Vehicle Delivery Checklist for Canadian Car Buyers
A customer-ready checklist dealerships can share before handover.
Use this checklist with your dealership team before delivery day. It helps buyers prepare clearly and helps dealership teams coordinate a smooth handover process.
1. Before delivery day
- Confirm your delivery date and time with the dealership team.
- Confirm which documents or IDs you should bring.
- Confirm whether any funding or payment steps are still open.
- Ask whether registration and plate steps are on track for your province.
2. Documents and registration
- Review your bill of sale, lease, or financing paperwork with the dealership team.
- Confirm registration status and any temporary permit details where applicable.
- Confirm model, trim, and agreed options match your purchase documents.
- Confirm how you will receive copies of all signed paperwork.
3. Financing and payment confirmation
- Confirm deposit, taxes, and final amount due match your agreement.
- Confirm payment method and any final funding conditions before handover.
- If leasing, confirm residual value and kilometre allowance in writing.
- Confirm whether any final signatures are needed before release.
4. Vehicle condition
- Inspect body panels, paint, glass, wheels, and tires in good lighting.
- Inspect seats, trim, dashboard, and cargo area condition.
- Confirm warning lights are off and expected fuel or charge level is present.
- For used vehicles, ask whether any recent inspection or service notes apply.
5. Features, options, and accessories
- Confirm agreed options are installed and functioning.
- Check included accessories such as mats, cargo items, charging cable, and wheel lock key where applicable.
- Confirm dealer-installed accessories are complete.
- Confirm all keys and fobs are provided.
6. We-owe or due bill items
- Ask the dealership to list any outstanding items clearly in writing.
- Confirm due date and contact owner for each open item.
- Confirm how completion updates will be shared.
- Keep a copy of all due-bill or we-owe commitments.
7. Warranty and protection products
- Confirm base warranty terms and coverage period.
- If optional protection products were purchased, confirm plan details in writing.
- Ask what is covered, what is excluded, and where service is available.
- Confirm transfer or cancellation terms where relevant.
8. Technology setup
- Pair your phone and test Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto.
- Set up connected vehicle app access where applicable.
- Check navigation, cameras, parking sensors, and key driver-assist features.
- For EV or plug-in models, ask for a practical charging walkthrough.
9. PDI and inspection confirmation
- Ask whether pre-delivery inspection and required checks were completed.
- Confirm any required updates or campaigns were reviewed.
- For used vehicles, confirm any applicable safety/compliance steps for your province.
- Confirm who to contact if follow-up support is needed after delivery.
10. Final delivery walkthrough
- Review key controls and safety settings with the delivery specialist.
- Confirm seat, mirror, and profile settings are saved where available.
- Review maintenance reminders and first service guidance.
- Confirm primary after-delivery contact details for support.
11. Before you leave the dealership
- Do one final walkaround and interior check.
- Confirm documents, keys, accessories, and due-bill records are in your possession.
- Confirm any open follow-up items and expected timing.
- Save your paperwork and key contacts for easy follow-up.
For dealerships: how to use this checklist
Share this checklist with customers before handover to align expectations and reduce day-of friction.
The dealership remains the final authority on handover timing, release criteria, and completion standards.
When paired with internal readiness control, this checklist helps connect customer confirmation with practical cross-team execution.
Continue exploring
View the full vehicle delivery checklist resource or browse all resources.
Disclaimer: This checklist is general guidance and not legal, tax, financing, or insurance advice.
Source: Proteance | www.proteance.com
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