Whether you’ve just bought a vehicle, moved to PEI from another province, or received a car as a gift, registering it with the province is a crucial step before hitting the road. While the process is fairly straightforward, it does involve specific paperwork, in-person visits, and a few key deadlines you’ll want to stay on top of.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about registering a car in Prince Edward Island. We’ll cover when registration is required, which documents to bring, how much it costs, and what to expect during your visit to Access PEI. You’ll also learn about safety inspections, registration renewals, and how to transfer your existing plates if you already own a car.

Let’s start by looking at when registration is required in PEI.

When You Need to Register a Vehicle in PEI

In Prince Edward Island, you must register a vehicle any time ownership changes, a vehicle enters the province from elsewhere, or when you’re getting it road-ready for the first time. Failing to register a vehicle on time can result in fines or delays in getting your licence plates, so it’s best to get it done promptly.

After Buying a New or Used Vehicle

If you’ve purchased a car—whether from a dealership or a private seller—you’re legally required to register it before driving it on public roads. This includes:

• New vehicles from a dealership
• Used vehicles bought privately
• Vehicles bought at auction

Once the sale is complete, the buyer must take the required documents to an Access PEI location to register the vehicle and pay the applicable taxes and fees.

Moving to PEI from Another Province

If you’re relocating to PEI and bringing your vehicle with you, you’ll need to register it within 30 days of moving. This applies to both owned and leased vehicles.

You’ll also need to:

• Provide proof of out-of-province ownership
• Complete a PEI safety inspection if your current inspection isn’t valid in the province
• Obtain PEI liability insurance

Inheriting, Gifting, or Transferring Ownership

Even if no money changes hands, vehicles that are inherited, gifted, or transferred between family members must still be registered. In these cases, PEI may waive certain taxes, but all required paperwork—including proof of ownership and insurance—still needs to be submitted.

What You Need to Register a Car in PEI

Before heading to Access PEI, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. Missing paperwork can delay the registration process or force you to make a second trip.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Required Documents

Whether you’re registering a new, used, or out-of-province vehicle, you’ll typically need to bring the following:

• Bill of Sale or Lease Agreement

Shows proof of purchase, including the vehicle’s sale price, buyer and seller info, and the VIN.

• Signed Vehicle Registration or Ownership Permit

Required if the vehicle is used and being transferred from another owner. The seller must sign over the registration to you.

• Valid Government-Issued ID

Driver’s licence or another form of photo ID.

• Proof of PEI Auto Insurance

You’ll need to show valid liability coverage from a PEI-licensed insurer.

• Vehicle Inspection Report (if required)

If the car is from outside PEI or its last inspection has expired, you’ll need a valid inspection sticker before registration.

• Out-of-Province Registration (if applicable)

If you’re moving to PEI with a vehicle registered elsewhere, bring the current out-of-province registration papers.

• VIN Verification

Make sure the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on your documents matches what’s physically on the vehicle—usually found on the driver’s side dashboard or inside the driver’s door frame. Any mismatch can delay registration.

How to Register a Car in PEI

Once you’ve gathered all the required documents, registering your vehicle in Prince Edward Island is a relatively simple process. Just follow these steps to get it done smoothly.

Step 1 – Visit an Access PEI Location

Vehicle registration must be completed in person at any Access PEI office. At this time, there is no option to register a car online in the province.

You can find a full list of Access PEI locations and hours of operation on the provincial government’s website. Consider calling ahead or checking online to see if you need to book an appointment.

Step 2 – Submit Your Documents and Pay the Fees

At Access PEI, hand over your documents to the staff, who will review everything and process your registration. You’ll also need to pay:

• Registration fees (based on vehicle weight and class)
• HST (14% on the purchase price or Red Book value—whichever is higher)
• Any applicable fees for plate transfer, vehicle inspection, or title changes

Accepted payment methods typically include debit, credit, or cash.

Step 3 – Receive Your Registration and Licence Plates

Once everything is processed, you’ll receive:

• A registration certificate for the vehicle
• A set of PEI licence plates, unless you’re transferring existing ones

If you’re transferring plates from a previous vehicle, be sure to bring your old registration and plates with you.

PEI Vehicle Registration Fees

The cost to register a vehicle in Prince Edward Island depends on the type and weight of the vehicle, as well as the length of the registration period. Most passenger vehicles follow a standard fee structure, but heavier vehicles or commercial ones may cost more.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

Standard Passenger Vehicle Fees

For most standard cars, SUVs, and light trucks, registration costs approximately:

• $100 per year for vehicles weighing under 4,000 kg
• Additional fees may apply for trucks or specialized vehicles

If you’re registering a vehicle for the first time, you’ll pay a 12-month registration fee upfront. PEI does not currently offer multi-year registration options for passenger vehicles.

