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Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Ulrike Hahnel, Rock Formations on the Lagune Route, Bolivia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ulrike Hahnel,
Rock Formations on the
Lagune Route, Bolivia



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Old 15 Nov 2022
Grant Johnson's Avatar
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Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,300
Buying a motorcycle or car in Canada as a foreigner
British Columbia:


Had a discussion with the rep from ICBC - the "Insurance Corporation of BC" that does ALL vehicle insurance in the province for required Third party Liability.

  1. You CAN arrive, and buy and insure a bike.
  2. When you buy it, if private, get the registration TRANSFER document from them, and a receipt.
  3. Go to an "Autoplan" office, of which there are many, to transfer the vehicle and get insurance. You CANNOT ride without insurance for even one foot. YOU WILL NEED TWO PIECES OF ID. Your home drivers licence and passport is fine.
  4. You need to pay sales tax, transfer fee, and buy insurance.
  5. If you buy from a dealer, they can generally get an Autoplan agent to come to the dealer and do everything there!
  6. You DO NOT need a local address.
  7. They WILL ask you for one. Just tell them you're not staying anywhere specific, unless of course you have a friend's address. Since the exact premium is based on location, some have higher accident rates etc., they will charge you the MAXIMUM rate in BC without a fixed address.
  8. If they say "call ICBC" because essentially they're clueless and don't know what to do and don't want to deal with you, tell them to call their "Support Desk" and they will tell them it's ok. You should be able to get it all done on the spot.
  9. You can insure for whatever period you want, from one month to one year. You can cancel anytime, but there is a fee to cancel early.
  10. Your insurance is good anywhere in Canada and the USA.
  11. If you want additional insurance such as fire theft and collision, you can buy it at the same time for the same period. You CAN also buy it separately for less from an insurance agent that specializes in that, BUT that's always for one year and no cancellation allowed, so generally not worth it for travellers.
  12. If you want to ride south, past the USA, your BC insurance is no longer valid.
  13. In order to cancel your insurance, you must MAIL BACK THE PLATE. Therefore, plan when your insurance naturally expires carefully.
  14. Your REGISTRATION is still valid and legal anywhere, you just need local insurance which is the norm for everyone everywhere.
  15. IMPORTANT: In Canada for sure, and I believe in most of the USA as well, you MUST ALWAYS carry your drivers licence, registration and insurance documents at all times. Here in BC, there is a significant fine, and your bike will be towed on the spot without them.


If people were to add similar information to the above for the other provinces and territories in Canada where they live, that would be much appreciated!
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