ICBC Vehicle Transfer Process
Step-by-step guide to transferring vehicle ownership through Autoplan brokers
PST Rates at a Glance
| Vehicle Value (Dealer/Import) | PST Rate |
|---|---|
| Under $55,000 | 7% |
| $55,000 - $56,999 | 8-9% |
| $57,000 - $124,999 | 10% |
| $125,000 - $149,999 | 15% |
| $150,000+ | 20% |
Private Sales: 12% PST on the greater of purchase price or Canadian Black Book value.
Zero-Emission Vehicles: 7% rate applies up to $75,000.
Transfer Process for Sellers
As a seller, follow these steps: (1) Gather your documents - original signed registration (APV250), Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T) with all 4 pages signed, and photo ID. (2) Prepare the vehicle - record the odometer reading, remove personal belongings, and remove license plates (you can keep them or return them to the Autoplan broker). (3) Accept payment - only accept cash or certified bank draft, and verify bank drafts before releasing the vehicle. (4) Transfer ownership - go to an Autoplan broker with the buyer to complete the transfer. ICBC strongly recommends both parties attend together.
Going together ensures your name and insurance are immediately removed from the vehicle record. This protects you from liability for the buyer's future use of the vehicle. If you don't attend together, you could be held responsible for incidents involving the car until the buyer completes the transfer.
Only accept cash or certified bank drafts. If accepting a bank draft, verify it with the issuing bank before releasing the vehicle. Never accept personal cheques as they can bounce. Complete the Transfer/Tax Form only after you've received and verified payment.
Where to Complete the Transfer
All vehicle transfers are completed at authorized Autoplan brokers. Any Autoplan broker in BC can process the transfer, insurance, and plates in one visit. ICBC does not have public offices - all their transactions go through these independent insurance agents.
No, ICBC doesn't have public offices for vehicle transactions. You'll need to visit an authorized Autoplan broker instead. These brokers are independent insurance agents located throughout BC and can handle all ICBC-related vehicle transactions.
Costs and PST Rates
For private sales, the PST rate is 12% of the greater of the purchase price or the Canadian Black Book wholesale value. If both the purchase price and an appraisal are below the book value, PST applies to the higher of those two amounts.
PST rates vary by vehicle value for dealer purchases and imports (non-ZEV): Under $55,000 = 7%, $55,000-$56,999 = 8-9%, $57,000-$124,999 = 10%, $125,000-$149,999 = 15%, $150,000+ = 20%. Zero-emission vehicles have a higher threshold with 7% applying up to $75,000. Note that the PST exemption for ZEVs ended April 30, 2025.
Yes, immediate family members may be exempt from PST on genuine gifts. The vehicle must be a genuine gift with no payment exchanged. Other exemptions may apply in specific circumstances - check with your Autoplan broker for current exemption rules.
Special Cases
If you've lost your registration, you can get a replacement from any Autoplan broker. If the seller is unavailable, ICBC can do a vehicle records search for a $7 fee. In some cases, you may need to complete an Unregistered Vehicles Declaration (form MV1484), which must be notarized.
Liens must be cleared before the vehicle can be transferred. You can search for liens through BC Personal Property Registry at ServiceBC for $10. Important: liens stay with the vehicle, not the owner. This means if you buy a car with a lien, you inherit that debt. Always do a lien search before purchasing.
Transferring a vehicle from a deceased owner requires a special process through the estate. The executor of the estate must present documentation to an Autoplan broker. Contact the broker for specific requirements, as additional paperwork is typically needed.
Insurance Cancellation
If you're selling without buying a new vehicle: Visit an Autoplan broker with your plates, ID, and insurance documents. Pay the $30 cancellation fee. You'll receive a pro-rated refund, either mailed by cheque or via direct deposit.
Yes! If you're replacing your vehicle, keep your plates and insurance papers and transfer your insurance to the new vehicle at an Autoplan broker. This avoids the cancellation fee and new plate fees, saving you money.