Can a Non-Resident Register a Car in British Columbia?
Yes, non-residents can register a car in British Columbia under specific circumstances and conditions. The ability to register depends on the duration of stay, vehicle location, and compliance with provincial requirements established under the Motor Vehicle Act.
When Non-Residents Must Register
Non-residents are required to register their vehicle in British Columbia when:
- The individual becomes a British Columbia resident (must register within 30 days of moving to B.C.)
- The vehicle is purchased in British Columbia for permanent use within the province
- Foreign visitors who exceed the 6-month temporary driving allowance with a valid out-of-jurisdiction registration
- Commercial vehicles are operated immediately upon entry into British Columbia for business purposes
- The vehicle becomes based and operated primarily within British Columbia
When Registration is Not Required
Non-residents do not need to register their vehicle in British Columbia if:
- Tourists and visitors are staying temporarily for less than 6 months with valid out-of-province or foreign registration
- The vehicle remains registered in another jurisdiction with valid insurance coverage
- Students enrolled full-time at recognized B.C. educational institutions apply for a non-resident exemption permit within 30 days
- Military personnel stationed in B.C. for training for up to 6 months with proper documentation
- Visiting British Columbia for tourism or short-term business purposes with valid home jurisdiction coverage
Eligibility Requirements for Non-Resident Registration
Non-residents eligible for vehicle registration include:
- New British Columbia residents relocating from other provinces or countries
- Temporary workers with extended stays exceeding visitor allowances
- Foreign nationals importing vehicles for permanent use in British Columbia
- Students and military personnel who do not qualify for exemption permits
- Commercial vehicle operators conducting business within the province
Documentation Requirements
To register a vehicle, non-residents must provide:
- Valid B.C. driver's licence or photo ID: Required identification for registration application
- Proof of ownership: Original bill of sale, lease agreement, or vehicle registration from previous jurisdiction
- Passed inspection report: Required from a B.C. designated inspection facility for all imported vehicles (except exempted categories)
- B.C. insurance coverage: Valid motor vehicle liability policy from Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)
- Vehicle Import Form 1: Required for vehicles from outside Canada, with Canada Border Services Agency stamps
- Provincial Sales Tax documentation: Payment of applicable PST or HST based on vehicle origin and purchase circumstances
Registration Process
Non-residents must complete registration through authorized Autoplan brokers located throughout British Columbia. Autoplan brokers are authorized to:
- Process registration and licensing applications with required documentation verification
- Collect prescribed fees, insurance premiums, and applicable provincial taxes
- Issue vehicle registration certificates, distinctive number plates, and owner's certificates
- Verify vehicle identification numbers (VIN) and conduct odometer readings
- Provide motor vehicle liability insurance cards and coordinate with ICBC systems for complete registration processing