What Paperwork Do You Need to Sell Your Car in BC?

What Is the APV250?

The APV250 is the official ICBC vehicle registration document for vehicles registered in British Columbia. It serves as proof of ownership.

The APV250 is a two-part document:

• Top portion: Owner's Certificate of Insurance
• Bottom portion: Vehicle Registration (the part that transfers with the car)

When selling a vehicle in BC, the seller detaches and signs the bottom (vehicle registration) portion of the APV250 and gives it to the buyer. ICBC requires the original document — photocopies are not accepted.

The APV250 also displays the vehicle's status in the bottom-right corner. A vehicle that has been repaired and re-certified after a major accident will show "rebuilt" status on this form.

If you have lost your APV250: You must visit an Autoplan broker to obtain a replacement before the sale can proceed. See our full guide on what to do if you've lost your APV250.

What Is the APV9T?

The APV9T is the Transfer/Tax Form used in British Columbia to officially record the sale of a motor vehicle. It is a legal document required under the Motor Vehicle Act, the Commercial Transport Act, and the Provincial Sales Tax Act.

The APV9T captures:

• The vehicle sale price (used to calculate PST)
• The odometer reading at time of sale
• Identification details for both the seller and the buyer
• Signatures from both parties certifying the accuracy of the information

The completed APV9T must be submitted to an Autoplan broker within 10 days of the sale date.

Who Pays Sales Tax When Selling a Car in BC?

In British Columbia, the buyer pays PST on a private vehicle sale — not the seller. PST is collected by the Autoplan broker when the transfer is processed. It is calculated on the greater of the declared sale price or ICBC's average wholesale value for that vehicle.

The seller's tax obligation is limited to accurately certifying the sale price on the APV9T. Misrepresenting the price on this form is a false declaration under provincial law.

Note for business sellers: If the seller is a GST registrant and the vehicle was used in their business, they may be required to remit GST to the CRA on the sale. This is a federal obligation separate from BC PST.

What Happens to the Licence Plates?

In British Columbia, licence plates stay with the seller, not the vehicle. The seller must remove the plates before the buyer takes possession. The seller can transfer their plates to another vehicle or return them to ICBC.

How to Sell Your Car to a Recycler in BC: Step-by-Step

When selling a vehicle to a licensed recycler or salvage yard in British Columbia, the process is as follows:

1. Locate your APV250. Find the original vehicle registration document. If it is lost, visit an Autoplan broker for a replacement before proceeding.
2. Sign the back of the APV250. The seller's signature on the vehicle registration portion is required to transfer ownership. The signature must be original — no photocopies.
3. Remove your licence plates. Plates belong to the seller in BC and must be removed before the vehicle is picked up.
4. Complete the APV9T with the recycler. The recycler will bring this form. Both parties fill out their respective sections and sign. The declared sale price must be accurate.
5. Keep your seller's copy of the APV9T. This is your legal proof that the sale occurred on a specific date, which protects you from liability if the transfer is delayed.
6. Notify ICBC of the sale. After the vehicle leaves, notify ICBC online at icbc.com that the vehicle has been sold. This formally removes your liability for the vehicle.
7. Hand over the keys. Provide all available key sets to the recycler.

What Sellers Need to Have Ready

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the seller pay tax when selling a car in BC?
No. In BC, PST on a private vehicle sale is the buyer's responsibility, not the seller's.

What is the APV250 in BC?
The APV250 is British Columbia's official vehicle registration document, issued by ICBC. The seller signs and transfers the bottom (registration) portion to the buyer at the time of sale.

What is the APV9T form?
The APV9T is BC's vehicle Transfer/Tax Form. It records the sale details and must be signed by both buyer and seller. The buyer submits it to an Autoplan broker within 10 days of the sale.

What happens if I lost my APV250?
You need to get a replacement at an Autoplan broker before the sale can be completed. Read our step-by-step guide here.

Do licence plates stay with the car in BC?
No. In British Columbia, plates belong to the registered owner (seller) and must be removed before the vehicle is transferred.

How long does a seller have to notify ICBC after a sale?
The buyer must complete the transfer at an Autoplan broker within 10 days. The seller should notify ICBC of the sale online as soon as possible after the transaction.

What documents does a recycler need from a seller in BC?
A recycler purchasing a vehicle in BC needs the seller's signed APV250 (original vehicle registration) and a jointly completed APV9T Transfer/Tax Form.

Is a bill of sale required to sell a car in BC?
A bill of sale is not legally required in BC, but it is strongly recommended as an additional record of the transaction for both parties.

Selling Your Car to EcoRecycle

EcoRecycle Technologies is a licensed vehicle recycler operating in British Columbia. When you sell your vehicle to EcoRecycle:

• We bring the APV9T — you only need your APV250 and ID
• We walk you through the paperwork on-site
• We handle deregistration on our end
• Pickup is free and typically completed within 24–48 hours

Get a free quote from EcoRecycle →

Lost your APV250 and not sure what to do? Read our guide on replacing a lost vehicle registration in BC before you sell.