Steps to buying a used vehicle

1. Do research to find a vehicle that matches your needs

• Decide what you need the vehicle for: commuting, work, family? Which models are you interested in? Write down your needs and favourite vehicles.

• Research vehicle safety features.

• Research fuel or battery efficiency.

• Research sticker prices. Remember that the type of vehicle you buy can affect your insurance costs. Ask your Autoplan broker for details.

• Research leasing, purchase options and resale value.

• Take each vehicle for a thorough test drive and take notes that you can refer to later.

2. Inspect the vehicle for problems, check the registration and talk to the owner

Inspecting a used vehicle for sale gives you precautionary steps to make sure you're getting a good vehicle.

Confirm proof of vehicle registration

Ask the vehicle owner to show you their registration documents indicating their legal ownership. Make sure the vehicle details (like make, model and Vehicle Identification Number) match what’s listed in the registration documents.  

If the owner can’t provide proof of registration, you may want to ask more about how the vehicle came into their possession. If there’s no record of ownership within B.C., the owner should still transfer the car in their name before selling it to you. 

3. Purchase a vehicle history report

A vehicle history report could help you choose the right vehicle — and steer clear of a bad deal.

4. Buy the vehicle and transfer ownership, then register and licence your new-to-you vehicle

Buying a used vehicle involves more than simply exchanging money and keys. You’ll also need to bring the following to an Autoplan broker: 

• The seller's signed original Vehicle Registration (APV250) 

• A completed Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T)  with original signatures from both you and the seller. You can complete the online copy using Acrobat Reader or pick up a copy at any Autoplan broker. 

If you're transferring your insurance policy to a new-to-you vehicle, its odometer reading must be entered in the Transfer/Tax Form in order to determine your eligibility for a usage-based discount. 

You need to register the vehicle with ICBC, which you can do at any Autoplan broker. We recommend that you and the seller go together to an Autoplan broker right away to complete the transfer of ownership, so the vehicle is legally registered to you — then, get your insurance and vehicle licence at the same time.

All newly purchased vehicles must be registered in the name of the licence holder at an Autoplan broker within 10 days of purchase. The Motor Vehicle Act requires the buyer (“transferee”) to register the vehicle with ICBC within 10 days, along with payment of prescribed fees and taxes on the sale. 

If you're buying a used vehicle from a dealer, the staff at the dealership can help you with the registration, insurance and licensing. The dealership will either have an on-site insurance broker or direct you to a nearby broker. 

Using plates from your old vehicle for up to 10 days

You can drive your new-to-you vehicle using the licence plates from your old one for 10 days from the purchase date if all the following conditions are met: 

• The vehicle you're switching plates to is registered in B.C. (or was purchased from a licensed B.C. auto dealer) 

• You have sold or otherwise disposed of your old vehicle 

• Both vehicles are the same type (for example, passenger vehicles) 

• The licence plates are valid B.C. plates 

• Neither your "old" or "new" vehicle is a leased vehicle 

Prorate and restricted plates

Vehicles with "prorate" and "restricted" plates do not qualify for this 10-day grace period.

If any of these conditions are not met, contact an Autoplan broker to find out how to properly license your vehicle. 

For the 10 days, keep the following in your vehicle: 

• The signed Transfer/Tax Form for your new vehicle 

• The original registration from the seller  

• The valid insurance papers for your old vehicle  

• Proof, such as the seller's copy of the Transfer/Tax Form, that you sold your old vehicle

Returning old plates to ICBC

When ICBC issues licence plates to you, they remain the property of ICBC. It is an offence to allow another person to use your number plate on a different vehicle, and the sale of licence plates is strictly prohibited.  

If you no longer need your plates, they must be returned to ICBC or an Autoplan broker.