Sales Tax (PST) Considerations

In Saskatchewan, PST normally applies when a vehicle is sold for a price above $30,000. A genuine gift is exempt, provided the Ministry can verify the transfer is a bonafide gift and not a disguised sale. Keep the following in mind:

• Both parties must sign the gift statement.
• Keep any supporting documents (e.g., a family relationship certificate) if the Ministry requests proof of relationship.
• If the vehicle was previously transferred within the last 30 days, the Ministry may still levy PST based on the most recent sale price.

Changing License Plates

You have three options when moving the plates:

1. Transfer the existing plates to the buyer. This is common for gifts to family members. The buyer pays a small platetransfer fee.
2. Return the plates to the Ministry. If the seller does not want the plates retained, they can surrender them and receive a refund on the original plate fee.
3. Apply for new plates. The buyer can choose new personalised plates; standard fees apply.

What Happens After the Transfer?

Once the Ministry processes the paperwork, the buyer is officially the owner. Responsibilities that now fall on the buyer include:

• Maintaining valid insurance.
• Renewing registration annually (or as required).
• Ensuring the vehicle passes any required safety inspections.

Helpful Links

• Saskatchewan Transfer of Ownership Ministry of Highways
• Vehicle Registration Information
• Auto Insurance Requirements

Transferring a vehicle as a gift in Saskatchewan is straightforward once you have the correct paperwork and understand the small fees involved. By following the steps above, youll avoid delays, keep the transaction legally sound, and ensure the new owner can enjoy the vehicle without any surprises.