Buying a used car privately in BC, step by step

Step by step

1. Check the registration and VIN

   ICBC says to ask the owner for their registration documents and make sure the make, model and VIN match. If there's no BC ownership record, the owner should transfer the car into their name before selling it to you.

2. Do a lien search

   In BC, liens are registered with the Personal Property Registry. ICBC says you can get a search at some ServiceBC centres (in person, $10), from the Personal Property Registry, or through private title services. If the previous owner doesn't pay a debt secured on the car, it can be repossessed from you.

3. Get a history report and an inspection

   ICBC recommends a vehicle history report, which can show damage claims where records are available. Then get an independent mechanic's inspection.

4. Complete the APV9T together

   The seller fills in the seller section, including the price, and signs the seller's certification. You complete and sign the purchaser section. All four pages need original signatures. The seller keeps the seller copy.

5. Register within 10 days

   Take the APV9T and the seller's signed Vehicle Registration (APV250) to an Autoplan broker within 10 days. ICBC recommends going together with the seller right away, and getting your insurance and licence at the same visit.

PST on a private sale

For private sales, PST is payable on the greater of the purchase price and the average wholesale value. If the car is worth less because of damage, you can get an appraisal (form FIN 320). When both the price and the appraised value are below the average wholesale value, PST is calculated on the greater of the price and the appraised value. In the Ministry of Finance's example, a $10,000 private-sale car with a $12,000 average wholesale value pays 12% of $12,000, or $1,440.

GST doesn't usually apply to a private sale between individuals. ICBC collects the PST when you register.

Driving it home: the 10-day plate rule

You can use the plates from your old vehicle on the new one for up to 10 days if all of ICBC's conditions are met: the new vehicle is registered in BC, you've sold or disposed of the old one, both are the same type, the plates are valid BC plates and neither vehicle is leased. Carry the signed APV9T, the seller's original registration, your old vehicle's insurance and proof you sold it. Otherwise, register and insure the car before driving it.

Buying a car from another province

A vehicle coming into BC from another province usually needs a "passed" inspection report from a designated BC inspection facility before it can be registered. Some privately owned vehicles from Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba can be exempt under the New West Partnership, with conditions on age and recent inspection. Vehicles with a salvage, rebuilt or altered status don't qualify for that exemption.