Lost Your APV250? Here's How to Sell Your Car in BC Without It

If you've lost your APV250 vehicle registration in British Columbia, you cannot complete a vehicle sale until it is replaced. Before selling, you must visit an Autoplan broker to obtain a replacement APV250. ICBC retains copies of registration documents and can reissue one for a fee of $10. In most cases, a replacement can be obtained in a single visit to any Autoplan broker.

Why You Can't Sell Without It

The APV250 is not just paperwork — it is the legal proof of ownership in British Columbia. ICBC requires the original signed registration document to process any ownership transfer. A photocopy is not accepted. If you cannot provide a signed APV250, the buyer cannot complete the transfer at an Autoplan broker, and the sale cannot be legally finalized.

This applies whether you are selling to a private buyer, a dealership, or a licensed vehicle recycler.

Step 1: Go to an Autoplan Broker

The first and most important step is to visit any Autoplan broker location in BC. You do not need to go to a specific branch — any authorized Autoplan broker can assist with replacing a lost registration.

Bring:

• Your government-issued photo ID (driver's licence is sufficient)
• Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — found on the dashboard visible through the driver's side windshield, and on any previous insurance documents you may have

The broker will look up your vehicle record using the VIN and your identity as the registered owner, and can initiate the replacement process on the spot.

Step 2: Request a Replacement APV250

ICBC retains copies of registration and insurance documents. A replacement APV250 can be requested directly through an Autoplan broker.

Key facts about the replacement process:

• Cost: ICBC charges $10 per document for a copy of a previous APV250
• Retention period: ICBC retains insurance and registration documents for three years from the expiry date or three years from the non-licensed effective date
• Eligibility: The person requesting the replacement must be listed on the document as the registered owner — not just a driver or co-insured party

If your registration expired more than three years ago or ICBC cannot locate a record, additional steps may be required (see below).

Step 3: Sign and Hand Over to the Buyer

Once you have the replacement APV250 in hand, the sale proceeds exactly as normal:

1. Detach the bottom (vehicle registration) portion of the APV250
2. Sign it on the back
3. Give the signed original to the buyer along with the completed APV9T Transfer/Tax Form
4. The buyer takes both documents to an Autoplan broker to complete the transfer

What If ICBC Has No Record?

In some situations, ICBC may not be able to locate a registration record — for example, if the vehicle is very old, was previously registered out of province, or has a complex ownership history.

In these cases, you may need to complete a MV1484 — Unregistered Vehicles and Missing Signatures Declaration. This is a statutory declaration that must be completed in front of a notary public or a commissioner for taking affidavits. It documents the circumstances of how you came to own the vehicle and serves as the legal substitute for the missing registration.

If this applies to your situation, the Autoplan broker will advise you on the exact requirements after reviewing your vehicle record.

Can You Request a Vehicle Record Search First?

Yes. If you are unsure whether ICBC has a record of your vehicle registration, you can request a vehicle record search before visiting a broker. This can help clarify what documentation ICBC has on file and what your next steps will be.

Contact ICBC's Driver Testing and Vehicle Information office:

• Phone: 604-661-2233 or toll-free 1-800-464-5050
• Mail: 205-151 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3H9 (include a $7 payment by cheque or money order payable to ICBC)

How Long Will This Take?

For most sellers, the replacement process is completed in a single Autoplan broker visit. If your registration is on file with ICBC and you are the listed registered owner, the broker can typically issue a replacement document the same day. Budget for one extra appointment before the sale — it is not a multi-week process in the typical scenario.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my car in BC without the APV250?
No. The original signed APV250 (vehicle registration) is required to transfer ownership in British Columbia. The sale cannot be completed at an Autoplan broker without it.

How do I get a replacement APV250 in BC?
Visit any Autoplan broker with your government-issued ID and your VIN. ICBC can reissue a copy of the APV250 for a fee of $10, provided you are the registered owner and the document is within the three-year retention window.

How much does it cost to replace a lost vehicle registration in BC?
ICBC charges $10 per document to reissue a copy of a previous APV250 or APV9T.

What if I lost the APV250 and ICBC has no record of it?
You will need to complete an MV1484 Unregistered Vehicles and Missing Signatures Declaration in front of a notary public or commissioner for taking affidavits. An Autoplan broker can direct you through this process after reviewing your vehicle's record.

Does a recycler need the original APV250?
Yes. Whether you are selling to a private buyer, a dealership, or a licensed vehicle recycler in BC, the original signed APV250 is required. Get the replacement before the recycler arrives — it avoids delays at pickup.

How long does ICBC keep registration records?
ICBC retains registration and insurance documents for three years from the expiry date or three years from the non-licensed effective date.

Can I use a photocopy of my APV250 to sell my car in BC?
No. ICBC does not accept photocopies for vehicle ownership transfers. The original document, or a replacement issued by ICBC, is required.

Selling to EcoRecycle — What to Do Before We Arrive

If you've booked a pickup with EcoRecycle and realized you can't find your registration, here's what to do:

1. Locate your VIN (on your dashboard or any old insurance documents)
2. Visit any Autoplan broker and request a replacement APV250 ($10)
3. Let us know once it's sorted — we'll reschedule your pickup at no extra charge

We deal with this situation regularly. It's a quick fix and it won't affect your payout.

Get your free quote from EcoRecycle →

Ready to sell? Read our main guide: What Paperwork Do You Need to Sell Your Car in BC?