Free British Columbia Bill of Sale Template

British Columbia Bill of Sale Requirements

Additional Forms Required

• Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T)
• Vehicle Inspection (out-of-province only)

British Columbia handles vehicle registration uniquely in Canada through ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) and its network of Autoplan brokers. Unlike other provinces where you go to a government office, BC vehicle transfers happen at private insurance agents who are licensed to issue Autoplan insurance and process registrations on behalf of ICBC.

The 12% PST in BC is among the higher rates in Canada and is strictly enforced. ICBC uses the Canadian Black Book average wholesale value as a floor for PST calculation — you cannot reduce your tax by agreeing to write a lower sale price on the bill of sale. If you paid $15,000 for a car the Black Book values at $18,000, you'll pay PST on the $18,000 figure. This prevents tax avoidance through under-reported sale prices.

BC also has an escalating PST scale for passenger vehicles that kicks in at $125,000 (15%) and $150,000 (20%). On a private sale, 20% is the top rate — the federal luxury tax does not apply to used vehicles that have already been registered. For most private sales under $125,000, only the standard 12% PST applies.

Vancouver dominates the private vehicle market in BC, with the Greater Vancouver area including Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, and North Vancouver accounting for the majority of transactions. Victoria on Vancouver Island has its own active market, and Kelowna leads the interior. Prince George, Nanaimo, and Kamloops round out the major regional markets.

The Transfer/Tax Form APV9T is unique to BC. This combined document captures both the transfer of ownership and the PST calculation in one form. Both buyer and seller must sign it, and the buyer submits it to an Autoplan broker along with the bill of sale, signed registration, and valid ID. Autoplan brokers are typically insurance offices — most shopping areas in BC have at least one within walking distance.

If you're bringing a vehicle into BC from outside the province, you'll need a Designated Inspection Facility (DIF) inspection before you can register it. This inspection is more thorough than a standard safety check. It verifies the vehicle meets BC's safety standards and is not significantly different from its factory specifications (important for modified vehicles). Vehicles already registered in BC do not need this inspection for a private sale between BC residents.

BC does not require emissions testing for private vehicle sales — the AirCare program ended in 2014. This is a significant advantage for older vehicles that might struggle with emissions in provinces that still require testing.

The combination of insurance, registration, and PST payment happening at a single Autoplan broker visit makes BC's process more streamlined than it appears. A typical transfer takes 45-60 minutes, including getting your basic Autoplan insurance coverage that lets you drive the vehicle home. Most brokers also offer optional coverage upgrades, replacement vehicle coverage, and roadside assistance during the same visit.

For anyone selling privately in Vancouver, Victoria, Surrey, Burnaby, or Richmond, the most important document after the bill of sale is a signed copy of the APV9T. Keep your copy for at least 6 years — it's your proof that you properly transferred ownership and paid (or the buyer paid) the applicable PST.