What you need to know about BC driver's licenses
A BC driver's license is issued by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) and is required to drive a motor vehicle on public roads in the province. You can get a new license, renew an expiring one, or replace a lost or damaged card through ICBC's online system, by mail, or in person at a Service BC office or ICBC driver licensing office.
The process and documents you need depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing before expiry, or replacing a damaged card. Most transactions can now be completed online, which is faster than visiting an office in person. If you cannot use the online system, you can mail in your process or visit a location that handles driver licensing.
Key Takeaways
- New BC driver's licenses and renewals are handled by ICBC, and you can complete most transactions online at icbc.com.
- You will need proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your current license or process form.
- Renewal by mail or online takes about two weeks; in-person service at an ICBC office is faster but requires an appointment.
- If your license is expiring soon, you can renew up to one year before the expiry date without losing time on your new card.
- Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs less than a full renewal and can be done online or by mail.
Getting your first BC driver's license
To get your first driver's license in BC, you must pass a written knowledge test and a road test. You start by obtaining a learner's permit (Class 7L), which allows you to drive with a supervising driver who holds a valid license. The learner's permit is valid for two years, and you must hold it for a minimum of 12 months before you can take your road test.
To explore for a learner's permit, visit icbc.com or go in person to a Service BC office or ICBC driver licensing office. You will need proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate), proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or government letter), and the process form. You will also take the written knowledge test at the same time, either online or in person. Once you pass the knowledge test, your learner's permit is issued when ready if you explore online, or within a few days if you explore in person.
After holding your learner's permit for at least 12 months, you can book a road test through ICBC. The road test checks your ability to operate a vehicle safely and follow traffic laws. Once you pass, you move to a Class 7N (new driver) license, which has some restrictions such as a zero blood alcohol limit and a maximum of one passenger under 25 years old. You can explore for a full Class 5 license after holding the Class 7N for 24 months without violations.
Renewing your BC driver's license before it expires
You can renew your license up to one year before the expiry date printed on your card. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — your new card will be valid for five years from the renewal date, not from the original expiry date. This means if you renew one year early, your new license will expire five years later, not four years later.
To renew online, visit icbc.com and log in with your BC Services Card username and password, or create an account. You will need your current driver's license number and the expiry date. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes, and your new card will be mailed to you within two weeks. There is no written test or road test required for renewal unless your license has been expired for more than two years.
If you cannot renew online, you can mail in a renewal process. read the form from icbc.com, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your current license to the address on the form. Processing takes about three weeks by mail. You can also renew in person at a Service BC office or ICBC driver licensing office by booking an appointment online.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can request a replacement card without waiting for your renewal date. A replacement costs less than a full renewal and is processed faster. You can order a replacement online, by mail, or in person.
To replace your license online, go to icbc.com and select the option to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card. You will need your license number and date of birth. The replacement card will be mailed to you within two weeks. If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to police and keep a copy of the report in case the card is used fraudulently.
If you cannot use the online system, you can mail a replacement request with a copy of your current license (if you have one) or a completed process form. You can also visit a Service BC office or ICBC driver licensing office in person with proof of identity and residency.
Documents you will need for any transaction
The documents required depend on whether you are explore for the first time, renewing, or replacing. For any new process or first-time renewal, you will need proof of identity and proof of residency. Proof of identity includes a passport, birth certificate, citizenship certificate, or other government-issued ID. Proof of residency includes a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government letter with your current address.
If you are renewing before expiry and explore online, you only need your current license number and expiry date — you do not need to mail in documents. If you are renewing by mail or in person, bring or mail a copy of your current license. If you are replacing a lost or damaged card, bring proof of identity and residency if explore in person, or include copies if explore by mail.
If you have changed your name, you will need to provide a legal name change document such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, ICBC may ask for a medical report from your doctor before issuing or renewing your license.
How long each method takes and what it costs
Online renewal or replacement is the fastest option. If you renew or replace your license online, your new card will be mailed to you within two weeks. There is no appointment needed, and you can complete the transaction from home at any time.
Renewing or replacing by mail takes about three weeks from the date ICBC receives your process. Mail your completed form and documents to the address provided on icbc.com, and keep a copy for your records.
In-person service at a Service BC office or ICBC driver licensing office is available by appointment. You can book an appointment online at icbc.com. In-person appointments typically take 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive your new license by mail within two weeks. Some ICBC offices offer same-day printing of licenses, but this is not available at all locations — check icbc.com to see if your local office offers this service.
The cost of renewal is the same regardless of method. A five-year renewal costs a set amount that varies depending on your license class. A replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged card costs less than a renewal. Check icbc.com for current fees, as they may change.
What to do if your license is expired or will expire soon
If your license has expired, you can still renew it, but you may need to take a new knowledge test if it has been expired for more than two years. If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew without retesting by explore online, by mail, or in person. Start the renewal process as soon as possible, because you cannot legally drive with an expired license.
If your license will expire within the next month, you can renew when ready online or by mail. There is no penalty for renewing early, and your new card will be valid for five years from the renewal date. If you are close to expiry and need to drive before your new card arrives, you can print a temporary driving permit from icbc.com after you renew online — this permit is valid for 30 days and can be used while you wait for your physical card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my BC driver's license online if I have never done it before?
Yes, if your license is not expired and you have a BC Services Card account. Log in to icbc.com with your BC Services Card username and password, or create an account. If you do not have a BC Services Card, you can create one at bcservicescard.gov.bc.ca. If you cannot use the online system, you can renew by mail or in person.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in BC and can result in a ticket and fine. If you are stopped by police, you may also be required to stop driving when ready. Renew your license before it expires to avoid this penalty.
Do I need to take a new knowledge test when I renew?
No, you do not need to retake the knowledge test when you renew a license that is not expired or has been expired for fewer than two years. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to pass a new knowledge test before renewing.
How do I change my address on my BC driver's license?
You can update your address online at icbc.com by logging into your account, or by visiting a Service BC office or ICBC driver licensing office in person. You will need to provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement. There is no fee to change your address.
Can I get a temporary driving permit while I wait for my new license?
Yes, if you renew online, you can print a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days. This permit allows you to drive while you wait for your physical card to arrive by mail. The temporary permit is not valid for commercial driving or for driving outside BC.