Date:         Thu, 27 Jan 2005 18:49:05 -0800
Reply-To:     Shawn Wright <swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Shawn Wright <swright@ZUIKO.SLS.BC.CA>
Subject:      Re: Do Canadian vehicles have "titles"???
In-Reply-To:  <BAY19-DAV82A2F218BBC3C5B5D22B1D2780@phx.gbl>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Paul Guzyk" <paullist@GUZYK.COM>
> In BC they only have "registration" papers printed on standard 8 1/2
> x 11 copy paper with a black ink laserprinter.
>
> It looks very unofficial compared to a US title that is printed on
> check/stock certificate type paper.
>
> When my wife and I drove our BC van through Mexico and Central
> America, it was a little hard convincing the border guys that "Canada
> has no title", only this registration form.
>
> In some countries we would have to ask for the supervisor, explain to
> him "this is all our government issues, please check your files, we
> cannot be the first Canadian to come into your country".  They would
> then say something like "oh yeah, I remember Canada is funny" then
> let us into their country with the papers we had.
>
> One nice thing about the "plain paper" registration is we made copies
> before we left, they had no idea we were giving them copies instead
> of the original (which we had hidden in the van).

Just to clarify - the BC reg papers are printed on custom ICBC paper (the govt
insurance agency), but it does appear like plain paper at a glance. There is a grey
bar down the left side, and terms and conditions printed in red & black on the back.
So, yes a fairly convincing copy can be made, but it likely wouldn't fool an insurance
agent in BC. Also, it is peforated in two spots, and the bottom portion of the reg
serves as the proof of ownership - this is the part needed for a transfer of title. If this
is lost, I believe the cost to get a new one is around $25. So if you get a little slip
about 1/4 the size of an 8.5 x11 sheet, with grey bar on the left, and terms on the
back, it is probably a legitimate "title". In BC, this slip, and the owner's signature on
transfer papers are all that is needed to transfer title - I'm not sure how this would
work for outside BC as far the owner's sig goes...





--
Shawn Wright
I.T. Manager
Shawnigan Lake School