Certification, explained
Certified, unfit or as-is: what each label means for you.
Short answer: in Ontario, a used vehicle needs a valid Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) before it can be plated and driven. A certified car has one. An unfit or as-is car does not, and may need repairs before it can be registered.
What a Safety Standards Certificate is
An SSC is issued by a licensed Motor Vehicle Inspection Station after a vehicle passes an inspection of key safety systems, such as brakes, steering, suspension, tires, lights and body integrity. It confirms the vehicle met minimum safety standards on the day it was inspected. It is not a warranty, and it doesn’t describe the vehicle’s overall condition or reliability.
Certified
The vehicle has passed inspection and the certificate cost is already in the all-in price.
Unfit, with optional certification
The vehicle has not been certified. We’ll tell you the exact price to certify it, and you can choose to buy it either way. If you buy it uncertified, you’ll need to get it certified before you can plate it.
As-is
The vehicle is sold with no representation that it is roadworthy and may need substantial repairs. It cannot be sold with a certification. As-is cars suit buyers who are mechanics, rebuilders or buying for parts.