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Common Questions

ICBC transfer questions.

A straightforward transfer at an Autoplan broker typically takes 20–40 minutes. This includes processing the ownership transfer, setting up or transferring your ICBC insurance, and issuing new registration documents. If you are transferring insurance from a previous vehicle, the process is faster. Delays occur when documents are missing or incorrectly signed.
No. In BC you cannot legally drive a vehicle before it is insured in your name. Before you can get behind the wheel — including the drive home from the seller — you must have valid ICBC insurance on the vehicle. Visit an Autoplan broker before picking up the vehicle, or arrange temporary coverage in advance.
A lien means an outstanding loan is attached to the vehicle. Before purchasing, run an ICBC lien search or request a CarFax Canada report. If a lien exists, the seller must pay it off before or at the time of sale. If you purchase a vehicle with an undisclosed lien, the lender may have the right to repossess it regardless of what you paid. Always confirm the vehicle is lien-free before signing anything.
If the vehicle has an outstanding loan registered against it (a lien), the seller must pay it off before or at the time of transfer. You can check for liens through a BC PPSA (Personal Property Security Act) search before purchasing. Easy Ride Canada verifies lien status on all vehicles we source so you never have to worry about this.
ICBC requires a bill of sale or purchase agreement showing the exact purchase price for all transfers. Without one, the Autoplan broker cannot complete the transfer. If you bought privately without a written agreement, create one retroactively with the seller — it must be signed by both parties and include the vehicle details and sale price.
Yes. PST applies on private vehicle sales in BC at the time of ICBC transfer. The rate is 12% for vehicles under $55,000 and up to 20% for luxury vehicles over $150,000. PST is calculated on the purchase price or the vehicle's average wholesale value — whichever is higher. Dealer sales include GST instead.
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ICBC Vehicle Transfer
Guide.

Important Checks

Before you transfer — check these first.

Two things that catch BC buyers off guard at the Autoplan broker — and how to avoid both.

🔍 Check for Liens (PPSA Search)

A lien means the seller still owes money on the vehicle. If you buy a car with an unresolved lien, you inherit the debt. Before any private purchase, run a BC PPSA search at the BC government registry. Cost: ~$10. Takes 5 minutes.

Easy Ride Canada clears all lien checks on vehicles we source — you never have to do this yourself.

💰 Budget for PST at Transfer

PST on private vehicle purchases in BC is paid at the time of ICBC transfer — not at the time of purchase. Many buyers forget to budget for this. The rate is 12% on vehicles under $55,000. On a $20,000 car, that's $2,400 due at the Autoplan broker.

Our advisors walk every client through the complete cost breakdown before finalizing your deal.

Ready to buy your
next vehicle in BC?

Easy Ride Canada handles financing, sourcing, and delivery anywhere in British Columbia. All credit types welcome.

🔒 No hard credit pull · No pressure · No obligation