Scrap yard full of sorted metal seen from above

Where retired machines get taken apart and sorted.

Home › Ownership and liens

Paperwork, plainly

Ownership, liens and paperwork

Selling a tracked machine in BC is mostly simple. These are the pieces that matter.

  • Bill of sale
  • Lien checks
  • Estates and companies

Machine report

Tell us what's sitting there

or call 236-239-0420

Spec sheet

What you need

Proof of ownershipInvoice, bill of sale, lease buyout or anything that shows it's yours.
Lien releaseIf it was financed, a letter from the lender.
IDPhoto ID for whoever signs.
Company salesSomeone with signing authority.
Estate salesThe 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.

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.

Machines on trailers or carriers

If the machine is on a registered truck or trailer, that vehicle has its own ICBC transfer and plates.

Serial numbers

The serial number on the machine's plate is what liens and records are tied to. A photo of the plate helps.

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.

Bill of sale

We supply a bill of sale with the make, model, serial number and date. Keep your copy.

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.

Farm machines

Machines used only for farming are exempt from Metro Vancouver's Bylaw 1329. Mention it if yours was.

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.

Paperwork questions?

Call and we'll walk you through it.

236-239-0420
Call 236-239-0420