New Manitoba Residents

If you are a new Manitoba resident, and require insurance coverage on your vehicle, the following information will help you in getting set-up.

Manitoba Public Insurance(MPI) is a crown corporation that provides vehicle insurance/registration and driver licensing services to all Manitoba motorists. Their insurance product is called Autopac and is available through independent insurance brokers.

Registering a vehicle in Manitoba requires some specific documentation and information. You must have a current safety inspection prior to registration.

If you have one from another province that was done within twelve months, it may be accepted by MPI. Inspections can be performed by authorized mechanics. You also have to provide proof of ownership, which is normally your registration document from your previous province. You should also have a driver’s abstract from your previous insurer since MPI offer substantial discounts to accident free drivers who qualify for a merit on their driver’s licence. You are exempt from Manitoba sales tax providing you owned the vehicle for more than ninety days prior to moving.

Buying A Vehicle?

If you are buying or leasing a new vehicle from a car dealer you will be provided with the following documentation:

  • New vehicle identification sheet(NVIS)
  • Bill of sale

If you are buying a used vehicle privately, you must have the following documents in order to register the vehicle:

  • Certificate of inspection (COI), if one has not obtained in the past year.
  • Bill of sale
  • Transfer of ownership document (TOD). This is found on the back of the registration card, and must be both the previous owner and the new owner.

Provincial sales tax will be collected at time of registration.

Selling a vehicle?

If you are selling your vehicle privately, you must supply the purchaser with a signed transfer of ownership document and a bill of sale. The purchaser will have to have a valid safety (COI) prior to registration.

It is your responsibility to cancel your insurance once it has been sold. MPI does not automatically cancel when a new owner registers and insures the vehicle. The plates can be turned in at cancellation or you can keep them for use if you purchase and insure another vehicle.

If you have bought and sold a vehicle within a six month period, you will be able to claim back the sales tax paid based on the value of the lower priced vehicle. We have these forms available in our offices.

Common forms

For your convenience, here are some common forms. If you are unsure what you need, please contact either office. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view or print these forms.