Personal Property Registry: Frequently Asked Questions

What is personal property?

Why should I search the PPR?

How do I request a search?

Will the office of the Registrar of Personal Property register my security interest if I provide them with the necessary information?

I have a registration in the old Document Registry system – is it automatically a valid registration in the Personal Property Registry?

Do I register Notices of Security Interest (under section 49 of the PPSA) in the PPR?

What are the fees for the PPR?

Can I access the PPR using the Internet?

What is personal property?

Personal property consists of all property other than real property (land) and includes movable property such as vehicles, merchandise and appliances; and intangible property such as money, bonds, stocks and shares.

Why should I search the PPR?

If you are thinking of buying a used vehicle, or are involved in a sale of personal property, it is a good idea to search the PPR to see if anyone has a registered interest in the vehicle or property. If such an interest exists, the property could be seized from you to pay the previous owner’s debt.

How do I request a search?

By completing the applicable search request form provided on the web site and submitting to the office. Searches can be conducted by individual name, enterprise name, serial number (for goods defined as serial-numbered goods), or PPR registration number. If you wish to conduct a search by serial number only, you can also use the Lien Check service from any computer with Internet access.

Will the office of the Registrar of Personal Property register my security interest if I provide them with the necessary information?

No, they do not perform registrations, only searches.

I have a registration in the old Document Registry system – is it automatically a valid registration in the Personal Property Registry?

It is deemed to be registered Under the Personal Property Security Act for the remainder of its registration life under prior registration law or, where it did not expire under prior registration law, it is deemed to be registered until May 6, 2004. After that date, all prior law registrations that have not been continued by registration under the PPSA expire.

Do I register Notices of Security Interest (under section 49 of the PPSA) in the PPR?

No, these are registered in the Land Titles Office.

What are the fees for the PPR?

The fees are as follows:

  • Registration or renewal -1 to 25 years $10.00 plus $5.00/year
  • Registration or renewal - Infinity $400.00
  • Amendment $15.00
  • Any other registration (other than a renewal or total discharge) authorized under any Act to be made in the PPR $15.00 Global change (of multiple registrations) $400.00 Total discharge of a registration No charge Search $5.00/search

Can I access the PPR using the Internet?

Although the PPR is a Internet browser-based system, you must have an account with Atlantic Canada On-Line (ACOL) in order to access it. See the Access to the Personal Property Registry section of this web site. However, if you wish to conduct a search by serial number only, you can access the Lien Check service from any computer with Internet