How to Sell a Car in British Columbia

Quick Answer

To sell a used car in British Columbia, you must be the legal owner, complete the ICBC Transfer/Tax Form, sign the registration, and provide a bill of sale. A vehicle inspection is optional in BC. You can sell privately, to a dealership, or through an online car‑buying service.

Selling a used car in BC is straightforward once you understand the basic requirements and the steps involved. Whether you want the highest price or the fastest sale, the process follows the same foundations: meet the legal requirements, prepare the car, set a fair price, choose how you want to sell, and complete the paperwork correctly.

With a few clear steps, you can stay compliant with BC regulations and make the selling experience smoother from start to finish.

Requirements for Selling a Car in BC

To legally sell a used car in British Columbia, you must provide specific documents and meet a few straightforward conditions. These requirements ensure the transfer is valid and protect both you and the buyer.

You must be the legal owner: Only the registered owner listed on the vehicle registration can sell the car.

Complete the ICBC Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T): This form is required for every private vehicle sale in BC. Both the buyer and seller must fill out and sign their sections.

Provide the original vehicle registration: You must give the buyer the signed registration, also known as the "Owner’s Certificate."

Create a bill of sale: The bill of sale must include the date, names and addresses of both parties, purchase price, VIN, and signatures.

Remove your insurance and licence plates: Insurance does not transfer to the buyer in BC. Sellers must cancel or transfer their insurance and remove their plates.

Optional: Provide a vehicle inspection: BC does not require a safety inspection to sell a used car, but buyers often appreciate recent inspection or maintenance records.

Prepare Your Car for Sale

A well-prepared vehicle attracts more interest and justifies a stronger asking price. In BC’s competitive used-car market, even small improvements can make a noticeable difference.

Clean the interior and exterior: A thorough wash, vacuum, and wipe-down help your car present well in photos and in person.

Fix small, inexpensive issues: Burnt-out bulbs, low fluids, worn wipers, or minor cosmetic touch-ups can increase buyer confidence.

Gather service and maintenance records: Buyers appreciate proof of regular oil changes, brake work, and past repairs. Service history can support your asking price.

Consider getting a vehicle history report: Reports from providers such as CARFAX Canada make the sale more transparent and help buyers feel secure.

Take clear, well-lit photos: Photograph the exterior from all angles, the interior, odometer, features, and any blemishes. High-quality photos lead to more inquiries.

Preparing the car properly not only helps it stand out but also reduces questions and negotiation friction later in the selling process.

Set the Right Price

Pricing your vehicle accurately is one of the most important steps in the selling process. A price that is too high discourages buyers, while a price that is too low leaves money on the table. In BC, where used‑car demand varies by region, setting the right price requires balancing market data with your vehicle’s condition.

Check online listings in your area: Look at similar vehicles on AutoTrader, Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, and dealership sites. Compare year, mileage, trim, condition, and location.

Use valuation tools for a baseline: Tools like Clutch's Car Value Calculator, Canadian Black Book, CARFAX Canada’s value range, or the AutoTrader valuation tool can help you understand typical market pricing.

Adjust for condition and features: New tires, recent maintenance, accident history, or high‑value features can meaningfully shift your asking price.

Account for BC-specific factors: Vehicles with good winter tires, rust‑free frames, or lower mileage tend to carry stronger value, especially outside major cities.

Your goal is to choose a price that reflects real market demand while giving yourself a reasonable margin for negotiation.

Choose How to Sell Your Car in BC

There are three main ways to sell a used vehicle in British Columbia. Each option comes with its own advantages depending on whether you want the highest price, the fastest sale, or the simplest process.

Sell Privately

Selling your car privately usually leads to the highest sale price, but it requires the most effort.

Pros:

• Highest potential payout
• Full control over pricing and negotiation

Cons:

• Requires creating listings, answering messages, and meeting buyers
• More time-consuming and hands-on

Private sales work best when your vehicle is in good condition, has desirable features, and you are willing to manage communication and appointments.

