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Paperwork, plainly
Ownership, liens and paperwork
Selling a tracked machine in BC is mostly simple. These are the pieces that matter.
Machine report
Tell us what's sitting there
or call 236-239-0420
Spec sheet
What you need
| Proof of ownership | Invoice, bill of sale, lease buyout or anything that shows it's yours. |
|---|---|
| Lien release | If it was financed, a letter from the lender. |
| ID | Photo ID for whoever signs. |
| Company sales | Someone with signing authority. |
| Estate sales | The executor, with proof of their role. |
Liens
Financed equipment often has a lender's interest registered against it. You can search by serial number at the BC Personal Property Registry. The lender has to release it before the machine can be sold clear.
A plain summary, not legal advice.
On the day
Have these ready
- Proof that the machine is yours
- Photo ID
- A lender release if money is owing
- Company authority if a business owns it
More on selling equipment in BC
A few situations come up often enough to explain.
No paperwork at all
Old machines often have none. A bill of sale and a clear story of how you got it usually do. If the machine came with a property, the property documents can help.
Machines on trailers or carriers
If the machine is on a registered truck or trailer, that vehicle has its own ICBC transfer and plates. Bring the registration for that vehicle along with proof for the machine.
Serial numbers
The serial number on the machine's plate is what liens and records are tied to. A photo of the plate helps. Wipe it clean and photograph it straight on.
The diesel bylaw
In Metro Vancouver, non-road diesel engines of 25 hp or more need to be registered. Details are in the Metro Vancouver Bylaw 1329 guide.
Outside the region
Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission are outside Metro Vancouver, so the bylaw doesn't apply there. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are inside it.
Bill of sale
We supply a bill of sale with the make, model, serial number and date. Keep your copy. It's your record that the machine is no longer yours.
Estates
Machines are often sold by families after an owner passes. The executor signs and shows proof of their role, such as the will or a court grant.
Company machines
Someone with signing authority for the company signs. If the machine is on a company's asset list, let your accountant know it's sold.
Leased machines
Leased equipment may belong to the leasing company until the buyout. Check before you book a pickup. The leasing company can tell you the buyout amount.
Farm machines
Machines used only for farming are exempt from Metro Vancouver's Bylaw 1329. Mention it if yours was. Machines used for construction or landscaping aren't exempt.
Lien searches
A search at BC's Personal Property Registry by serial number shows any registered security interest. A lawyer, notary or search company can run it if you'd rather not do it yourself.
Machines from estates
When a machine is sold from an estate, the executor signs the bill of sale and shows proof of their role. If probate is still under way, tell us early.
Taxes on the sale
Business sellers may have GST obligations depending on how the machine was used and claimed. Ask your accountant if you're unsure. We don't give tax advice.
Straight answers
Questions we get
What if I can't find any paperwork?
Tell us how you got the machine. We'll work out what's needed.
Do you check for liens?
Yes, before we buy.
Can a company sell through you?
Yes. Someone who can sign for the company signs.
Can an executor sell a machine?
Yes. The executor signs and shows proof of their role.
Do I need a lien search?
If the machine was ever financed, it's worth checking at BC's Personal Property Registry by serial number.
What about leased machines?
The leasing company may own the machine until the buyout. Check first.
Do I need the original purchase invoice?
No. A dealer's service records, an old bill of sale or company records can help show ownership if the invoice is gone.
Can a strata or farm company sell a machine?
Yes. Someone with signing authority signs, with proof that they can sign for the company or the strata.
Paperwork questions?
Call and we'll walk you through it.