Transfer Car Registration From British Columbia to Another Province

How To Transfer Car Registration From British Columbia to Another Province?

British Columbia vehicle registration cannot be transferred to other provinces due to distinct regulatory frameworks and administrative procedures governing vehicle registration in each Canadian jurisdiction.

When relocating from British Columbia, vehicle owners must initiate new registration processes with the motor vehicle administration authority in the new province.

Provinces

Alberta

• Importing a vehicle into Alberta
• Register a vehicle in Alberta
• Out-of-Province Vehicle Registration - AMA

Manitoba

• Registering your vehicle
• Temporary registration permits - MPI
• Ownership transfers

New Brunswick

• Motor vehicle registration
• Motor vehicle registration applications

Newfoundland and Labrador

• How to Register a Vehicle - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Frequently Asked Questions - Motor Registration
• Inspection Requirements

Nova Scotia

• Vehicle Registration (Certificate) - Government of Nova Scotia
• Registry of Motor Vehicles - Service Nova Scotia

Ontario

• Register an out of province vehicle in Ontario
• Register vehicle permit, licence plate and sticker
• Application for Vehicle Registration form (SR-LV-006)

Prince Edward Island

• Motor Vehicle Registration - Government of Prince Edward Island
• Commercial Vehicle Registration

Quebec

• Registering a Vehicle From Outside Québec
• Registering a Vehicle Bought or Sold by a Business

Saskatchewan

• Importing and exporting vehicles
• Registration Section

Territories

Northwest Territories

• Register a vehicle for the first time
• Transfer a vehicle registration
• Book an inspection for right-hand-drive vehicles

Nunavut

• Commercial Vehicle Registration in Nunavut
• Private Vehicle Registration in Nunavut
• Register a Vehicle for the First Time

Yukon

• Register a vehicle
• Vehicle registration

Upon completing the registration process in the new province, British Columbia vehicle owners should cancel their existing British Columbia registration and surrender their license plates to an Autoplan broker or ICBC office. If surrendering plates outside British Columbia, a receipt from the out-of-province licensing authority must be provided to ICBC.

Documentation Requirements for Other Provinces

Other jurisdictions may request documentation from British Columbia to register a vehicle that was previously registered in the province. Required documents typically include:

Vehicle Registration Certificate

• Issued only to the current registered owner of the vehicle
• Serves as proof of valid registration with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
• Required only for vehicles driven on public roadways in British Columbia
• Identifies the legal owner of the vehicle
• Does not constitute proof of ownership during private sales
• May not necessarily transfer with the vehicle during ownership changes

Driving Record and Insurance History

• Available to current registered owners through ICBC's online service
• Confirms the history of driver licensing and insurance claims under the owner's name
• Prepared for licensing purposes when moving to another province or country
• Can be requested online and delivered by email
• Does not constitute proof of vehicle ownership
• Must be requested directly through ICBC

Proof of Ownership Documentation

Before purchasing a vehicle previously registered in British Columbia, contact the motor vehicle department in your destination jurisdiction to confirm acceptable documentation. Two primary options are recognized:

• Bill of Sale proving ownership (recommended though not legally required in British Columbia)
• Vehicle registration certificate or other official ownership documentation from ICBC

Privacy Legislation and Information Protection

British Columbia maintains comprehensive privacy protection under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and related privacy legislation. Key privacy considerations include:

Registrar's Information Release Limitations

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia cannot release documents containing personal information of previous registered owners for vehicle registration purposes in other jurisdictions. This protection ensures:

• Confidentiality of former owner information
• Protection of personal identification details
• Compliance with provincial privacy standards
• Secure handling of historical registration records

Information Access Restrictions

British Columbia's privacy legislation specifically restricts the release of personal driving and motor vehicle information, protecting:

• Previous owner contact information
• Historical ownership details
• Confidential registration records
• Private transaction information

ICBC takes all reasonable measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, collection, use, disclosure and disposal. Pursuant to Section 33.1 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, ICBC staff are only authorized to access personal information for business purposes.

Government Agencies and Contact Information in British Columbia

ICBC Customer Service
151 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3H9
Phone: (604) 661-2800 (Lower Mainland)
Toll-free: 1-800-663-3051
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday), 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Saturday, excluding holidays)
Official Website: ICBC

Service BC Contact Centre
PO Box 9804 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8W 9W1
Phone: (250) 387-6121 (Victoria)
Phone: (604) 660-2421 (Vancouver)
Toll-free: 1-800-663-7867
Official Website: Service BC

ICBC Driver Licensing Offices
Multiple locations throughout British Columbia
Hours vary by location
Find a driver licensing office near you
Services: Driver licensing, vehicle registration, documentation services