Registering a Vehicle

Before registration

Step 1 Before registration

Registration in the Registre des propriétaires et des exploitants de véhicules lourds (register of owners and operators of heavy vehicles)

If the owner of the bus or minibus is a business, it must be registered in the Registre des propriétaires et des exploitants de véhicules lourds of the Commission des transports du Québec (CTQ) because such a vehicle is considered to be a heavy vehicleVehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 4,500 kg or more, as indicated on the compliance label..

If the business that bought the bus or minibus is not registered in the Registre, it can still register the vehicle, but cannot put it into operation.

Mechanical inspection

  • If the school bus or minibus is used, the most recent mechanical inspection must have been performed within the past 6 months.
    • If the most recent mechanical inspection was performed more than 6 months ago, you must make an appointment at a mechanical inspection centre to obtain a valid mechanical inspection certificate.
  • If the vehicle is from outside Québec, you must present a valid mechanical inspection certificate, even if you bought it from a dealership.

If the vehicle was bought from a business offering a preventive maintenance program (PMP)

If the buyer does not opt for the PMP, the bus or minibus must be inspected at a mechanical inspection centre within 90 days of purchase.

Registering a school bus or minibus for a business

Your business must be registered with the Registraire des entreprises (REQ). You can then provide your Québec enterprise number (NEQ) when you register your bus or minibus.

Electric vehicle

Note that all school buses used to transport schoolchildren and registered in Québec after October 31, 2021 must be solely powered by electricity.

For more information, visit the Ministère des Transports website.

Last update: February 27, 2022