Other Possible Fees

Depending on your situation, you might also encounter:

• Licence plate fee (if new plates are issued): ~$5–$10
• Plate transfer fee (if reusing your old plates): ~$5
• Vehicle inspection: Varies by shop (typically $35–$50)
• Sales tax (HST): 14% on the greater of the purchase price or Red Book value
• Out-of-province VIN verification or inspection: May add additional cost

Vehicle Inspection Requirements

Before a vehicle can be registered in Prince Edward Island, it must meet the province’s safety inspection standards. Depending on the vehicle’s history and current inspection status, you may need to complete an inspection before registration.

Here’s how it works.

When a Safety Inspection Is Required

You’ll need a valid safety inspection sticker if:

• The vehicle is being registered for the first time in PEI (i.e., brought in from another province)
• The vehicle’s previous inspection has expired
• The vehicle has not been driven or registered for a long period

If the car already has a valid PEI inspection sticker, you likely won’t need another inspection at the time of registration.

Where to Get an Inspection

Safety inspections must be performed at a licensed inspection station in PEI, typically at automotive repair shops or dealerships. The technician will check key systems like:

• Brakes
• Tires
• Suspension
• Steering
• Lights
• Windshield and wipers

If your vehicle passes inspection, you’ll receive a sticker that’s valid for two years on most passenger vehicles. You’ll need this before you can complete your registration at Access PEI.

Renewing Your Vehicle Registration

In Prince Edward Island, vehicle registration must be renewed annually to keep your car legally on the road. Thankfully, renewing is a much simpler process than registering for the first time—and you may even be able to do it online.

How to Renew

You can renew your registration in one of two ways:

1. Online – If your vehicle is already registered in PEI and there are no major changes (e.g. new owner, new plates), you can renew quickly through the PEI eServices portal.
2. In Person – Head to your nearest Access PEI location if:

• Your registration has expired
• You’ve changed insurance providers
• You’re renewing after a lapse or updating personal details

You’ll need:

• Your current registration
• Proof of PEI auto insurance
• Payment for the renewal fee (about $100)

Registration Reminders

The province typically sends out a renewal notice before your registration expires, either by mail or email. Don’t ignore it—driving with an expired registration can result in fines or towing.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If your registration lapses, you won’t be able to drive the vehicle legally until it’s renewed. You may also face:

• Late fees
• Potential inspection requirements (if your last inspection is expired)
• Delays if you’re stopped by police or need to renew urgently

Pro tip: Mark your renewal date on your calendar or set up a digital reminder to avoid missing it.

Transferring Registration Between Vehicles

If you’re replacing your current vehicle with another one—whether it’s new or used—you may be able to transfer your existing licence plates and registration to the new vehicle, saving a bit of time and money.

Here’s how it works in PEI.

Reusing Your Licence Plates

In PEI, licence plates stay with the registered owner, not the vehicle. That means if you already have plates and you’re purchasing another vehicle, you can transfer them as long as:

• You’re the registered owner of both vehicles
• Your registration hasn’t expired
• The vehicle class (e.g., passenger car, truck) remains the same

You’ll need to bring your old registration certificate and licence plates to Access PEI when registering the new vehicle.

30-Day Rule for Plate Transfers

PEI gives you a 30-day window to transfer your plates to another vehicle. During that time, you can temporarily use the plates on your new vehicle as long as you carry proof that:

• You sold or disposed of the old vehicle
• You recently purchased the new one
• You have valid insurance for the new vehicle

After 30 days, you’ll need to complete the full registration and plate transfer process at Access PEI.

What to Bring for a Plate Transfer

• Current licence plates
• Registration certificate for your previous vehicle
• Bill of sale or lease agreement for the new vehicle
• Valid PEI insurance slip for the new vehicle
• Government-issued photo ID

Access PEI will issue you a new registration certificate tied to the transferred plates and updated vehicle info.

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Final Thoughts on Registering a Car in PEI

Registering a car in Prince Edward Island is a relatively simple process once you know what’s required. Whether you’ve bought a car privately, moved to PEI with an out-of-province vehicle, or are simply transferring plates to a new ride, having the right paperwork and understanding the steps can make the process smooth and stress-free.

Just remember: You’ll need to visit Access PEI in person, bring valid insurance and identification, and ensure your vehicle meets any inspection requirements. And don’t forget to renew your registration annually to stay road-legal.

Looking for an even easier way to get behind the wheel? When you buy a vehicle from Clutch, we handle the paperwork—including registration—so you can focus on the fun part: enjoying your new ride.