How to Scrap a Car in Quebec
Six steps, about 45 minutes of your time, and you get paid — typically same day in Montreal and Laval. Quebec has its own rules around the SAAQ and the certificat d'immatriculation. Here's exactly what to do.
The short version
To scrap a car in Quebec: get at least two quotes from licensed recycleurs automobiles, then transfer Part 2 of your certificat d'immatriculation (issued by the SAAQ) to the yard at pickup and keep Part 1 for your records. Remove your licence plates before the tow truck arrives and return them to an SAAQ service centre to cancel your registration and stop ongoing fees. Cancel your optional (private) insurance once pickup is confirmed — SAAQ basic civil liability coverage ends automatically when you cancel registration. The licensed recycler notifies the SAAQ of the transfer. Most people in Montreal and Laval complete the process in under an hour and receive cash or Interac e-transfer at pickup.
- 1Get at least two quotes from licensed Quebec recycleurs automobiles.
- 2Find your certificat d'immatriculation (issued by SAAQ).
- 3Remove your licence plates.
- 4Confirm towing is free and payment is at pickup.
- 5Transfer Part 2 of the certificat to the yard at pickup.
- 6Return plates to an SAAQ service centre and cancel your registration.
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 contact at least two licensed Quebec scrap yards or recyclers (recycleurs automobiles). Quebec metal prices are slightly below Ontario due to longer transport distances to export terminals, but the Montreal market has strong competition among buyers, which helps prices.
Tell each yard whether the catalytic converter is OEM (original factory). OEM cats from trucks and full-size SUVs are worth $150–$210 — mentioning this upfront often results in a better total offer.
Locate your vehicle registration (certificat d'immatriculation)
5 minutesIn Quebec, vehicle ownership is proven through the certificat d'immatriculation, issued by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). This two-part document serves as both your registration and proof of ownership. You'll need to complete the transfer section when signing the vehicle over to the scrap yard. If you've lost it, you can get a replacement at any SAAQ service centre for a small fee.
Quebec uses a two-part certificat: Part 1 stays with you after the transfer; Part 2 goes to the buyer (the scrap yard). Make sure the yard completes their portion of the transfer correctly — this is what formally removes the vehicle from your name in the SAAQ system.
Remove your licence plates
2 minutesIn Quebec, licence plates belong to the owner, not the vehicle. Remove your plates before the tow truck arrives. You can return them to an SAAQ service centre to cancel the registration and get a refund on any unused portion of your registration fees. If you're buying a replacement vehicle, you can transfer the plates to the new car.
Do not leave plates on the car. If the vehicle is towed with your plates and a ticket or toll violation is recorded, you could be held responsible.
Cancel your vehicle insurance
10 minutesQuebec has a two-tier insurance system: basic civil liability is handled by the SAAQ (built into your registration fees), while collision and comprehensive coverage is purchased from a private insurer. Contact your private insurer to cancel your optional coverage once pickup is confirmed. Your SAAQ basic coverage cancels automatically when you return the plates and cancel the registration.
Cancel optional insurance after pickup is confirmed and scheduled, not before. You need coverage until the car is formally transferred.
Confirm towing and payment before pickup day
5 minutesCall the yard the day before pickup to confirm: (1) the agreed price is still valid, (2) towing is included at no charge, and (3) how you'll be paid — cash or virement Interac, at pickup. Most Quebec yards pay on the spot. Never release the vehicle before payment.
Ask directly: "Le remorquage est-il inclus dans le prix?" (Is towing included in the price?) Some yards quote a total and then subtract a tow fee — confirm this before pickup.
Complete the SAAQ transfer at pickup
5 minutesWhen the tow truck arrives, complete the transfer of the certificat d'immatriculation. Give Part 2 to the yard and keep Part 1 for your records. The licensed recycler will then notify the SAAQ of the transfer. Keep any receipt or documentation the yard provides — this is your proof that the vehicle was legally transferred and removes your liability for it going forward.
Write "VENDU POUR RECYCLAGE" (sold for recycling) and the date on the document before signing. This creates a clear paper trail even before the SAAQ system updates.
Documents checklist
What to have ready before the tow truck arrives in Quebec.
| Document | Required |
|---|---|
| Certificat d'immatriculation (Part 2) | Required |
| Government-issued ID | Required |
| Licence plates (removed) | Required |
| Lien release (if applicable) | Optional |
| Keys | Optional |
Quebec regulations
Quebec scrap yards must hold a licence as a recycleur de véhicules hors d'usage under Quebec's environmental regulations. Licensed recyclers are required to depollute vehicles before processing — draining all fluids, removing the battery, and extracting the catalytic converter. Vehicle registration transfers are managed by the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ).
Always use a licensed Quebec recycler. Unlicensed buyers give you no SAAQ paper trail and typically pay less.
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 Quebec, return plates to the SAAQ — required to stop insurance and registration fees.
- 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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