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British Columbia · Driving and vehicles

Licence plate sticker and registration in British Columbia

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

In British Columbia, vehicles are registered with ICBC through an Autoplan broker, where you also get plates and insurance. A vehicle you buy must be registered in your name within 10 days. Vehicles from another province usually need a passed B.C. inspection first. Plates no longer need a decal; instead you renew your insurance, online for eligible policies or at a broker.

Who handles it

ICBC (through Autoplan brokers)

Handles it in British Columbia.

Register and get plates at any Autoplan broker; B.C. plates no longer need a renewal decal, you renew the insurance.

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Who can apply

  • A vehicle must be registered with ICBC before you can get plates and insurance or drive it on a highway. The registration also shows you are the owner.

    Source: icbc.comchecked #

  • Vehicles from outside B.C. used for touring do not need B.C. registration for up to six months.

    Source: icbc.comchecked #

Steps

  1. To keep a vehicle on the road you renew its insurance. Eligible policies can be renewed online by signing in with the BC Services Card app or Interac verification.

    Source: icbc.comchecked #

What you need

  • For a vehicle from another province, bring its current registration, a passed inspection report from a designated B.C. facility, your ID, and a signed bill of sale if it is not in your name.

    Source: icbc.comchecked #

Cost

  • If a plate is lost or stolen, report it to police, then take the case number and your insurance documents to an Autoplan broker. New plates cost $18.

    Source: icbc.comchecked #

How long it takes

  • A newly bought vehicle must be registered in the buyer's name at an Autoplan broker within 10 days, along with the required fees and taxes.

    Source: icbc.comchecked #

Where to go

  • When you buy a vehicle already registered in B.C., go to an Autoplan broker to transfer ownership, update the registration and buy insurance. ICBC suggests going with the seller.

    Source: icbc.comchecked #

Good to know

  • Some privately owned vehicles moved from Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba by new residents can skip the B.C. safety inspection, if they meet the age and weight rules.

    Source: icbc.comchecked #

  • B.C. plates no longer need a decal, but you must keep a printed copy of your insurance documents in the vehicle.

    Source: icbc.comchecked #

Questions people ask

Do I still need a licence plate decal in B.C.?

No. Decals are no longer needed, but you must carry a printed copy of your insurance documents in the vehicle at all times.

Source: icbc.comchecked #

Can I renew my ICBC vehicle insurance online?

Yes, if your policy is eligible. You sign in, choose your coverage, pay, and print your insurance documents. Your chosen broker reviews the renewal afterwards.

Source: icbc.comchecked #

How long do I have to register a vehicle I bought in B.C.?

10 days. The Motor Vehicle Act requires the buyer to register the vehicle with ICBC within 10 days and pay the fees and taxes on the sale.

Source: icbc.comchecked #

How much does it cost to replace a lost licence plate in B.C.?

$18 for new plates. Report the loss to police first and bring the case number and your insurance documents to an Autoplan broker.

Source: icbc.comchecked #

In every province and territory

The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. British Columbia is marked.

Province or territoryWho handles itOfficial linkGood to know
British ColumbiaThis pageICBC (through Autoplan brokers)Register a vehiclechecked Register and get plates at any Autoplan broker; B.C. plates no longer need a renewal decal, you renew the insurance.
AlbertaAlberta registry agents (Government of Alberta)Register a vehiclechecked New registrations and plates are done at a registry agent; renewals can also be done online or by mail.
SaskatchewanSGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance)Renew your registrationchecked Register or renew at a motor licence issuer, or renew online in MySGI.
ManitobaManitoba Public Insurance (MPI)Register a vehiclechecked Register, get plates and renew at any Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre.
OntarioServiceOntario (Ministry of Transportation)Register a vehiclechecked Most passenger vehicle, motorcycle and moped plates now renew automatically at no cost; commercial and some other vehicles still renew each year.
QuebecSociété de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)Register a vehiclechecked
New BrunswickService New BrunswickRenew registration onlinechecked Plate stickers stopped on April 1, 2026, but registration must still be renewed every year.
Nova ScotiaRegistry of Motor Vehicles (Service Nova Scotia)Renew your vehicle permitchecked Renewals can be done online; first registration and plates are done at an Access Nova Scotia or RMV office.
Prince Edward IslandAccess PEI (Highway Safety Division, Government of PEI)None on record
Newfoundland and LabradorMotor Registration Division (Government Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)How to register a vehiclechecked
YukonMotor Vehicles (Government of Yukon)None on recordNew registrations are done at a Motor Vehicles office; renewals can be done online. Yukon no longer issues plate stickers.
Northwest TerritoriesDriver and Vehicle Services (Department of Infrastructure, Government of the Northwest Territories)Renew a vehicle registrationchecked
NunavutMotor Vehicles Division (Government of Nunavut)Register a private vehiclechecked

Where to go in person

Places in the biggest cities, from open data. Check the official link for hours and what each office offers before you go.

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Licence plate sticker and registration in British Columbia", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/vehicle-registration/british-columbia