Registering a Snowmobile or an All-Terrain Vehicle Sold Between Individuals
When an off-road vehicle (snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle) is sold between individuals, both the buyer and seller must go to an SAAQ service outlet to have the vehicle registered in the buyer's name.
What qualifies as an off-road vehicle
- A self-propelled winter vehicle that is designed to travel primarily over snow or ice and may or may not be equipped with a ski or steering blade.
- The following motorized all-terrain vehicles:
- quad bikes
- recreational off-road vehicles
- all-terrain motorcycles, including motocross bikes
- Other motorized all-terrain vehicles designed or adapted to be operated on uneven or unpaved terrain or terrain that is difficult to access, especially surfaces covered with snow, ice, earth, sand or gravel, as well as in wooded areas and other natural environments.
The vehicle cannot be registered…
If the buyer or the seller has an unpaid fine for an offence under the Highway Safety Code or under a municipal traffic or parking bylaw.
The Bureau des infractions et amendes and municipal courts are responsible for collecting fines. You cannot pay a fine at an SAAQ service outlet.
To check whether the vehicle can be registered, you can use SAAQclic . You can also use our automated telephone services by calling 1-800-361-7620 (choose option 4, then option 5, then option 4 again).
To avoid unpleasant surprises
Before buying a snowmobile or an all-terrain vehicle from an individual, check with the Registre des droits personnels et réels mobiliers (register of personal and movable real rights—in French only) to make sure it is free of debt. If you buy a vehicle that has not been paid for in full, it can be seized by the creditor.
You can also request a copy of the vehicle record from the SAAQ to find out:
- if it has been rebuilt
- if it has passed a mechanical inspection
- how many people have owned it
- how it has been used
To obtain a copy of the vehicle record, you can:
- go to one of our service outlets
- submit the Vehicle Record Request (PDF, 218.5 KB) form
Documents required
The buyer and the seller must present their driver's licence or another official photo ID document.
Before Going to an SAAQ Service Outlet
Call Revenu Québec to find out which documents are necessary for the calculation of QST in the following cases:
- if the vehicle is 25 years old or older (40 years old or older, in the case of a truck)
- if the vehicle is a used luxury vehicle less than 25 years old and not listed in the reference guide used by Revenu Québec (luxury vehicles that are not listed: Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Hummer, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati and Rolls Royce)
- if the vehicle comes from outside Canada
- if the used vehicle is damaged or has unusual wear
If you are under age 18
You must also present the Consent of a Person Having Parental Authority (PDF, 128.7 KB) form completed by your father, mother or legal guardian.
If you do not have a driver's licence
Call us to find out what documents you need to bring to register your snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle.
If you cannot go in person
The person who goes to the service outlet for you must bring the original Power of Attorney (PDF, 657.0 KB) form completed by you beforehand.
If the vehicle is from outside Québec
A vehicle from outside Québec is considered to be an imported vehicle, which means there are other documents you will have to provide so that we can verify whether the vehicle can be used in Québec. Refer to the Registering a vehicle from outside Québec section for more information.
Registration fees
To find out the cost to have a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle sold between individuals registered, visit the Rates and Fines section.
Payment options
At our service outlets, we accept payment:
- in cash
- by debit card (not available at some service outlets)
- by one or more pre-authorized debits (a cheque specimen must be provided)
- by cheque or money order
Payment by credit card is not accepted.
Payment of the QST
You must pay the QST when you register your vehicle, even in the case of a used snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle. The SAAQ collects the QST, which is calculated on the agreed sale price or the vehicle’s estimated value, whichever is higher.
Additional fee for trail maintenance
In addition to the annual registration fee, you must pay an additional charge that will be used to maintain Québec's network of snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle trails.
You must hold private civil liability insurance for at least $1,000,000 to ensure compensation for any bodily injury or property damage caused by your vehicle.
Such insurance coverage is required with the following vehicles:
- snowmobiles with a Weight of the vehicle and the equipment permanently attached to it, excluding the weight of its load. of 450 kg or less
- quad bikes
- recreational off-road vehicles
- all-terrain motorcycles, including motocross bikes
- all other motorized vehicles primarily designed or adapted to be operated on uneven or unpaved terrain or terrain that is difficult to access, especially surfaces covered with snow, ice, earth, sand or gravel, as well as in wooded areas and other natural environments.
Check with the SAAQ to find out if you are entitled to financial compensation for injuries sustained in an accident involving your snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle.
The seller remains the owner and person liable for the vehicle until...
…the vehicle is registered in the buyer's name.
This means that if a buyer were to commit an offence or be involved in an accident with a vehicle that was still registered in the seller's name, the seller would be held responsible.
Last update: October 8, 2025