The motor dealer industry of British Columbia consists of 1,600 licensed dealers of new and used automobiles, light trucks, motorcycles, mopeds and recreation vehicles. There are approximately 7,000 salespeople. Collectively they represent about 500,000 transactions and $10 billion in sales, one of the province's most vibrant industries.

Enquiries concerning licensing should be made either by phoning the VSA or by e-mail: licensing@mvsabc.com

Motor Dealers

A licence is mandatory for any individual or organization to operate as a retail motor vehicle dealer in B.C. Through continuous review and improvement, the VSA makes dealer licensing and renewal straightforward. more

If you believe you have information about a person operating as an unregistered motor dealer, you can report them using the Report an Unregistered Motor Dealer "Curber" Form. You may make the report anonymously.

Salespeople

Every person working in retail vehicle sales is required to successfully complete a VSA certification course and qualify to be licensed through the designated process. Province-wide licensing is designed to ensure consumers that all sales personnel have undergone a comprehensive training and screening process. more

Compliance

Through a province-wide program of inspections and investigations, the VSA administers and enforces the Motor Dealer Act and its regulations. Inspectors take a proactive approach to conducting inspections of dealerships in the interest of ensuring compliance and increasing consumer protection. Infractions of legislation or regulations are investigated and dealt with through a formal means of enforcement administered by the Registrar. more

HST and Tax Questions

The VSA is receiving many calls from dealers and others in the industry with respect to the (July 1, 2010) harmonization of the GST and PST. We are advised that the government sales tax officials have yet to sort out all of the details. more