What is the Vehicle Information Report (VIR) in New Brunswick
In New Brunswick, vehicle owners are not required to obtain or provide a Vehicle Information Report (VIR) when registering or transferring motor vehicle ownership. Service New Brunswick, the government agency responsible for vehicle registrations and driver licensing, does not issue VIRs.
Instead, when registering a vehicle in New Brunswick, applicants must submit a vehicle description, typically in the form of a Seller's Affidavit.
The Seller's Affidavit is a mandatory part of the vehicle registration process. It provides basic information about the vehicle to Service New Brunswick. The seller must sign it and submit it along with other required registration documents.
What Does the Seller's Affidavit Include?
The New Brunswick Seller's Affidavit requires the following vehicle information:
- Make and model of the vehicle
- Body type (e.g., sedan, pickup truck, motorcycle)
- Vehicle color
- VIN
- Odometer reading at time of sale
- Whether the vehicle is new or used
- If the vehicle is new, the date of sale from the manufacturer or dealer to the purchaser
The seller must also provide their name, address, and signature, declaring that the information is accurate to the best of their knowledge. The new owner then submits the completed affidavit to Service New Brunswick as part of the vehicle registration application.
Where Can You Obtain a Seller's Affidavit in New Brunswick?
The New Brunswick Seller's Affidavit can be downloaded from the Service New Brunswick website. It can be printed and completed by hand or filled out electronically before being printed for signatures.
Copies of the affidavit are also available at all Service New Brunswick locations across the province. There is no fee to obtain the Seller's Affidavit form itself.
Is a Seller's Affidavit Mandatory for Vehicle Registration in New Brunswick?
Yes, submitting a completed Seller's Affidavit is a mandatory part of the vehicle registration process for both new and used vehicles in New Brunswick. Service New Brunswick requires this document to verify basic details about the vehicle and the transaction between the seller and purchaser.
The Seller's Affidavit must be signed by the seller and presented by the new owner along with other required registration documents, including:
- Proof of valid automobile insurance meeting New Brunswick's minimum coverage requirements
- Bill of sale or other proof of purchase
- Vehicle import documentation (if applicable)
- Odometer disclosure statement (for vehicles ten years old or newer)
- Payment for applicable registration fees
Failure to provide a completed Seller's Affidavit will result in Service New Brunswick refusing to register the vehicle until the appropriate documentation is submitted.
Can a Buyer Complete the Seller's Affidavit on Behalf of the Seller?
No, the Seller's Affidavit must be completed and signed by the vehicle seller, not the buyer. The document is a legal declaration by the seller that the information provided about the vehicle is accurate to the best of their knowledge.
Is the Seller's Affidavit a Replacement for a Vehicle Information Report?
Actually, the New Brunswick Seller's Affidavit is different from a comprehensive vehicle Information report. While the affidavit provides basic details about the vehicle and the sale transaction, it does not include important historical information such as:
- Accident history
- Prior damage or repairs
- Liens or encumbrances
- Registration in other jurisdictions
- Odometer rollbacks or discrepancies
- Manufacturer recalls
- Past use (e.g., rental, taxi, police vehicle)
The Seller's Affidavit only attests to the vehicle information the Seller knows at the time of sale. It does not guarantee a complete or accurate vehicle history.