How to Transfer Vehicle Ownership in British Columbia

If you have sold or given away your vehicle, you must transfer ownership within 10 days.
To do this, you will need:

1. The current registration certificate (if available).
2. The odometer reading.
3. A completed Transfer/Surrender Registration Certificate (PDF) form. It can be obtained from any motor vehicle licensing office.
4. The appropriate fee.
   Suppose you have sold your vehicle and do not have the registration certificate. In that case, you can request a replacement from any motor vehicle licensing office. There is a fee for this service.

When you go to a motor vehicle licensing office to transfer ownership, the following people must be present:

1. The seller (the registered owner) of the vehicle.
2. The buyer of the vehicle.
3. A witness to the sale, who must be at least 16 years of age.

The witness cannot be related to either the buyer or the seller.

The authorized representative must be present if the registered owner is a company.

The following people cannot be witnesses:

1. A licensed dealer.
2. An insurance agent or broker.
3. A notary public.
4. A member of the RCMP or any other police force.

When ownership is transferred, the seller must:

1. Give the buyer the current registration certificate.
2. Complete and sign the back of the Transfer/Surrender of Registration Certificate form in the presence of a licensing agent, indicating the date of sale and odometer reading. The seller must also provide their name, address, and driver's license number.
3. Provide the buyer with a signed bill of sale. This is not a legal requirement, but it is recommended as it provides proof of purchase.

The buyer must:

1. Complete the front of the Transfer/Surrender of Registration Certificate form in the presence of a licensing agent. The buyer must provide their name, address, driver's license number, and company name if the vehicle is purchased from a company.
2. Pay the transfer fee.
3. Apply for a new registration certificate in their name if they wish to do so. There is a fee for this service.
4. Apply for insurance for the vehicle. Proof of insurance is required to register a car in British Columbia.

Once the ownership has been transferred, the seller is no longer responsible for the vehicle. It is recommended that you remove your license plates from the car and destroy them. If you do not, you may be held liable for any parking tickets or traffic violations incurred by the new owner.