How to Sell a Car Privately in British Columbia (2026)
Selling a car privately in British Columbia takes a few specific steps and the right documents. This guide covers exactly what you need — no jargon, no guesswork.
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What Documents You Need in British Columbia
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Bill of Sale
Records the transaction — buyer, seller, vehicle, price, date. Both parties keep a signed copy.
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Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T)
Required by ICBC. All four pages must have original signatures from both buyer and seller.
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Signed Vehicle Registration Certificate
The seller signs the back of the registration. This is what authorizes the transfer at ICBC.
Step-by-Step Transfer Process in British Columbia
- 1
Complete 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.
- 2
Complete a bill of sale as supplementary proof of the transaction.
- 3
Remove your licence plates before the buyer drives away — plates stay with you in BC.
- 4
Give the buyer the signed APV9T, signed vehicle registration (Owner's Certificate), and bill of sale.
- 5
The buyer must submit the completed APV9T to an Autoplan broker within 10 days of the sale date.
- 6
Cancel or transfer your ICBC insurance — it does not transfer with the vehicle.
British Columbia-specific things to know
- •The APV9T form is mandatory — a standard bill of sale alone will not transfer ownership.
- •Transfer tax (PST) is charged on the greater of the purchase price or the vehicle's average wholesale value. Rates are tiered: 12% under $125,000, 15% from $125,000 to $149,999, and 20% at $150,000 and above. The buyer may owe more tax than expected if the wholesale value exceeds the sale price.
- •Plates and insurance do not go with the car. Both stay with the seller.
- •The buyer has 10 days from the sale date to register at an Autoplan broker.
Common Questions
Do I need a safety certificate to sell my car in British Columbia?
No. British Columbia does not require a safety inspection for private vehicle sales. The vehicle can be sold as-is.
What happens if there's a lien on the vehicle?
If you have an outstanding loan on the vehicle, you must pay it off and obtain a lien release before transferring ownership. Selling a vehicle with an undisclosed lien is illegal and exposes you to serious liability. You can check for liens using the BC Personal Property Registry Search.
How do I handle payment safely?
Bank drafts and certified cheques are safest for large amounts — they cannot bounce. For e-transfer, confirm the funds have arrived in your account before signing anything. Never hand over keys until payment is fully cleared and in your possession.
How is transfer tax calculated in British Columbia?
In British Columbia, transfer tax is calculated on the higher of the actual sale price or the average wholesale book value. Understating the price to save on tax is illegal and won't work — the registry checks the book value.
Skip the manual work — get your complete document package for $12.
Get documents →Check for liens before you buy
Run a PPSA lien search before finalizing any purchase. It takes 5 minutes and can save you from inheriting someone else's debt.
Search BC Personal Property Registry Search →Official sources
- ICBC — https://www.icbc.com/vehicle-registration/sell-vehicle
- BC Personal Property Registry Search — https://www.bcregistryservices.gov.bc.ca/business/ppr/
Last updated: June 2026
Also see: selling a car in other provinces