Procedure for Transferring Special (red) Licence Plates in the Province of Ontario

Circular Note No. XDC-0792 of July 2nd, 2009

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Office of Protocol) presents its compliments to Their Excellencies the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and notified Chargés d'affaires, a.i. accredited to Canada, and to the Heads of International Organizations and other offices established in Canada, and has the honour to relay a change in the procedure for transferring special (red) licence plates in the Province of Ontario.

This note supersedes the Department's Circular Note XDC-1179 of April 12, 1991. The Department requests that its content be transmitted to all members of diplomatic and consular representations, international organizations and other offices residing in the Province of Ontario.

Transferring a special licence plate from one vehicle owner to another is not authorized. Licence plates are issued to an individual and must remain in the possession of that individual. All special licence plates must be returned directly to the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario at the conclusion of the holder's posting. Missions that dispose of a vehicle must also return that vehicle's licence plates when the documents of title are transferred.

In the case of an owner who would like to transfer his or her licence plate from one vehicle to a new vehicle, the diplomatic mission or international organization must expressly request this by submitting a note or letter to the Office of Protocol. This correspondence must specify the vehicle's year, make and Vehicle Identification Number. The Office of Protocol will then issue an entitlement form, after which the vehicle owner must visit the designated Vehicle Licence Issuing Office of the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario to make the change.

It is important to remember that any vehicle registered in Ontario must have two identical licence plates, one located on the front end of the vehicle and the second on the back end, and that at no time should owners transfer licence plates from one vehicle to another.

In general, the Department would like to remind that the vehicles of foreign representations and representatives must be registered, insured and maintained in accordance with provincial regulations and standards and the procedures specified in the attached Guidelines.

For any additional information regarding this Note, diplomatic missions, international organizations and other offices may contact the Manager (Accreditation) and Registrar, Diplomatic Corps Services, Office of Protocol, at 343-203-3018.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Office of Protocol) avails itself of this opportunity to renew to Their Excellencies the Heads of Diplomatic Missions and notified Chargés d'affaires, a.i. accredited to Canada, and to the Heads of International Organizations and other offices established in Canada, the assurances of its highest consideration.

OTTAWA, July 2nd, 2009