Free British Columbia Boat Bill of Sale
Selling a boat privately in British Columbia does not go through ICBC or an Autoplan broker — boats are federally regulated by Transport Canada. The bill of sale and the Hull Identification Number (HIN) are the core ownership documents, and the buyer applies for a new federal Pleasure Craft Licence online. BC PST of 12% applies to the declared sale price, and the seller retains no provincial notification obligation beyond keeping a copy of the signed bill of sale.
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British Columbia Boat Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Tax Details
12% BC PST applies to private boat sales. Unlike vehicle sales, the Canadian Black Book wholesale floor does not apply to boats — PST is assessed on the declared sale price. For boats over $125,000, the same luxury PST escalation as vehicles may apply (consult BC Ministry of Finance).
Inspection Requirements
No mandatory pre-sale inspection for private boat sales in BC. A professional marine survey is strongly recommended for any vessel over $20,000, and is typically required by lenders and insurers.
Registration
Registration for this vehicle type is handled by Transport Canada Pleasure Craft Licensing Centre (free, for motorized recreational vessels with engines 10 hp / 7.5 kW or more). — separate from the title agency.
British Columbia Boat Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Locate and verify the Hull Identification Number (HIN) — stamped on the starboard side of the transom on post-1972 boats.
- Complete a bill of sale listing the HIN, vessel year, make, model, length, hull type, engine details (make, model, serial number, horsepower), any included trailer details, and the sale price.
- Seller signs and dates the bill of sale; buyer countersigns. Both parties retain a copy.
- If the vessel has a Transport Canada Certificate of Registry, seller endorses and transfers the original registry document to the buyer.
- Buyer applies for a new Pleasure Craft Licence online at tc.canada.ca — free for motorized vessels with engines 10 hp or more.
- If a trailer is included in the sale, complete a separate ICBC/Autoplan vehicle transfer for the trailer (trailers are registered through ICBC like regular vehicles in BC).
- Buyer self-assesses 12% BC PST on the boat purchase price if no government agency collects it directly at time of licensing.
Common Pitfalls
- Omitting the HIN — BC marine enforcement, Transport Canada, and insurers all require a valid HIN. Missing or altered HINs suggest a stolen vessel and can void insurance.
- Treating the boat trailer as part of the boat sale — trailers are registered through ICBC in BC and require a separate APV9T and Autoplan transfer, not a TC licence.
- Not accounting for BC PST on the boat — recreational vessels are subject to 12% PST in BC. Budget for it at time of purchase.
- Confusing a Pleasure Craft Licence with TC vessel registration — a PCL number is a federal licence for identification and safety communication, not a title or lien-searchable record.
Pro Tip
BC boat sales are straightforward paperwork when the HIN is verified and the bill of sale is thorough. Handle the boat and trailer separately — boat via Transport Canada licensing, trailer via an Autoplan broker. Keep your signed bill of sale permanently; it is your only proof of when BC boat ownership changed hands.