Identity and ownership
Record the complete VIN and compare it across the truck, ownership/registration documents, bill of sale, lien search, insurance application and financing documents. Confirm the seller's legal identity and authority to sell.
Lien and security-interest checks
Use the applicable provincial or territorial personal-property security search or equivalent service. Search rules, fees and identifiers vary. A seller statement alone is not a registry search.
Bill of sale and financing
Document the parties, VIN, price, taxes, deposits, included equipment, representations, delivery, financing conditions and signatures as appropriate. Obtain professional advice for material transactions or unusual terms.
Build, maintenance and inspection records
Collect build/spec information, component serials, maintenance invoices, ECM/diagnostic evidence and an independent inspection report. Reconcile records with the current physical truck.
Tax, registration and interprovincial questions
Registration, taxation, safety inspection, lien-search and transfer procedures vary by province and transaction type. Contact the applicable registry, tax authority, insurer and transportation authority before relying on a generic process.
Import or cross-border history
If the truck was imported, request import and compliance records and confirm current registration eligibility. Federal and provincial requirements may both matter.
Confirm the process that applies
Requirements and records vary by truck, manufacturer, province, transaction and intended use. Use authoritative registries, agencies, service providers and qualified advisers for the actual purchase.