The essential starting documents
For a normal vehicle sale in British Columbia, begin with proof that you are the registered owner and identification that matches the ownership record. If the registration is missing, damaged or in another person's name, address the problem before arranging the final handover.
- Current vehicle registration. Check that the VIN, year, make and registered owner are correct.
- Government-issued identification. The name should match the registered ownership and transaction documents.
- All required owner signatures. Where more than one person is registered, confirm who must sign.
- Vehicle keys. Gather all available keys, remotes and security cards.
A missing registration, mismatched name or absent co-owner can stop the transaction even when the vehicle and price have already been agreed.
Transfer documents for a private sale
ICBC's current guidance identifies the original Vehicle Registration (APV250) and a completed Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T) as important documents in a used-vehicle transfer. The seller and buyer should complete the forms accurately, and the buyer must register the newly purchased vehicle with ICBC within 10 days.
In a private sale, ICBC recommends that the seller accompany the buyer to an Autoplan broker when practical. The seller should also remove and keep the licence plates; plates remain with the seller, not the sold vehicle.
Official reference and downloadable forms: ICBC — Selling a used vehicle. Confirm the current form and signature requirements with ICBC or an Autoplan broker.
Documents that support the vehicle's value
These records are not always legally required to transfer the vehicle, but they can make an appraisal more accurate and give a buyer confidence in the history:
- maintenance records and recent repair invoices;
- vehicle history or claims reports;
- manufacturer build sheet, manuals and warranty information;
- receipts and details for modifications or restoration work;
- importation records for vehicles previously registered outside Canada; and
- inspection reports or specialty-vehicle documentation.
Remove personal financial information that is unrelated to the vehicle. Keep useful dates, kilometres, part descriptions and shop information visible where appropriate.
If money is still owing
Bring the exact lender name, account or loan number, current payout statement and lender contact information. The payout statement should identify the amount required through a specified date and the lender's payment instructions.
If the offer is less than the lender payout, prepare for the shortfall. If you have recently paid the loan, bring confirmation and understand that a registry discharge can take time to appear.
A Personal Property Registry search may be used to identify registered security interests against a vehicle. The seller's statement that the loan is paid is useful, but it does not replace verification.
Official reference: BC Personal Property Registry.
Special ownership situations
Estate vehicle
When a registered owner has died, ICBC may require original or certified estate documents, a completed APV9T and the current registration. Use ICBC's estate-transfer checklist rather than treating it like an ordinary sale.
Missing registration or incomplete ownership history
ICBC has a separate process for registering a vehicle without normal documentation. It can require searches, declarations and notarized information. Resolve the record before promising a completion date.
Company-owned vehicle
Bring documents showing who is authorized to sign for the company, along with the vehicle registration and appropriate identification.
Out-of-province or imported vehicle
Bring the available registration, importation and inspection records. Requirements depend on how and where the vehicle was registered.
Checklist for selling to Your Vehicle Pro
- Submit the year, make, model, kilometres, condition and loan status.
- Text clear photographs if you want a faster preliminary review.
- Bring the current registration and matching identification.
- Bring lender payout details when money is owing.
- Bring all keys and any service, history or specialty records.
If you are unsure whether your documents are sufficient, text us before coming. We can explain what we need for our purchase, while ICBC or an Autoplan broker can confirm official registration and transfer requirements.