getting a vehicle with no papers papers

[spudnickel]

Is there an easy way to go about getting papers for a vehicle that does not have any?

is there an expert out there?

how much does it roughly cost?

how long does it take?

is it a 100% success rate?

Is there a insurance agency that would be better than the next?

looking to buy a van that was last insured like 25 years ago and no paper trail. 

any help would be great.  Thanks

[72vwtype2]

You will probably want to start here:

http://www.icbc.com/FAQ/Pages/buying-selling-vehicle.aspx

and look under the section "I'm buying a used car but don't have the insurance and registration papers. What should I do?"

I did mine about ten years ago. it's not that difficult or expensive but can take a bit of time depending on who the last registered owner was. If the seller is the last owner, then it is fairly straight forward. If not then it will take a bit of time and expense as you may need the service of a Notary.

Good luck.

[flemcadiddlehopper]

$40.00 for the ICBC registration search. Be prepared though, if it turns out to be an out of province vehicle you will need to have it inspected before you can insure it.

   Gordo.

[bwaz]

http://www.airspeedparts.com/forums/index.php?topic=3593.0

[spudnickel]

Thanks for the tips!

[getgeoff]

Did mine a couple of months ago. I sent a letter to icbc and a cheque for 7.00. In the letter was a request for last registered owner. If the vehicle was last registered in BC then they will send you the info of the last know address of the owner for you to contact and continue the registration process. If it comes back via unopened restistered letter then there is a bit more leg work with a notary public. Answer the questions and go from there. But if icbc does not having thing on file then a vehicle inspection is guaranteed plus the paper trail.
In a nutshell

[westcoast-paul]

looking to buy a van that was last insured like 25 years ago

in BC?  you send in a letter (with your contact details and vehicle details) and pay a small processing fee.

Outside of BC is a whole other ball game.  i've done that too.  the below is for in BC.

This was the transfer tax form request.  registration copy is done after you have this and can prove you are owner.  it takes a while though.  like several weeks IIRC - that was in November 2015.

ICBC Records Department
Room 154-151
West Esplanade
North Vancouver
British Columbia, Canada
V7M 3H9


I would like to request a copy of the transfer tax form so I can register a vehicle I purchased into my name.
I unfortunately lost the paperwork bundle from when I bought it ___ years ago.  I did complete the transfer tax form when I purchased it. 

After speaking with _________ in the ICBC records department on ______ __, 20__ , I understand that in order to be sent a copy of the transfer tax form, I need to supply the following information along with the enclosed $10 cheque.

Personal Information
Name (Last, First)   
Driver’s License Number (DL#)   
Contact Phone (Cell)   
Contact Phone (Home)   

Vehicle Information
Make   Volkswagen
Model   
Year   
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)   

Please call me at either of the phone numbers listed above if you have any questions.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
FirstName LastName


Enclosed: $10 cheque for payment of services