It is actually pretty simple. You take your bill of sale showing the serial number, which will be checked against the machine, to the registry office. They will run the number. If the previous registered owner in the system matches the bill of sale, you can get ownership in your name. This varies slightly from province to province. In Manitoba, the name doesn't have to match, however the number still is run in a check for stolen machines. Not everybody registers snowmobiles or even establishes ownership, as some machines are never ridden off private property.