Licence fees for motor dealers are based on the type of vehicles sold at the dealership and the number of "demo plates" that the business holds through it's ICBC garage policy.

Detailed information on motor dealer license fees is available here.

Additional fees apply for new applications, late renewal payments and the Motor Dealer Customer Compensation Fund.

Reduced fees are offered for new vehicle and new motorcycle dealers that meet criteria as "small".

Advertising Guidelines

The VSA has released an updated set of Advertising Guidelines (pdf file) for motor dealers. It is important that all licensed motor dealers are familiar with these guidelines to ensure that their retail advertising is in compliance at all times. Motor dealers are required to adhere to the legislation and these Guidelines as a condition of licensing.

Advertising is defined as "any and all solicitation by motor dealers that urges consumers to buy merchandise or use their services. It includes advertisements placed in newspapers, magazines, radio, television, the internet, or via e-mail, as well as any flyers, brochures, signs, posters, or showroom displays".

VSA officers will be actively enforcing the advertising legislation. All advertising by licensed motor dealers must comply with the legislation and these Guidelines. Failure to do so may result in fines of up to $200,000 and/or loss of a Dealer's license.

Use of the VSA Logo

All motor vehicle dealers, their salespeople and their consumer-related business office staff are required to be licensed in British Columbia and should feel free to display official licences and other VSA literature bearing the logo to confirm that fact. They are encouraged to include the phrase "Licensed by the Motor Vehicle Sales Authority," along with their licence number, in advertising, on business cards and in other presentations.

The inclusion of the VSA logo on anything but official VSA documents, for any purpose, is strictly prohibited by trademark protection.

Upon application in writing to the VSA, permission may be granted for use of the logo in special circumstances, such as those which would serve the mission and vision statements of the Authority in the public interest.

Routine Dealer Inspections

Investigators from the VSA are responsible for conducting routine inspections of all licensed motor dealers to ensure compliance with the legislation and regulations in the ongoing business operations.

To assist dealer principals and managers to understand what is involved in the inspection process, a copy of the form used by VSA Investigators for routine inspections is here: Routine Inspection Form (pdf)

Licensing of Motor Dealer Staff

Licensed motor dealers are required to ensure that all of their sales and management staff involved in retail vehicle sales hold a valid salesperson licence as issued by the VSA. The positions required to hold a licence include: new and used vehicle sales, lease office, business office, internet sales, sales managers, general managers and dealer principals.

More information about the licensing of salespeople is available in the Salesperson Info and Licensing Requirements section.

Changes Within a Dealership

Licensed motor dealers are required to report and receive approval from the Registrar of Motor Dealers when undergoing any of the following changes:

• Change of Name
• Change of Location
• Change of Shareholders
• Change of Partners, Officers and/or Directors

Please Note: A motor dealer licence is not transferable. The sale of a dealership whereby more than 50% of the total ownership is transferred requires a complete new licence application.  

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