Transport Canada
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Questions and Answers

  1. Who can apply?
    Any person, organization, provincial, territorial or municipal government can apply for a rebate as long as the purchase or lease (long term lease of 12 months or more)is for a new eligible vehicle that has never been registered for use in Canada and meets the program's fuel consumption criteria.
  2. How do I apply?
    To apply for funding under the ecoAUTO Program you will need to read and complete the Applicant Guide and Application Form which is available through:
    • Automobile dealerships;
    • By calling 1-866-506-6804 and requesting an application form be mailed to you;
    • Service Canada Service Centres across Canada. To find the In Person Service Centre nearest you please call the toll free number above or visit the following website
  3. When can I expect ecoAUTO Rebate payments to be issued?
    Application forms will be assessed in the order in which they are received. Every effort will be made to process applications as efficiently as possible. Information regarding the status of applications can be obtained by calling 1-866-506-6804.
  4. When does the program begin?
    New eligible vehicles purchased or leased (long term lease of 12 months or more) as of March 20, 2007 will qualify for the rebate. The list of eligible vehicles is posted on this website.
  5. I am a business, can I get the rebate?
    Any person or business can have access to a rebate provided that the person or business purchases or leases an eligible vehicle that appears on the list on this website and registers the vehicle in Canada. We ask consumers to keep a copy of their proof of purchase or a copy of the long-term lease agreement (12 months or longer) of the eligible vehicle listed on this website. Consumers will also be asked to show proof of registration in Canada along with the Vehicle Identification Number.
  6. I bought my car before March 20, 2007, is it eligible?
    Only vehicles appearing on the list that are purchased or leased (12 months or more) on or after March 20, 2007 are eligible.
  7. Why are many vehicles not on the list?
    The goal of the program is to cover very energy efficient vehicles. The vehicles that appear on this list meet specific fuel consumption targets.
  8. If I plan to buy a vehicle in 2008, could I qualify for the rebate?
    The list of eligible 2008 vehicles will be posted on the Transport Canada website in the coming weeks.
  9. Why is the Government of Canada proposing this rebate program?
    The Government of Canada is proposing the Rebate Program to help consumers help the environment.
  10. Can I benefit from both the federal rebate and a provincial rebate that is offered in my province?
    The federal rebate can complement a provincial rebate. For a list of provinces that offer a rebate please use the following links:
  1. What is the vehicle identification number?

    Your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) is the unique identifying code for your own automobile. It is your car's fingerprint. It sets your vehicle apart from the millions of vehicles out there. Recently the VIN consists of 17 digit characters. It displays a car’s uniqueness and manufacturer and provides a method to trace your car from the factory to the scrappage yard. Your VIN can be used to track recalls, registrations, warranty claims, thefts and insurance coverage.

    The VIN number would normally be on your purchase or long term lease agreement. You could also find it on your vehicle. Common loc ations of the VIN on the vehicle vary but the following are places to look:

  • Firewall of the vehicle
  • Left hand inner wheel arch
  • Steering column
  • Radiator Support Bracket
  • Dash by windshield
  • Drivers door or post on passenger side
  • Guarantee & Maintenance Book (vehicle documents)
  • Machined Pad on front of engine
  • Component parts as listed above -eg- engine, frame, etc.
  1. Is the rebate taxable?
    For further information on tax implications, please contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-267-6999 (Tax Information Phone Service to individuals and businesses). Please note that Transport Canada will not be issuing year-end statements to rebate recipients.
  1. I won an eligible vehicle through a contest, can I apply for the rebate?
    If you have won an eligible vehicle through a contest, lottery or other giveaway event, you would not be eligible for the ecoAUTO Rebate as you would not be able to provide a sales or lease agreement.
  1. I bought an eligible vehicle in th United States, can I apply for the rebate?
    Imported vehicles are not eligible for the ecoAUTO Rebate Program. Only vehicles that have been purchased or leased (12 months or more) in Canada on or after March 20th, 2007 are eligible for the rebate.
  1. I bought an eligible vehicle but it was used by the dealer as a demonstrator. Can I apply for the ecoAUTO Rebate on a demonstrator?
    For the purposes of the ecoAUTO Rebate Program, dealer demonstrators will be considered new vehicles and therefore eligible for the Rebate. Please ensure that your dealer identifies the vehicle as a demonstrator on the sales or lease agreement. Please retain your sales or long-term lease (for 12 months or more) agreement, along with the Vehicle Identification Number and a proof of provincial registration.