Personal property liens and searches

In B.C., a lien can be registered against personal property as security to make sure a debt or loan is repaid. The lien is a registered legal claim on personal property owned by an individual or a business.

Personal property is collateral that includes tangible and intangible items including but not limited to consumer goods, vehicles, boats, aircraft, chattel paper, and licences. Personal property also includes fixtures and crops attached to land, but it does not include the real property (land) itself. Find real property interests through the Land Title Surveyor Authority (LTSA).

Under the Personal Property Security Act, the Personal Property Registry records security interests and liens against personal property belonging to British Columbia businesses and individuals.

Search for personal property liens

Make sure personal property does not already have any liens registered against it before you:

• Buy personal property privately
• Lend money based on the security of personal property

How to complete a lien search

Submit your request:

• In person at a Service BC location
• With a third-party service provider, who may charge you additional fees.
• By mail to BC Registry Services by writing a letter stating the type of search needed and necessary search criteria. BC Registry Services will provide search results to clients only by return mail.
  • Send your letter by:
    • Courier to

    BC Registry Services
    PO Box 9431 Stn Prov Govt
    Victoria, BC V8W 9V3
    (For mail request include your payment by cheque or money order for $10.00 payable to the Minister of Finance)

    • Online at Personal Property Registry. Online usage is designated for professionals who conduct PPR searches on a regular basis and have a premium account with BC Registries. This option is not available to the general public at this time.
    • Once the search request is completed, you will be mailed a copy of the search results.
    • For information on how to read PPR search outputs view our PPR Search Results Guide

    

    Register a security agreement or lien

    Register your interest in personal property to protect yourself from loss or legal conflict.