BC Vehicle Selling Requirements

Vehicle transfers in BC are governed by the Motor Vehicle Act and administered through ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia). All vehicle ownership changes must be processed through an authorized Autoplan broker.

While ICBC administers vehicle registrations, they don't have public offices for transactions. All vehicle transfers are processed through authorized Autoplan brokers, which are independent insurance agents. You'll need to visit an Autoplan broker to complete the ownership transfer.

As a seller, you have four main obligations: (1) Provide a signed registration - sign the bottom section of your APV250 registration slip and give it to the buyer. (2) Complete the Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T) with original signatures on all four pages. (3) Remove your license plates from the vehicle before transferring ownership. (4) Cancel or transfer your insurance by visiting an Autoplan broker.

No, private sellers are not required to provide warranties. When you sell privately, the vehicle is sold 'as-is' unless you explicitly state otherwise. Unlike licensed dealers, private sellers have no mandatory disclosure requirements, though providing a bill of sale is strongly recommended for both parties' protection.

While not legally required in BC, a bill of sale should include: the date of transaction, seller's name, address, and contact details, buyer's name, address, and contact details, vehicle details (VIN, make, model, year, odometer reading), the agreed purchase price, and signatures from both parties. This document serves as proof of legal purchase for ICBC.

The buyer must register the vehicle in their name within 10 days of purchase. This is required by the Motor Vehicle Act. It's important to note that the vehicle has no valid insurance until the transfer is processed by an Autoplan broker.

Yes, ICBC strongly recommends that both buyer and seller attend the Autoplan broker together. This ensures your name and insurance are immediately removed from the vehicle record, protecting you from liability for the buyer's future use of the vehicle.

Private sellers have fewer obligations - no required warranties, vehicle sold 'as-is', and no mandatory disclosures. Licensed dealers must be registered with the Vehicle Sales Authority of BC (VSA) and are required to disclose: odometer accuracy, damage history over $2,000, if the vehicle was imported, and if it was used as a taxi, police vehicle, or rental. Dealer-sold vehicles must also be of 'merchantable quality' and 'fit for purpose'.

Be careful here. The Motor Dealer Act deems anyone selling 5 or more vehicles within 12 months as a motor dealer, requiring registration with the VSA. Even selling one vehicle for profit may require dealer registration in some cases. If you regularly buy and sell vehicles, you should check with the Vehicle Sales Authority of BC.