Sell to a Dealership

Dealerships in BC will buy vehicles outright, even if you are not purchasing another car.

Pros:

• Fast and simple
• No need to market or show the car

Cons:

• Offers are often lower than private-sale prices

This option is ideal if you prioritize convenience and a quick turnaround.

Sell to an Online Car-Buying Service

Online car-buying services offer a hybrid between dealer convenience and private-sale transparency.

Pros:

• Quick online offers
• No need to meet buyers or handle negotiations
• Pickup and paperwork often included

Cons:

• Offers may vary depending on market conditions and demand

This option suits sellers who want a streamlined process without the manual work of listing and showing the vehicle.

How to Sell a Car Privately in BC

If you choose to sell your vehicle privately, breaking the process into clear steps makes the experience more efficient and reduces common issues.

Create a Strong Listing

A well-written listing helps your vehicle stand out.

Include:

• Year, make, model, trim, and key features
• Accurate mileage
• Full list of recent maintenance
• Upgrades or new parts
• High-quality photos taken in good lighting
• Asking price and whether it is firm or negotiable

Be honest about any issues. Transparency builds trust and saves time.

Screen Buyers Before Meeting

Before scheduling a test drive, confirm:

• The buyer’s availability and seriousness
• That they hold a valid BC driver’s licence
• Their preferred payment method

Polite questions help filter out non-serious inquiries.

Handle Test Drives Safely

Choose a public, well-lit location and accompany the buyer on the drive. Ask to see their licence and consider taking a photo of it for safety.

Negotiate Professionally

Expect buyers to negotiate. Reference comparable listings and recent maintenance to support your price. Staying polite and firm helps keep the process smooth.

Accepting Payment Safely

For private sales in BC, secure payment methods include:

• Bank draft
• E-transfer for smaller amounts
• In-branch payment verification

Avoid personal cheques and always confirm funds before handing over the keys.

Complete the Paperwork

Once payment is confirmed, provide:

• The signed ICBC Transfer/Tax Form
• The signed vehicle registration
• A completed bill of sale

Make sure the buyer has insurance arranged, as plates and insurance do not transfer in BC.

Following these steps helps ensure a safe, transparent, and successful private sale.

Required Paperwork to Sell a Car in BC

British Columbia has clear documentation requirements for private vehicle sales. Completing each document properly protects both you and the buyer and ensures the transfer is valid with ICBC.

ICBC Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T)

This form is required for every used vehicle sale in BC. Both the seller and buyer must complete and sign their sections. ICBC uses this form to transfer ownership and calculate any applicable taxes.

Vehicle Registration (Owner’s Certificate)

You must provide the original, signed registration to the buyer. Only the registered owner listed on this document can legally sell the vehicle.

Bill of Sale

The bill of sale confirms the transaction and should include:

• Date of sale
• Buyer and seller names
• Addresses for both parties
• Purchase price
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Signatures for both parties

Insurance and Licence Plates

Insurance does not transfer with the vehicle in BC. You must remove your plates and cancel or transfer your insurance. The buyer must obtain their own insurance and plates before driving the car.

Optional: Inspection or Maintenance Records

Although not required in BC, buyers appreciate proof of recent service or inspection. Records help justify your price and build confidence.

Having all paperwork ready before meeting a buyer makes the transaction faster and prevents delays at transfer time.

Sell or Trade Your Car with Clutch

If you want a fast, convenient alternative to selling your car privately in BC, Clutch offers a fully online experience. You can get an instant, no-obligation offer based on real market data, complete the process from home, and skip the time-consuming steps of listings, test drives, and negotiations.

Once you accept your offer, Clutch handles pickup, paperwork, and payment, making the process seamless from start to finish. It is one of the easiest ways to sell your car in BC while staying confident that you are getting a fair, transparent price.