Goods and Services Tax Rate - Effective January 1, 2008, the Goods & Services Tax (GST) rate will be reduced from 6% to 5%. Also, effective January 1, 2008, the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and the Nova Scotia Sales Tax (NSST) will be reduced from 14% to 13%.

Therefore, vehicles purchased on or after January 1, 2008 will be taxable at the rate of 13%. Vehicles purchased on or after July 1, 2006 through January 1, 2008 will be taxable at 14%. Vehicle purchased prior to July 1, 2006 will be taxable at 15%.

Fee Increases - Effective June 1, 2007, a number of Registry of Motor Vehicle fees will be increasing. For a Schedule of Fees effective June 1, 2007, click here. You may also call our Call Centre, (424-5851 within Metro or 1-800-898-7668 outside of metro) or visit any of our Registry of Motor Vehicle or Access Nova Scotia offices for more information.

Improved Motor Vehicle Inspection Procedures:  As of February 1, 2007, drivers will see changes to motor vehicle inspection procedures designed to make Nova Scotia's highways and roads safer for drivers and pedestrians.

New motor vehicle inspection procedures, an increase in inspection fees and a requirement for drivers to keep a copy of inspection certificates, are among the latest amendments to the motor vehicle inspection regulations. Industry will have new inspection rules and penalties for non-compliance.

Off-Highway Vehicles Infrastructure Fund Fee - Effective April 1, 2006
As part of the annual off-highway permitting process, an additional $40 will be collected for an Off-highway Vehicle Infrastructure Fund. The fund will be used to fund trail systems and training programs.

• Licensing Services - for drivers, automobile dealers, automobile service stations, driver training.
• Customer Service Centres - for vehicle registration and driver's licence issuance and renewal.
• Registration Services - for passenger and commercial vehicles.
• Driver Examination Locations - for taking a driving test to determine whether you are qualified to operate a motor vehicle safely before you can be issued a driver's licence.
• Safety Promotions Services
• Driver and Vehicle Compliance Services
• Verification of Licensed Driving Instructor online service - may be used in order to verify that a driving instructor has an active licence.

Staff at the Registry of Motor Vehicles throughout the province are trained to direct you to the appropriate information sources with a minimum of fuss. We will make sure you get the information you need.