Sworn Statement for a Family Gift of a Used Vehicle in Ontario: What You Need to Know to Commission/Notarize

Notary Public
Apr 23
3 min read

If you're transferring a vehicle to a family member in Ontario, you may be able to do so without paying retail sales tax. The key document that makes this possible is the Sworn Statement for a Family Gift of a Used Vehicle (Form 11573) which can be accessed here: https://forms.mgcs.gov.on.ca/en/dataset/013-1157

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what this form is, who qualifies, and how to complete the process properly.

What Is a Sworn Statement for a Family Gift of a Used Vehicle?

A Sworn Statement for a Family Gift of a Used Vehicle is a legal document used in Ontario to confirm that a vehicle is being gifted, not sold, between eligible family members.

When properly completed and commissioned, this form allows the recipient to receive the vehicle tax-free, avoiding retail sales tax that would normally apply to vehicle transfers.

Both the person giving the vehicle (the donor) and the person receiving it (the recipient) must sign the document in front of a notary public or commissioner of oaths.

What Information Is Required?

To complete the form correctly, you’ll need to include:

Full name and address of the donor
Full name and address of the recipient
Vehicle details (year, make, and model)
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The date the vehicle is gifted or transferred

Accuracy is important—errors can delay your transfer or affect your tax exemption.

Who Qualifies as “Family” for Tax-Free Transfers?

Ontario allows tax-free vehicle transfers between specific family members, including:

Parents and step-parents
Children and step-children
Grandparents and grandchildren (including step-relations)
Spouses, including common-law partners
Siblings (including half-siblings and adopted siblings)
In-laws (such as mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law)

Keep in mind:Only one tax-exempt transfer of the same vehicle is permitted within a 12-month period.

How to Transfer Ownership at ServiceOntario

Before visiting a ServiceOntario centre, make sure you have:

A completed and commissioned Sworn Statement for a Family Gift of a Used Vehicle
The vehicle ownership permit (signed on the back)
Valid Ontario vehicle insurance
Your Ontario driver’s licence
A plate transfer declaration (if applicable)
A Safety Standards Certificate (unless exempt)

Having everything ready will help ensure a smooth and quick transfer process.

Transfers Between Spouses or Former Spouses

If a vehicle is transferred as part of a separation or divorce settlement, it may also qualify for a tax exemption.

In these cases, you’ll need supporting documentation, such as:

A separation agreement
A divorce order or court document
A sworn statement confirming the transfer

These documents must be presented when registering the vehicle.

Why Commissioning Is Required

For the sworn statement to be legally valid, it must be commissioned. This means:

You sign the document in front of an authorized official
You swear or affirm that the information is true
The official verifies your identity and witnesses your signature

This step helps prevent fraud and ensures the integrity of the tax exemption process.

Important: Be Truthful

Providing false or misleading information in a sworn statement is a serious matter. It can lead to legal penalties, including fines or other consequences.

Always ensure that the transfer genuinely qualifies as a family gift.