Transferring vehicle ownership in BC is something most drivers will have to do at some point.
Maybe you’re selling your old car, buying one from a private seller, giving a vehicle to a person in the family, or taking ownership of a car you inherited.
Whatever the reason, you’ll need to update the vehicle’s registration with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).
The process is usually straightforward, but the paperwork, taxes, and insurance requirements can vary depending on the circumstances.
Here’s how to transfer vehicle ownership in BC, what documents you’ll need, and what to expect at your Autoplan broker.
When Do You Need to Transfer Vehicle Ownership in BC?
A vehicle ownership transfer is required whenever the registered owner of a vehicle changes.
Common situations include:
- Buying or selling a used vehicle: Ownership must be transferred from the seller to the buyer.
- Gifting a vehicle: You may want to give a car to your spouse, child, or another family member.
- Transferring between spouses: Couples may transfer ownership for personal or financial reasons.
- Inheriting a vehicle: Ownership may need to change following the registered owner’s death.
- Court-ordered transfers: A separation, divorce, or other legal proceeding may require a change of ownership.
The basic process is similar, but certain transfers require additional documentation or may qualify for tax exemptions.
What Documents Do You Need to Transfer Vehicle Ownership in BC?
For most ordinary ownership transfers, you’ll need two documents:
- Vehicle Registration (APV250): The existing registered owner must provide the original vehicle registration certificate, signed to authorize the transfer.
- Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T): Both parties complete and sign this form to record the ownership change and provide information for calculating applicable taxes. This is BC’s required vehicle ownership document for ordinary transfers, and both the seller and buyer must sign it.
You can download the Transfer/Tax Form from ICBC or obtain a copy from an Autoplan broker.
Unlike Ontario or other provinces, BC doesn’t require a used vehicle information package for a private vehicle sale.
You’ll also need identification and any supporting paperwork required for your particular transfer. The new owner should bring valid government-issued ID. The seller generally doesn’t need to attend if the required documents have been signed.
Make sure all information is accurate, including the vehicle identification number (VIN), the names of both parties, and their personal details.
ICBC requires original signatures on the transfer documents. Electronic signatures aren’t accepted.
A bill of sale is also recommended as proof of the transaction, detailing the vehicle and sale information. It should include the vehicle’s VIN, sale price, transaction date, and the names of both parties.
How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership (BC)
Once you’ve gathered your documents, the vehicle transfer process generally involves four steps.
Step 1: Complete the paperwork. The current owner signs the vehicle registration, and both parties complete the Transfer/Tax Form.
Step 2: Visit an Autoplan broker. Bring the paperwork and identification to an authorized ICBC broker, such as King Insurance. If you’re a BC resident, you can complete the registration transfer at an Autoplan office.
Step 3: Pay applicable fees and taxes. Your broker will review the documents, determine which charges apply, and process the transfer.
Step 4: Arrange insurance and licensing. The new owner can obtain the appropriate insurance and licence plates before driving. The new owner must have valid insurance before driving the vehicle, unless a specific legal exception applies.
ICBC recommends that both parties visit the broker together, especially when buying or selling a vehicle privately. Having both you and the seller present can make it easier to resolve any paperwork issues.
This helps ensure that the transfer is completed and the previous owner is removed from the registration records. If ownership isn’t properly transferred, the seller may face potential liability claims or administrative complications because their name remains on the vehicle’s registration.
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer Car Ownership in British Columbia?
The cost depends on the type of transfer.
You may need to pay:
- Registration and licensing fees: Charges associated with updating the registration and obtaining licence plates. Transfer fees are generally small administrative charges collected by ICBC.
- Provincial sales tax (PST): For most private sales of ordinary passenger vehicles, PST is generally 12%, although higher rates can apply to expensive vehicles.
- Insurance premiums: The new owner must arrange appropriate coverage before driving.
For private sales, PST is generally calculated using the greater of the purchase price or the vehicle’s average wholesale value.
For example, if you buy a vehicle for $10,000 but its average wholesale value is $12,000, you could owe $1,440 in PST.
However, not every ownership transfer is taxable.
Can You Transfer a Vehicle to a Family Member Without Paying Tax?
Yes, certain vehicle gifts between qualifying family members may be exempt from PST.
For example, a vehicle gifted between spouses, or between parents and children, may qualify if the applicable conditions are met.
You’ll generally need additional paperwork, including the appropriate gift declaration.
Not every family relationship qualifies, and exemptions can depend on the vehicle’s history and circumstances. For more information, see our guide to gifting a vehicle in BC.
Your Autoplan broker can help determine which documents are needed.
How Do You Transfer Ownership After Someone Dies?
Transferring an inherited vehicle involves additional steps.
The required documents depend on the estate, whether there is a will, and who has legal authority to transfer the vehicle.
ICBC provides a Checklist for Estate Transfers to help determine the documentation needed.
You may need the existing registration, a completed Transfer/Tax Form, a death certificate, and other original or certified estate documents.
Contact an Autoplan broker before visiting to confirm the requirements for your situation.
How Long Do You Have to Transfer Vehicle Ownership in BC?
When purchasing a vehicle, you must register it in your name within 10 days.
However, this deadline doesn’t automatically give you permission to drive the vehicle using the previous owner’s plates or insurance.
You need valid coverage and appropriate licensing before operating it on public roads.
If you’re replacing an existing vehicle, you may qualify for ICBC’s limited 10-day plate and insurance transfer provision. This generally requires that you’ve disposed of your old vehicle and that your new vehicle is the same type, along with meeting other conditions.
Otherwise, you’ll need to arrange insurance and new plates or obtain an appropriate Temporary Operation Permit.
What Happens to Your ICBC Insurance Policy When You Transfer Ownership?
Vehicle ownership and insurance are related, but they’re separate matters.
If you’re selling a vehicle, you’ll generally need to cancel your existing insurance policy or transfer it to another vehicle.
If you’re a vehicle recipient, you’ll need insurance before driving it.
BC drivers must carry ICBC Basic Autoplan insurance. Optional collision, comprehensive, and additional liability coverage may also be available.
Insurance premiums depend partly on the new owner’s driving experience and at-fault crash history, along with other factors.
Your broker can explain whether an existing policy can be transferred and what changes to your premium may apply.
Get Help Transferring Vehicle Ownership in BC
Whether you’re buying, selling, gifting, or inheriting a vehicle, King Insurance can help you navigate the transfer process.
Our team can review your paperwork, explain applicable taxes and fees, update the vehicle registration, and arrange appropriate ICBC coverage.
About King Insurance
Located at the northwest corner of Marine Drive and Main Street, King Insurance proudly serves not only the South Vancouver communities of Marpole, Sunset, Oakridge, Victoria–Fraserview, and nearby areas like Marine Gateway and Marine Landing, but also clients across Richmond and the entire Lower Mainland.
Ka Hing Cheung is proud to work in the insurance industry, helping people manage risk and protect what matters most. Ka Hing is committed to ongoing learning and enjoys helping clients find the right coverage at the best available rate, while making sure they understand their options clearly.