What Is the Difference Between a Car Title and Registration in British Columbia?
Understanding the distinction between vehicle ownership documentation and vehicle registration is essential for all British Columbia vehicle owners and those relocating to the province.
Understanding Vehicle Ownership Documentation in British Columbia
The Motor Vehicle Act, RSBC 1996, c 318 governs vehicle ownership and registration requirements in the province. British Columbia's regulatory framework establishes that all vehicle registration and insurance services are administered through the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) and processed at Autoplan broker locations.
Primary Proof of Ownership Documents
British Columbia recognizes several documents as valid proof of vehicle ownership when registering a vehicle:
- Bill of Sale: The most common form of ownership proof for private vehicle transactions, including buyer and seller information, date of purchase, and purchase price
- Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T): Official ICBC form that serves as both proof of purchase and transfer document when completed and signed by both parties
- Lease Agreement: For vehicles under lease arrangements with authorized dealerships
- Current Vehicle Registration (APV250): Original signed registration document from seller proving registered ownership
- New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS): For brand-new vehicles purchased from authorized dealers
- Certificate of Origin: For vehicles imported from other jurisdictions
- Court Orders: For vehicles transferred through legal proceedings
- Estate Documentation: For inherited vehicles, including death certificates and estate declarations
According to ICBC's vehicle registration requirements, these documents serve as primary evidence of ownership and must be presented to Autoplan brokers when registering a vehicle. All newly purchased vehicles must be registered in the name of the licence holder at an Autoplan broker within 10 days of purchase, as required by the Motor Vehicle Act.
Vehicle Registration Certificate Purpose and Function
The Vehicle Registration Certificate serves as official documentation that a vehicle is properly registered with ICBC and the Government of British Columbia and authorized for operation on public roadways. Under British Columbia's regulatory framework, vehicle registration is combined with mandatory insurance through ICBC, making it a unified process that differs from other provinces.
Vehicle Registration Certificate Components
A Vehicle Registration Certificate issued in British Columbia contains the following information:
- Registered owner's name and address
- Complete vehicle description (year, make, model, style, colour)
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Licence plate number
- Registration number
- Insurance category classification
- Registration validity period
- Owner signature section for transfer purposes
The vehicle registration document (APV250) combines both insurance and registration information into a single certificate. This document consists of two portions: the vehicle registration portion and the insurance certificate portion, both issued together through ICBC's Autoplan system.
Key Differences Between Ownership Proof and Registration
The fundamental distinction lies in their respective purposes and legal functions within British Columbia's motor vehicle administration system operated through ICBC.
Ownership Documentation Functions
Proof of ownership documents establish legal title and ownership rights to the vehicle. These documents:
- Establish Legal Ownership: Demonstrate who legally owns the vehicle according to ICBC records
- Enable Ownership Transfer: Required for selling or transferring the vehicle to new owners through the Transfer/Tax Form (APV9T)
- Required for Initial Registration: Must be presented when first registering a vehicle in British Columbia
- Facilitate Registration Process: Serve as prerequisite documentation for obtaining vehicle registration and insurance
- Support Continuity of Ownership: Document the legal chain of ownership for vehicles transferred between parties
- Required Within 10 Days: Must be used to complete registration transfer within 10 days of vehicle purchase as mandated by the Motor Vehicle Act
Registration Certificate Functions
The Vehicle Registration Certificate serves different administrative and operational purposes:
- Confirms Legal Operation: Demonstrates the vehicle is authorized for public road use in British Columbia
- Shows Current Registration Status: Indicates compliance with provincial registration and insurance requirements
- Combines Registration and Insurance: Integrates mandatory ICBC insurance coverage with vehicle registration
- Provides Official Vehicle Information: Contains government-verified vehicle, owner, and insurance data
- Requires Immediate Updates: Must be updated within 10 days of address or name changes under the Motor Vehicle Act
- Enables Law Enforcement Verification: Allows police to verify vehicle registration and insurance status during traffic stops
- Must Be Carried: Original registration or photocopy must be carried in the vehicle at all times while on a highway
- Facilitates Ownership Transfer: Contains signed portion that must be provided to buyer during vehicle sale