Richmond BC
What Paperwork Do You Need to Sell a Car in BC?
Selling a car, work vehicle or piece of equipment in British Columbia only takes a few documents. This guide from Brighouse Commercial Scrap Auto and Equipment Removal explains each one in plain words, so you know exactly what to have ready before our truck arrives.
Quick answer
to sell a car in BC you need the signed vehicle registration (APV250) in your name, photo ID, and a completed Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T) with original signatures on all four pages. Remove your licence plates, return them to an Autoplan broker if you will not reuse them, and cancel or move your Autoplan policy.
Ready to Sell? Get Your Offer
Send the details and photos. We reply with a clear offer.
Prefer to talk? Call 236 240 2138
Your Paperwork Checklist
| Item | What it is | Who provides it |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle registration (APV250) | The registration portion of your ICBC papers, signed by the registered owner | You |
| Photo ID | Matches the name on the registration | You |
| Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T) | Records the change of ownership, four pages, original signatures | We bring it and fill it in with you |
| Licence plates | Removed from the vehicle before it leaves | You keep them |
| Keys | If you still have them | You |
Step 1: Check the Car Is Clearly Yours
We buy vehicles with clear ownership only. Before you ask for an offer, check three things.
The registration is in your name
The person selling must be the registered owner shown on the APV250. If the car is registered to a parent, partner or friend, they need to sell it themselves.
There is no loan or lien
The car must be fully paid off. If a loan is still owing, pay it out and have the lien removed before selling.
You have the registration
We need the registration to buy the car. If you have lost it, get a replacement from an Autoplan broker first, then call us.
Step 2: The Vehicle Registration (APV250)
Your ICBC papers have two parts: the Autoplan policy portion and the registration portion. At the sale, the registered owner signs the registration portion and hands it over. Keep the rest of your papers, because you will need them when you cancel or move your Autoplan policy.
Step 3: The Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T)
The APV9T is the form that records the change of ownership in BC.
- It has four pages, and every page needs an original signature.
- It is completed once the sale is agreed and payment is made.
- With Brighouse Commercial, our driver brings the form and fills it in with you at pickup.
- Keep your copy with original signatures for your records.
Step 4: Your Licence Plates
Plates belong to ICBC, not to the car, and they stay with you.
- Take them off before the car leaves.
- If you are putting them on another vehicle, keep them.
- If you will not use them again, return them to an Autoplan broker.
Never let a car leave with your plates still on it.
Step 5: Your Autoplan Policy
Once the car is sold, visit an Autoplan broker to cancel your policy or move it to your next vehicle. That way you stop paying for a car you no longer own. Bring your papers and the plates if you are returning them.
Selling a Car for Someone Who Has Passed Away
If the registered owner has passed away, the executor of the estate can sell the car once they show legal authority to sell it. Have the following ready:
- Proof of the executor’s legal authority
- The executor’s photo ID
- The vehicle registration
- Confirmation that no loan is owing on the car
Call us before booking and we will confirm what to bring.
Selling a Company Vehicle
Business vehicles use the same ICBC forms as personal cars, with a few extra points.
- Registered to the business: the vehicle must be registered to the company that is selling it.
- Authority to sign: the person signing the APV9T must be authorised to sign for the company.
- No loan, lease or lien: leased vehicles belong to the leasing company until the lease is paid out.
- Several vehicles: send the registration details for each one so we can prepare the paperwork.
- Before pickup: remove company decals, tools, tablets and GPS units you want to keep, then remove the plates.
See our commercial vehicle removal page for how fleet pickups work.
Selling Equipment and Machinery
Most heavy equipment, such as forklifts, excavators and factory machines, is not registered with ICBC, so the paperwork is different.
- Proof of ownership: the original invoice, bill of sale or other proof that the seller owns the machine.
- No loan, lease or lien: the machine must be fully paid off.
- Authority to sell: for business equipment, the person selling must be authorised to sell for the company.
- Photo ID: for the person signing.
- Registered items: equipment that is registered with ICBC, such as some trailers and work trucks, uses the APV250 and APV9T like a car.
See our heavy equipment removal Richmond page for how equipment pickups work.
Motorhomes, Trailers and Boats
- Motorhomes and registered trailers use ICBC registration and the APV9T, just like a car.
- Boats: bring any ownership papers you hold for the boat and photo ID. Tell us what you have when you ask for an offer.
More detail is on our motorhome, RV, boat and trailer removal page.
Before the Truck Arrives
Have ready
- Signed registration (APV250)
- Photo ID
- Keys, if you have them
Take out of the vehicle
- Personal items from the glovebox, trunk and under the seats
- Garage remotes and parking passes
- Toll and parking transponders
On the screen
- Unpair your phone
- Delete saved addresses from the navigation
Ready to Sell?
Once your paperwork is ready, selling is quick. Choose the service that fits:
- Scrap car removal Richmond for old and end of life cars
- Cash for cars Richmond for running, used and written off cars
- Damaged and non running car removal for cars that will not start or roll
Paperwork FAQ
Do I need the APV9T form ready before pickup?
No. Brighouse Commercial brings the Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T) and fills it in with you at pickup. You need the signed registration and photo ID. Every one of the four pages needs an original signature, and you keep your copy for your records once the sale is done.
Can I sell a car that is not in my name?
No. The car must be registered to the person selling it. The one exception is an estate: if the registered owner has passed away, the executor can sell the car once they show legal authority to sell it.
Can I sell a car with a loan on it?
No. We only buy vehicles with clear ownership, which means no loan or lien owing. Pay out the loan and have the lien removed first, then call us for an offer.
What if I lost my registration?
We need the registration to buy the car. Get a replacement from an Autoplan broker, then contact us for an offer and a pickup time.
Do I keep my licence plates?
Yes. Plates belong to ICBC and stay with you. Remove them before the car leaves. Return them to an Autoplan broker if you will not use them on another vehicle.
When should I cancel my Autoplan policy?
After the car is sold and picked up. Visit an Autoplan broker to cancel the policy or move it to your next vehicle.
What paperwork do I need to sell a forklift or excavator?
Most heavy equipment is not registered with ICBC. You need proof of ownership, such as the original invoice or bill of sale, photo ID and authority to sell if it belongs to a business. The machine must have no loan, lease or lien owing.
Paperwork Ready? Get Your Offer Today
Brighouse Commercial Scrap Auto and Equipment Removal fills in the transfer form with you at pickup and pays you by cash or e-Transfer before we leave.
Brighouse Commercial Scrap Auto and Equipment Removal
- Phone236 240 2138
- Emailinfo@brighousecommercialautoremoval.ca
- Office5640 Arcadia Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 2G9
- Hours8 am to 11 pm, Monday to Sunday
- AreaAbout 10 km around Brighouse, further on request
Pickup only. Please call or use the form rather than visiting the office. Open in Google Maps
Learn more about our team or visit our contact page.