How to Register a Vehicle in British Columbia: Complete Guide

If you’re looking to register a car in British Columbia, there are a few important steps you’ll need to follow—whether you’ve just bought a vehicle, moved to B.C. from another province, or transferred ownership.

Unlike in other provinces, registration in B.C. is handled through ICBC, which means it’s combined with your car insurance. That makes it a one-stop process—but also means you’ll need to be prepared with the right documents and information before heading to an Autoplan broker.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through registering a car in British Columbia, including what you’ll need to bring, how much it costs, where to go, and what to expect along the way.

What is Vehicle Registration in B.C.?

In British Columbia, registering your vehicle is how you legally tie a car to your name and get permission to drive it on public roads. Unlike other provinces, where registration and insurance are often separate, B.C. combines both into one transaction through ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia).

When you register a vehicle in B.C., you’ll receive:

• A vehicle registration certificate, proving you’re the legal owner.
• Licence plates (if you don’t already have them).
• A validation decal with your registration expiry date.

You’ll also be required to insure the vehicle at the same time, with at least the minimum basic Autoplan coverage, which includes third-party liability and accident benefits.

Whether you’re registering a used vehicle, a newly purchased car, or bringing one in from another province or country, this process ensures your car is recognized by the province and is safe for the road.

When Do You Need to Register a Car in B.C.?

There are a few common situations where you’ll need to register a car in British Columbia:

1. You just bought a car

Whether you purchased a new or used vehicle from a dealership or a private seller, you’ll need to register it in your name before hitting the road. This must be done immediately upon purchase—you can’t legally drive the car without valid registration and insurance.

2. You’re moving to B.C. with your vehicle

If you’ve recently moved to B.C. from another province or country, you have 30 days to register your vehicle after becoming a resident. You’ll also need to switch your plates and insurance to B.C.

3. You’re gifting or receiving a gifted vehicle

Even if no money is exchanged, registration is required when a vehicle changes hands—including gifts between family members. (You may qualify for a tax exemption in these cases.)

4. You bought a vehicle from an estate

Registering a car from a deceased owner’s estate comes with its own documentation requirements, but still needs to go through the provincial registration process.

What You Need to Register a Car in B.C.

To register a car in British Columbia, you’ll need to bring specific documents and meet a few basic requirements. These vary slightly depending on whether the vehicle is from a private sale, dealership, or another province.

For All Registrations

• Valid government-issued ID (typically your B.C. driver’s licence)
• Proof of valid insurance (ICBC Autoplan)
• Payment for taxes and fees

From a Private Sale

• Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T): This form is filled out by both the buyer and seller.
• Vehicle Registration Certificate: The current registration signed over to you by the seller.
• Lien Check: ICBC will check that there are no outstanding loans on the car.

From a Dealership

• Dealers usually handle registration paperwork for you.
• You’ll still need to arrange insurance and provide ID.
• The dealership may also charge a documentation fee for this service.

From Out of Province

• Out-of-province inspection: Required before registering a vehicle from outside B.C. (exceptions apply for Alberta and Saskatchewan).
• Original vehicle registration from the previous jurisdiction
• Proof of ownership (like a bill of sale or lease agreement)

Out-of-Province Vehicle Registration Requirements in B.C.

If you’re bringing a vehicle into British Columbia from another province or country, there are a few additional steps you need to complete before you can register it.

Out-of-Province Inspection

Most vehicles imported into B.C. must pass a Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) inspection at a designated inspection facility. This inspection confirms the vehicle meets provincial safety standards.

Exceptions to this requirement:

• Vehicles from Alberta or Saskatchewan that are already registered in your name
• Brand-new vehicles that have never been registered
• Vehicles with a valid Canadian inspection in your name that meet specific criteria

Documentation Required

• Previous registration (from out of province)
• Bill of sale or lease agreement as proof of ownership
• Completed inspection report, if applicable
• B.C. driver’s licence and proof of address
• Insurance arranged through ICBC

Once these documents are verified and your vehicle passes inspection (if required), you can move forward with registering the car in B.C.

How to Register a Car in British Columbia: Step-by-Step

Registering a car in British Columbia involves a few key steps that must be completed in person at an Autoplan broker — the province does not currently allow online vehicle registration.

Step 1: Get Auto Insurance from ICBC

Before you can register your vehicle, you’ll need to purchase mandatory auto insurance through the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). This includes:

• Basic Autoplan coverage (required by law)
• Optional coverages, like collision or comprehensive

The insurance policy and vehicle registration are bundled together in B.C.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

To register a vehicle in B.C., bring the following to an Autoplan broker:

• Your valid B.C. driver’s licence or photo ID
• The bill of sale or lease agreement
• The vehicle’s current registration or title
• A signed transfer/tax form (APV9T) — available from ICBC or at the broker
• Proof of insurance (if transferring from another policy)
• Out-of-province inspection report, if required

If the vehicle is being registered jointly (e.g., two owners), both parties must be present or provide signed authorization.

Step 3: Pay the Required Fees and Taxes

You’ll be required to pay:

• 7% PST (or more, depending on the vehicle value and location)
• Registration and plate fees
• Any outstanding fines associated with your driver’s licence or previous vehicle

Step 4: Receive Your Registration and Plates

Once everything is finalized, you’ll receive:

• A vehicle registration certificate
• Your B.C. licence plates
• An insurance decal for your licence plate

Once you have these, you’re all done — your car is now legally registered and insured to drive in British Columbia.

Get on the Road With Confidence

Registering a car in British Columbia might seem like a lot of paperwork, but once you understand the process — from filling out the APV9T form to bundling your insurance through ICBC — it becomes much more manageable. Whether you’re buying a vehicle from a dealership, a private seller, or bringing one in from out of province, taking the right steps early will help you avoid delays and get behind the wheel faster.

Ready to sell your car? Clutch makes the process simple. Just visit our Sell Your Car page, provide a few details, and get a fair, hassle-free offer for your used vehicle. If you accept, we’ll handle the paperwork and buy your car—no stress, no extra steps.