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Selling or scrapping a car in BC: the paperwork
BC doesn't use vehicle titles. The registration is your proof of ownership, and the sale is finished with one ICBC form. Here's everything to have ready, including the awkward cases.
- For private sales and selling to a buyer like us
- Covers plates, insurance, liens and estates
- General information, not legal advice
The checklist
- Registration (APV250) for the vehicle
- Photo ID for every registered owner
- ICBC Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T), signed after payment
- Plates off, insurance cancelled or changed
Get a cash price
Tell us about the vehicle. We call back with a number.
1. The registration
Your vehicle registration (ICBC form APV250) shows who owns the car. Every owner listed on it needs to be part of the sale. If two people are on the registration, both sign, or one signs with written authority from the other.
Lost it? Any Autoplan broker can print a replacement for the registered owner with photo ID.
2. The Transfer/Tax Form
The sale is recorded on ICBC's Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T). The seller fills in their part and signs, the buyer fills in theirs, and the buyer takes it to an Autoplan broker. Sign it only after you've been paid. When you sell to us, our driver brings the form and fills it out with you.
3. Plates
Plates belong to ICBC, not the car. Take them off before the vehicle leaves. You can move them to your next vehicle or hand them in at an Autoplan broker.
4. Insurance
Once the car is sold and the plates are off, cancel or change your insurance at an Autoplan broker. Don't cancel before the sale if the car is parked on a street, since uninsured vehicles can't legally stay on public roads in many cities.
The awkward cases
There's a loan on the car
If a lender has a lien on the vehicle, it has to be paid out before ownership can change. Anyone can check for liens with a VIN search at BC's Personal Property Registry. When you sell to us, tell us about the loan up front and we'll explain how the payout works.
The owner has passed away
The executor or administrator of the estate can usually sign for the deceased owner, with documents showing their authority. Requirements depend on the estate, so ask an Autoplan broker what they'll need before the sale.
The car isn't registered to you
If you bought it and never transferred it, or it was left behind by someone else, the registered owner has to be part of the sale. Call us and we'll help you work out what's possible.
The car isn't in BC
We only buy vehicles located in BC's Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
This guide reflects ICBC's requirements as of November 2026. Check with an Autoplan broker if your situation is unusual.
Ready to sell? Start with scrap car removal or sell my car for cash.
Paperwork questions
Do I need a title to sell a car in BC?
No. BC doesn't issue vehicle titles. The registration, signed by every registered owner, is the proof of ownership.
When should I sign the Transfer/Tax Form?
After you've been paid. Once it's signed, the car belongs to the buyer.
What do I do with my licence plates?
Keep them. They belong to ICBC. Move them to your next vehicle or hand them in at an Autoplan broker.
Can I sell a car with a lien on it?
Yes, but the loan has to be paid out as part of the sale so the lien can be removed.
Ready to see it gone?
Call with the year, make, model and where it's parked. Most calls take a few minutes, and you'll hang up with a number.