Yes, you can renew an expired BC driver's license, but the process depends on how long it has been expired

If your BC driver's license has expired, you can renew it through ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia). The steps and fees vary based on whether your license expired recently or several years ago. ICBC handles all BC driver's license renewals, and you can start the process online, by mail, or in person at an ICBC office or approved service provider.

The key difference is this: if your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it through the standard renewal process. If it expired more than two years ago, you may need to take a knowledge test or vision test again, depending on your age and how long the license has been expired. Either way, you will need to pay a renewal fee and provide proof of identity and residency.

Key Takeaways

  • Licenses expired less than two years can be renewed without retesting in most cases, but you will pay a penalty fee in addition to the renewal cost.
  • Licenses expired more than two years may require you to pass a knowledge test, vision test, or both, depending on your age.
  • You can renew online through the ICBC website, by mail, or in person at an ICBC office or approved service provider.
  • You will need proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of BC residency (such as a utility bill or lease agreement).
  • Renewal fees vary by license class and expiration length, and expired licenses incur additional penalty fees.

Renewing a license expired less than two years

If your license expired within the last two years, ICBC treats this as a standard renewal with a penalty. You will pay the regular renewal fee plus an additional late renewal fee. The total cost depends on your license class (Class 5 is the most common for regular drivers) and ranges, but you should expect to pay more than a regular on-time renewal.

You can renew online through the ICBC website if you have a valid BC Services Card or online banking login. The online process takes about 10 minutes and you can pay by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Alternatively, you can visit an ICBC office or an approved service provider (such as a CAA office or some insurance brokers) and renew in person the same day.

You will not need to retake any tests. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of BC residency. If you have changed your name or address since the license was issued, bring documentation of that change as well.

Renewing a license expired more than two years

If your license has been expired for more than two years, ICBC requires you to retake tests before issuing a new license. The specific tests depend on your age. If you are under 25, you must pass both a knowledge test and a vision test. If you are 25 or older, you must pass a vision test; the knowledge test is waived for drivers over 25 renewing after a lapse.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than two years. You must visit an ICBC office or approved service provider in person. Call ahead or check the ICBC website to confirm that the location you plan to visit can administer the vision test (most can, but it is worth confirming). Bring your expired license, proof of identity, proof of BC residency, and be prepared to pay for the renewal plus any test fees.

The vision test checks your eyesight and colour vision. The knowledge test (for drivers under 25) covers BC traffic laws and road signs. If you fail either test, you can retake it, usually the same day or within a few days. Once you pass, your new license is issued on the spot or mailed to you depending on the service provider.

Documents you will need to bring

For any renewal—whether online, by mail, or in person—you need proof of identity and proof of BC residency. ICBC accepts a range of documents for each category.

For proof of identity, bring one of the following: your expired BC driver's license, a valid passport, a birth certificate, a citizenship certificate, or a BC Services Card. If you bring your expired license, that alone may be enough for identity purposes.

For proof of BC residency, bring a document dated within the last 12 months showing your current BC address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electricity, gas, water), a lease agreement or mortgage statement, a property tax notice, a recent government letter (such as from WorkSafeBC or the CRA), or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your full name and current address.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order documenting the change. If you have changed your address, the proof of residency document serves that purpose.

Renewal fees and what they cover

Renewal fees for BC driver's licenses vary by license class and how long the license has been expired. For a Class 5 license (standard passenger vehicle), a regular on-time renewal costs one amount; renewing after expiration adds a late fee on top. The total you pay depends on the length of the expiration and your age.

ICBC publishes current fee schedules on its website, and fees change periodically. Rather than stating a specific dollar amount here, check the ICBC website or call 1-800-663-3051 to confirm the exact fee for your situation. When you renew in person or online, the fee will be shown before you complete the transaction.

The renewal fee covers the cost of issuing your new license card and the administrative processing. If you are renewing after a long lapse and must retake a vision or knowledge test, those tests may have separate fees, though many ICBC offices include them in the renewal cost.

Renewing by mail if you cannot visit an office

If you cannot visit an ICBC office or service provider in person, you can renew by mail—but only if your license expired less than two years ago. Mail renewal is slower than online or in-person renewal, typically taking three to four weeks from the time ICBC receives your process.

To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the ICBC website or request one by phone. Fill it out completely, include a photocopy of your proof of identity and proof of residency, and mail it to the ICBC address shown on the form along with your payment. Do not send your expired license in the mail; keep it until you receive your new one. Once ICBC processes your process, your new license will be mailed to you.

Mail renewal is not an option if your license expired more than two years ago, because you must pass a vision test (and possibly a knowledge test) in person. In that case, you must visit an ICBC office or approved service provider.

What to do if you need to drive before your new license arrives

If you renew online or by mail, your new license will not arrive for 7 to 10 business days (or longer by mail). If you need to drive before then, you have limited options. ICBC does not issue a temporary paper license for expired renewals the way it does for first-time licenses.

Your best option is to renew in person at an ICBC office or approved service provider. If your license expired less than two years ago and you do not need to retake tests, you can walk out with your new license the same day. If you must retake a vision or knowledge test, you can usually get your new license the same day once you pass, though some locations may mail it instead.

If you cannot visit an office and you need to drive urgently, contact ICBC directly at 1-800-663-3051 to discuss your situation. They may be able to advise you on whether a temporary arrangement is possible, though this is not may provide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an expired license while my renewal is being processed?

No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive in BC. If you are caught driving with an expired license, you can be fined. This is why renewing in person (if possible) is faster—you get your new license the same day and can drive when ready.

Do I need a medical exam to renew an expired license?

Not for a standard renewal. A medical exam is required only if ICBC has concerns about your medical fitness to drive, which is rare. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, ICBC may request an exam, but this is not part of the routine expired renewal process.

What if I fail the vision or knowledge test?

You can retake the test, usually within a few days. There may be a fee for each retake. You will not receive a new license until you pass both required tests. If you are struggling with the knowledge test, ICBC offers study materials on its website.

Can I renew my license if I owe ICBC money or have unpaid traffic fines?

ICBC may place a hold on your renewal if you owe money for unpaid premiums, claims, or traffic violations. Contact ICBC before you attempt to renew to find out whether a hold is in place. If there is a hold, you will need to resolve the debt before your renewal can be processed.

How long is a renewed license valid for?

A renewed BC driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue for most drivers. Drivers over 80 may have shorter validity periods. Your new license will show the expiration date on the front.