Obtain the official history of any vehicle registered in Quebec. Verify previous ownership, mechanical inspections, and registration status before finalizing your purchase.
The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) maintains a centralized database of every vehicle's lifecycle in the province. Unlike third-party reports, an official SAAQ vehicle record provides legal confirmation of the car's current status. This document is essential for identifying "rebuilt" titles (VGA - Véhicule Gravement Accidenté) which significantly impact the resale value and safety of the car.
Confirmation of the number of previous owners in Quebec.
History of all mandatory mechanical inspections and their results.
Verification of the vehicle's primary usage (e.g., taxi, police, or rental).
Requesting a vehicle record is a straightforward administrative procedure, but it requires specific information. You must provide the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and pay a nominal fee of approximately $12.00 to $15.00 CAD. This small investment can prevent thousands of dollars in future losses by uncovering hidden mechanical failures or title brands.
For a complete financial picture, we recommend combining this record with a RDPRM lien search to ensure the car is not being used as collateral for a loan.
A "Véhicule Gravement Accidenté" (VGA) is a car that was declared a total loss by an insurer but was later rebuilt. While legal to drive after a structural inspection, these vehicles carry a permanent brand on their SAAQ record. Purchasing a VGA without knowing can lead to insurance difficulties and a 30-50% reduction in market value compared to a clean-title equivalent.
Certain vehicles, such as those used for commercial purposes or those that have been off the road for more than 12 months, require a mandatory SAAQ mechanical inspection. The record will show if the vehicle passed or failed these tests. If you see multiple failures in a short period, it indicates chronic maintenance neglect.
"In Quebec, over 15% of used car transactions involve vehicles with undisclosed histories. The SAAQ record is your primary defense against odometer rollback and title washing."
The SAAQ record logs the odometer reading every time the vehicle changes hands. By comparing these figures with the current dashboard reading and the Carfax report data, you can spot inconsistencies. If the mileage on the SAAQ record from two years ago is higher than what is currently shown, you are likely dealing with fraud.
How much does it cost to request a vehicle record from the SAAQ?
The fee for a vehicle record is regulated by the SAAQ and typically ranges between $12.00 and $15.00 depending on the delivery method (online vs. mail). This fee is non-refundable regardless of whether the vehicle has a clean history or not.
Can I request a record for a vehicle I don't own yet?
Yes. Anyone can request the public portion of a vehicle's record as long as they have the VIN. You do not need the current owner's permission to check the vehicle's status, mechanical inspection history, or previous ownership count.
Does the record show the names of previous owners?
Due to privacy laws in Quebec, the SAAQ vehicle record will show the *number* of previous owners and the *type* of owners (individual vs. enterprise), but it will not disclose their personal names or addresses.
How long does it take to receive the report?
If requested through the SAAQclic online portal, the information is often available almost instantly or within 24 hours. Requests made via mail can take up to 10 business days to process.
Is the SAAQ record enough to guarantee a good car?
No. The SAAQ record only shows what has been reported to the government. It does not replace a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by a qualified mechanic who can find current mechanical issues that haven't been documented yet.
A SAAQ record is just one piece of the puzzle. Ensure you check for unpaid taxes and liens before signing any contract.
Calculate the TVQ due at the SAAQ counter for private sales.
View Rules →Check the FCSA for a history of insurance claims and accidents.
Check Claims →Methods to verify if the mileage has been tampered with.
Verify Mileage →