Complete Step-by-step Guide On How To Register A Vehicle In BC

The long process of registration can feel nerve-racking, especially if you’re not aware of all the steps involved. You must be enthusiastic about your new car, right? As a renowned auto financing partner with the best options in British Columbia car dealerships and First Nation financing in British Columbia, we’re here to make it easy for you.

Here’s a step-by-step guide of how to register a car in BC:

Determine Your Eligibility

You must fulfill some requirements before being eligible to purchase a vehicle in British Columbia. First of all, you need to be a resident of B.C. to be eligible to be a vehicle owner.

Next, you need to qualify as a resident. To qualify as a resident, you must carry a B.C. driver’s license, show proof of filing yearly income taxes in B.C. and have B.C. medical coverage. You’ll also need to be at least 19 years old to be a vehicle owner and demonstrate your proof of residency from other documentation such as rental agreements or utility bills. After your eligibility is confirmed, you can move on to complete the rest of the steps to register your vehicle.

Prepare Required Documents

It’s essential to keep your documents prepared beforehand for the registration process. This ensures the process of registering your vehicle will be done without any hassle. The documents which are required are as follows:

1. Proof Of Ownership

If your vehicle is registered in another province, then you need to show the current registration or title of the car. Moreover, a Tax/Transfer Form by the previous owner should also be shown if it was previously registered in BC. If your car is new, then it’s also important to bring the Certificate of Origin or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin.

2. Bill of Sale

Your seller should provide you with a signed purchase agreement or bill of sale if the vehicle is not registered in your name to prove you legally purchased the vehicle. This ensures ICBC will see it as an ethical trade, and approve of the purchase made by the owner from the seller.

3. Identification

You’ll need to prove your identity with a valid government-issued ID which verifies your legal name and address. Usually, showing a B.C. driver’s license is enough however other forms of ID are also acceptable. Remember to bring your proof of identity for your vehicle registration. 

Inspect The Vehicle

Vehicles need to pass the mechanical safety inspection at an authorized facility to register your vehicle. This ensures there is compliance with safety and emissions standards set by BC. If there are any defects or damage present within the vehicle, it must be repaired to pass the inspection.

Calculate The Fees

How much to register a car in BC? In this section, you will have the answer to this question. You need to calculate the total expense of the paperwork beforehand to properly complete the registration process. This includes taxes, registration fees and other fees.

1. Registration Fees

This fee covers all the administrative costs when registering your vehicle. This needs to be paid during the application process at ICBC. The registration fee is 18$. 

2. PST

Provincial Sales Tax: This is the tax which is levied on goods and services by the province. It differs according to the province. In B.C., you need to pay 7% for the purchase of your vehicle. The tax varies in the case of used cars after their value is estimated. 

3. Recycling Fees

This fee is charged for recycling and sustainable disposal programs in BC. This is imposed during the purchase of all vehicles in the province. Motorcycles are charged 10$ whereas passenger cars are charged 35$. 

Purchase Insurance

You must purchase auto insurance from ICBC after your car’s registration is done to complete the entire registration process. If your vehicle gets involved in an accident, the coverage offers financial protection. You are required to pay a minimum of 200,000$ for Basic Vehicle Damage. There are additional coverages available as well. You need to carefully choose the insurance policy which best fits your needs and expenses. 

Get License Plates

After the complete registration process, you will need to get your default license plates from ICBC. You have the option to choose between standard or speciality license plates in British Columbia. The standard plates cost 40$ and feature a blue and white color scheme, with letters and numbers in dark blue. Either you can go for the default design or opt for speciality plates with unique designs for your car which would cost an additional 50$-100$. 

Foreign-Imported Vehicles

If you have imported your vehicle to B.C. from another province or country, you need to go through the following process to register your vehicle at ICBC:

1. Prove your identity and proof of legal entity if your vehicle is going to be registered in the name of a company within BC.

2. Proof of ownership with a certificate of title or origin if the car is brand new. If it had a previous owner, then the proof of continuity needs to be shown with the bill of sale.

3. You need to show the import documents of the vehicle to ICBC.

4. The vehicle needs to pass the safety inspection at an authorized facility.

When is Vehicle Registration Not Applicable?

There are certain exemptions in registration under a few criteria. This includes when there are out-of-province motor vehicles in B.C. for touring purposes. In such cases, registration is not needed for the vehicle if it’s present for less than 6 months. However, if the vehicle is used for non-touring purposes for more than 30 days, then vehicle registration will be required as mandated by the province. Other exemptions include if you’re a member of the armed forces or a student. However, you would still require an exemption permit from ICBC.

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Conclusion

By now, the registration process of a vehicle should be clear to you. Knowing how to register a car in BC helps with keeping yourself prepared and staying confident throughout the registration when you’re finally about to make your purchase!
Are you looking for car loans in British Columbia? Our team will thoroughly help you through each step in the process of registration, so that you can drive your favorite vehicle stress-free. Contact Auto Lending Hub for the best car loan rates in British Columbia suited to your needs!