How to Scrap a Car in Ontario
Six steps, about 45 minutes of your time, and you get paid — typically same day. Here's exactly what to do, what documents you need, and how to avoid common mistakes.
The short version
To scrap a car in Ontario: get at least two quotes from licensed yards, then sign the vehicle ownership permit (the green card issued by the MTO) over to the yard at pickup. Remove your licence plates before the tow truck arrives — plates belong to you, not the car — and confirm that free towing and same-day payment are included before agreeing to a price. Most Ontario residents complete the entire process in under an hour and receive cash or Interac e-transfer at pickup.
- 1Get at least two quotes from licensed Ontario yards.
- 2Find your vehicle ownership permit (green card).
- 3Remove your licence plates.
- 4Confirm towing is free and payment is at pickup.
- 5Sign over the ownership when the tow truck arrives.
- 6Cancel your insurance after pickup.
Step-by-step guide
Get your estimate and gather quotes
15 minutesUse a scrap car calculator to get a baseline estimate based on your vehicle's weight, catalytic converter, and condition. Then call at least two licensed Ontario scrap yards. A $50–$100 difference between yards in the same city is common — getting a second quote is worth the 5 minutes.
Tell each yard whether the catalytic converter is OEM (original). OEM cats from trucks and SUVs are worth $150–$200 — yards will pay more when you know this upfront.
Locate your vehicle ownership (permit)
5 minutesIn Ontario, the vehicle ownership permit (the green card) is required to transfer the car to a licensed scrap yard. You'll sign Part 2 (the transfer section) over to the yard. If you can't find your ownership, you can get a replacement from any ServiceOntario location for $32.
You do NOT need to go to ServiceOntario to complete the transfer — the yard handles the registration change on their end. You just need to sign the permit over.
Remove your licence plates
2 minutesIn Ontario, licence plates belong to the driver, not the car. Remove your plates before the yard picks up the vehicle. You can transfer them to your next car, or return them to ServiceOntario and get a refund on any unused registration time.
Do not leave plates on the car. If the car is moved with your plates, you could be held liable for any violations or toll charges.
Cancel your insurance
10 minutesCall your insurance provider to cancel your policy once the pickup is confirmed. In Ontario, you are entitled to a refund on the unused portion of your premium. If you are replacing the vehicle, ask about transferring the coverage instead — this avoids a lapse in your driving history.
Cancel AFTER pickup is confirmed and scheduled, not before. You need insurance until the car is transferred.
Confirm towing and payment before pickup day
5 minutesCall the yard the day before pickup to confirm: (1) the agreed price, (2) that towing is included at no charge, and (3) how you'll be paid — cash or e-transfer. Most Ontario yards pay at pickup. Do not accept a yard that wants to pay you after the car is gone.
Ask specifically: "Is the tow included in the price you quoted?" Some yards quote one number then subtract $75–$150 for the tow. Confirm this before pickup day.
Sign over the ownership at pickup
5 minutesWhen the tow truck arrives, sign Part 2 of the vehicle ownership permit and hand it to the driver. They'll give you a receipt. Keep this receipt — it confirms the car was legally transferred and protects you from any future liability related to that vehicle.
Write "SOLD AS SCRAP" and the date on the ownership before signing. This is not legally required in Ontario but provides an extra layer of documentation.
Documents checklist
What to have ready before the tow truck arrives.
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Vehicle ownership permit (green card) | Required |
| Government-issued ID | Required |
| Licence plates (removed) | Required |
| Lien release (if applicable) | Optional |
| Keys | Optional |
Ontario regulations
Ontario scrap yards must be licensed under the Environmental Protection Act and the Highway Traffic Act. Licensed yards are required to depollute vehicles before crushing — draining all fluids and removing the battery, catalytic converter, and other hazardous components. Always use a licensed yard. Unlicensed buyers typically pay less and give you no paper trail.
Vehicle ownership transfers are managed by the Ministry of Transportation via ServiceOntario.
Before Pickup: Quick Checklist
- 1Remove all personal belongings — glove box, under seats, trunk, sun visor pockets.
- 2Pull out aftermarket accessories you want to keep — stereo head unit, dash cam, winter tires/rims, floor mats, bike rack.
- 3Remove your licence plates. In Ontario, plates stay with you — transfer them to your next car or return to ServiceOntario for a registration refund on unused time.
- 4Note whether the catalytic converter is OEM, aftermarket, or missing — this directly affects your offer.
- 5Cancel your insurance after confirming the pickup date, not before.
- 6Drain or siphon excess fuel if the tank is more than ¼ full — yards won't pay for it.
- 7Write down the VIN from the dashboard for your records before the car leaves.
Frequently asked questions
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