For whatever the reason may be, there are times when registering and putting an Ontario license plate on a vehicle just isn't applicable.  There are also times when a vehicle IS registered and plated but the vehicle is out of service, or not road worthy, but needs to be transported.  In comes to play Ontario's "portable" plates as follows:

The Manufacturer Licence Plate allows motor vehicle and motor vehicle component manufacturers to operate vehicles on Ontario roads for the purposes of testing, demonstration, evaluation and exhibition.

The Manufacturer Licence Plate allows motor vehicle and motor vehicle component manufacturers to operate vehicles on Ontario roads for the purposes of testing, demonstration, evaluation and exhibition.

To be authorized to purchase Manufacturer Licence Plates, eligible motor vehicle or motor vehicle component manufacturers are required to complete and submit an application form to the MTO’s Vehicle Programs Office (VPO). The form can be found on the following webpage: Application for the Manufacturer Plate Program.

The Manufacturer Plate is eligible for use on a passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, bus and a motorcycle.

Ontario motor vehicle dealers licensed under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act are eligible for the Dealer Plate/Permit.  The Dealer Plate/Permit is a single portable plate with the word "DEALER" on the left side and red alpha-numeric characters on a white background.  It is for exclusive use by motor vehicle dealers only on motor vehicles owned as part of the dealer's inventory of vehicles for sale.  It may be used for private use in Ontario or for purposes related to the sale of motor vehicles that are owned as part of the dealer's inventory of vehicles for sale.

For new motor vehicle dealers, when purchasing a new Dealer Plate/Permit, you must provide the respective fee and each of the following:

• The original dealer number certificate issued by the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC)
• Your driver's licence or two pieces of identification

If you are an existing motor vehicle dealer and you have a valid Dealer Authorization Letter (DAL) on file at your local ServiceOntario centre, the plate, permit and the respective fee is required to purchase a Dealer Plate/Permit.  However, if you do not have a valid letter on file (i.e., it has expired), please follow the requirements of a new motor vehicle dealer.

Service providers, including anyone who repairs, customizes, modifies, manufactures or transports motor vehicles or trailers is eligible for a Service Plate.  The service permit and plate must be registered in the legal name of the business or the proprietor.

A new applicant for a Service Plate/Permit must present a letter on company letterhead, outlining the reasons why the plate is required.  A trailer dealer must present a Class A garage licence.

A Service Plate may be used:

• on a trailer or motor vehicle other than a motorcycle or motor-assisted bicycle for purposes related to the repair, road testing, customization or modification of the vehicle, if the vehicle is in the possession of the person to whom the service plate is issued, or
• for the purpose of transporting the vehicle by a person engaged in the business of transporting vehicles, or
• for purposes related to the manufacturing or sale of a trailer, or
• for the purpose of towing the vehicle by a person engaged in the business of transporting vehicles, or
• The original dealer number certificate issued by the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMV to tow a vehicle to a location where its load will be removed or to an impound facility.

Private use of motor vehicles or trailers with a service plate is not permitted.

For further details about these plates and more links, please go to the Service Ontario website.