Selling a trailer in British Columbia
A trailer is its own registered vehicle, separate from whatever tows it and separate from anything it carries. That is the part people miss when a boat and its trailer change hands together.
1
What British Columbia requires
Open this section ↓- ✓Trailers register and transfer through ICBC in the same way vehicles do.
- ✓The buyer registers with ICBC within 10 days, along with payment of prescribed fees and taxes on the sale.
2
Tax
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionICBC collects the PST when the trailer is registered, because trailers are subject to the PST rates for vehicles. That is the opposite of a boat, where the buyer self-assesses the tax themselves.
3
The standard transfer process in British Columbia
Open this section ↓- 1Complete the Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T): all four pages require original signatures from both buyer and seller. This form is mandatory; a bill of sale alone is not sufficient.
- 2Complete a bill of sale as supplementary proof of the transaction.
- 3Remove your licence plates before the buyer drives away. Plates stay with you in BC.
- 4Give the buyer the signed APV9T, signed vehicle registration (Owner's Certificate), and bill of sale.
- 5The buyer must submit the completed APV9T to an Autoplan broker within 10 days of the sale date.
- 6Cancel or transfer your ICBC insurance. It does not transfer with the vehicle.
4
Selling a boat with its trailer
Treat it as two transactions.Open this section ↓Treat it as two transactions. The boat moves through Transport Canada, and the trailer moves through the provincial registry. The paperwork does not overlap.
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Common Questions
Does a trailer need its own registration in British Columbia?Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionDoes a trailer need its own registration in British Columbia?
Trailers register and transfer through ICBC in the same way vehicles do.
What does the buyer need to transfer a trailer in British Columbia?
A signed bill of sale and the signed-over registration are the core documents in a private sale. ICBC sets the rest of the requirements.
Is tax paid on a private trailer sale in British Columbia?
ICBC collects the PST when the trailer is registered, because trailers are subject to the PST rates for vehicles. That is the opposite of a boat, where the buyer self-assesses the tax themselves.
Related
Facts checked September 2026
Guidepost is not a law firm. This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with ICBC before completing a sale. Full disclaimer.