Understanding the Spouse Declaration and Plate Transfer Declaration Form in Ontario
If you are involved in transferring a vehicle or its license plate to a spouse or a family member in Ontario, the Spouse Declaration and/or Plate Transfer Declaration form (SR-LV-139E) is an essential document you will need to complete. This official form, issued by the Queen's Printer for Ontario on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation, ensures that vehicle ownership and license plate transfers are conducted legally and transparently, especially among family members.
Purpose and Use Cases of the Form
This form serves two main purposes:
- Spouse Declaration: To confirm the relationship between spouses or common-law partners, which is necessary for certain exemptions, such as safety standards certificates or Drive Clean passes.
- Plate Transfer Declaration: To authorize the transfer of a vehicle license plate or stored credits from one family member to another, typically among spouses or close relatives.
It is particularly relevant when transferring ownership of a vehicle or license plate within family units, ensuring compliance with provincial regulations and avoiding potential legal issues related to false declarations or improper transfers.
Who Can Use This Form?
The form is designed for individuals who are:
- Married or in a common-law relationship, as defined by the Family Law Act, which includes cohabiting partners for at least three years or those who share a child.
- Transferring a vehicle or license plate to a spouse or a close family member, such as a parent, child, or in-law.
It is important that both the current owner and the recipient understand the legal implications of this declaration, as making false statements can result in penalties, including fines or license suspension.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Filling Out the Form
1. Complete the Spouse Declaration Section
Both spouses or partners must fill out their names, sign, and date the declaration, confirming their relationship according to the legal definition. This section also indicates whether the vehicle qualifies for safety standard certificate exemptions or Drive Clean pass exemption.
2. Fill in the Plate Transfer Details
The current license plate owner authorizes the transfer by providing their full name, driver’s license or registration number, and signature. They also specify the plate number involved in the transfer.
3. Recipient Information
The recipient of the plate or stored credit must complete their name, driver’s license or registration number, and acknowledge the transfer by signing and dating the form. They should be aware that unpaid amounts related to the plate, such as tolls or fines, may affect future renewals.
4. Authorization and Signatures
Both parties must sign the form to authorize the transfer officially. The signatures confirm the accuracy of the information provided and agreement to abide by the applicable laws.
Important Considerations and Deadlines
Once completed, the form must be submitted to the appropriate Ministry of Transportation office or authorized service provider. It is crucial to do so before any transfer is finalized to avoid delays or legal complications.
Fill in your form directly online
No printing: type your details into the boxes of the official form, tick, then download the PDF ready to send.
- 1Type into the form boxes
- 2Tick in one click
- 3Save and download the PDF
Keep in mind that unpaid charges associated with the license plate, such as tolls or fines, may prevent renewal or issuance of new vehicle permits until settled. Additionally, making false statements on this form can lead to penalties under provincial legislation.
After Submission
Following the submission of the form, the Ministry will process the transfer, updating vehicle and plate ownership records accordingly. If the transfer involves stored credits, these will be transferred to the recipient’s account, provided all conditions are met.
For any questions regarding the form or the transfer process, individuals are advised to contact Service Ontario or visit their official website for further guidance.
Legal and Contact Information
Information collected through this form is authorized under the Highway Traffic Act. For inquiries about personal data collection or legal implications, you can contact the Supervisor, Service Ontario, or visit the official website.