How To Register an Out-of-Province Vehicle In British Columbia?
Vehicle registration in British Columbia is regulated under the Motor Vehicle Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 318, which establishes the legal framework for motor vehicle registration, licensing, and insurance requirements throughout the province.
If you are temporarily visiting British Columbia with a vehicle registered in another Canadian jurisdiction for less than six months for touring purposes, registration is not required. However, new British Columbia residents or individuals working in the province must register their vehicle and obtain B.C. licence plates within 30 days of establishing residency or employment.
Essential Documentation Requirements
To register an out-of-province vehicle from another Canadian province in British Columbia, you must provide the following documentation to an Autoplan broker:
- Proof of vehicle ownership - original vehicle registration certificate from the previous jurisdiction for used vehicles, or original New Vehicle Information Statement for new, unregistered vehicles
- Continuity of vehicle ownership - original bill(s) of sale from previous owner(s) to current owner(s) when the proof of ownership document is in the previous owner's name
- Vehicle owner identification - primary and secondary identification as accepted by Autoplan brokers
- Passed Vehicle Inspection Report - original CVSE0013 or CVSE0014 signed by a B.C. Designated Inspection Facility inspector (exemptions apply)
- Out-of-province licence plates - must be presented at time of registration
Out-of-Province Vehicle Inspection Process
The provincial safety inspection is a mandatory requirement for most out-of-province vehicles registered in British Columbia, ensuring vehicles meet provincial safety and equipment standards. This inspection must be conducted by a B.C. designated inspection facility licensed by the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) branch.
Step-by-Step Inspection Process
Step 1: Locate Designated Inspection Facility Visit any B.C. designated inspection facility to schedule your vehicle inspection. All imported vehicles, along with required support documents and out-of-province licence plates, must be presented at an Autoplan broker's office at the time of vehicle registration.
Step 2: Complete Pre-Inspection Requirements For vehicles branded as "salvage", "totalled", "written off" or similarly described in the previous jurisdiction, the vehicle must first pass a structural integrity assessment performed by a trade-qualified autobody technician prior to the safety inspection.
Step 3: Vehicle Safety Inspection Present your vehicle for a comprehensive safety inspection. The inspection facility will provide an original passed Vehicle Inspection Report (CVSE0013 or CVSE0014), signed by the inspector, upon successful completion.
Step 4: Present Documentation to Autoplan Broker Upon passing inspection, present the signed inspection report along with all required documentation to an Autoplan broker for vehicle registration. Once registered, you must purchase a British Columbia licence and insurance or a Temporary Operation Permit before operating the vehicle on highways.
Inspection Exemptions
Certain vehicle types and circumstances may be exempt from B.C. pre-registration safety inspection requirements. Contact your Autoplan broker to confirm if your vehicle qualifies for exemption.
New West Partnership Trade Agreement Exemptions
Qualified privately-owned or leased vehicles from Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba may be exempt from B.C. pre-registration safety inspection under the New West Partnership Trade Agreement if all the following conditions are met:
Vehicle Owner Requirements:
- Must be a new or returning B.C. resident
- Must be the same owner(s) in the previous jurisdiction making the application for registration in B.C.
Vehicle Requirements:
- Must have been registered in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba immediately prior to being imported to B.C.
- Must be privately owned or leased by individual(s) and not a company
- Passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, or motorhomes must be 3,500 kg or less
- Model year must be either four years old (current year inclusive) or less, OR five years old or more with a passed provincial vehicle safety inspection in the previous jurisdiction within the last 90 days
Vehicles Not Eligible for This Exemption:
- Vehicles with salvage, rebuilt, or altered status on the Interprovincial Record Exchange or supporting documents
- Vehicles owned or leased by a company or organization
Acceptable Out-of-Province Inspection Reports
For Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba vehicles five years old or more, only the following mechanical safety inspection reports are acceptable:
- Alberta - out-of-province Vehicle Inspection Certificate
- Saskatchewan - Light Vehicle Inspection Certificate
- Manitoba - Certificate of Inspection
The inspection report must be original, confirm that the vehicle passed inspection, and have been issued within the last 90 days.
Documents NOT Acceptable for Alberta Vehicles:
- Alberta Automobile Insurance Motor Vehicle Inspection Report
- Alberta Motor Vehicle Record of Inspection
- Alberta Mechanical Fitness Assessment
Required Forms and Documentation
Checklist for Out-of-Province Vehicle Registration (MV1430) The Checklist for Out-of-Province Vehicle Registration (MV1430) provides comprehensive information on vehicle requirements and supporting documents required for registering vehicles imported from Canadian provinces.
Unregistered Vehicles and Missing Signatures Declaration (MV1484) When continuity of ownership cannot be established, complete the original Unregistered Vehicles and Missing Signatures Declaration (MV1484), which must be completed and notarized. Contact your Autoplan broker to confirm if a statutory declaration is acceptable in your situation.
Out-of-Province Leased Vehicle Documentation For vehicles leased from an out-of-province leasing company, provide:
- Original Letter of Authorization from the out-of-province leasing company
- Original lease agreement showing the leasing company's B.C. PST registration number, or be prepared to pay tax when the vehicle is registered
Company Registration Requirements When registering a vehicle in the name of a company, the company must first be actively registered with the B.C. Registrar of Companies. Provide an original or a copy of proof of legal entity.
Additional Requirements
- Provincial Sales Tax (PST) must be paid at the time of registration unless you qualify for exemption
- A certified English translation must accompany documents in languages other than English
- Original weigh scale certificate required when the net weight of the vehicle cannot be established from alternate sources
For additional information or assistance, contact an Autoplan broker or visit the ICBC website for comprehensive vehicle registration resources and requirements.