What ICBC driver licenses are and who issues them
ICBC stands for Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. ICBC is the Crown corporation that administers driver licensing in British Columbia — it issues licenses, handles renewals, and manages the testing system. If you live in BC and want to drive legally, you get your license through ICBC, not through a separate government ministry.
ICBC operates a network of Driver Licensing offices across the province where you complete written tests, road tests, and submit your process documents. You can also handle some tasks online through the ICBC website, including renewing a license that is not yet expired and checking your driving record.
The type of license you need depends on what you plan to drive. A Class 5 license covers standard cars and light trucks. Motorcycles require a Class 6 license. Commercial vehicles require Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 depending on the vehicle weight and type. Most people start with Class 5.
Key Takeaways
- ICBC is the only body that issues driver licenses in British Columbia, and you must pass both a written test and a road test to get your first license.
- You can renew an unexpired license online through the ICBC website, but you must renew in person if your license has expired or if you need to change your address or name.
- A new driver license takes about two weeks to arrive by mail after you pass your road test and complete your process.
- You must bring original documents to prove your identity, residency, and right to work in Canada when you explore for a new license.
- ICBC charges different fees for new licenses, renewals, and replacements, and fees vary depending on how long your license is valid for.
Getting your first ICBC driver license
To get your first driver license in BC, you must pass a written knowledge test, then pass a road test, then submit your process with supporting documents. You cannot skip the written test or road test — both are required before ICBC will issue a license.
Start by booking your written test at an ICBC Driver Licensing office. You can book online at the ICBC website or by phone. The written test covers BC traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to score at least 16 out of 20 questions correct to pass. After you pass the written test, you can book your road test. The road test happens with an ICBC examiner who watches you drive and evaluates your control of the vehicle, your awareness of other traffic, and your ability to follow instructions.
Once you pass both tests, you complete your process form at the Driver Licensing office. You must bring original documents: a birth certificate or passport to prove your identity, a document showing your current BC address (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof that you have the right to work in Canada (such as a Canadian citizenship certificate, permanent resident card, or valid work permit). ICBC will not accept photocopies or digital images of these documents — they must be originals.
After you submit your process, ICBC mails your new license to your address. This usually takes about two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for your plastic card to arrive.
Renewing your ICBC driver license online or in person
If your license has not yet expired, you can renew it online through the ICBC website without visiting an office. You will need your driver license number, your BC Services Card number or Social Insurance Number, and a valid credit card to pay the renewal fee. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail within two weeks.
You must renew in person at a Driver Licensing office if your license has already expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to change your license class. Bring your expired license and proof of your current address. If you are changing your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you are changing your address, bring a recent utility bill or lease agreement.
Renewing in person takes about 30 minutes. Your new license is mailed to you within two weeks, and you receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
ICBC license fees and how long licenses are valid
ICBC charges different fees depending on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost or damaged license. Fees also depend on how long your license will be valid for — you can choose a 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, or 5-year license, and longer licenses cost more upfront but less per year.
A new Class 5 license typically costs between $60 and $120 depending on how long you choose the license to be valid. A renewal costs less than a new license because you do not need to retake tests. A replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs around $30 to $50. Exact fees change periodically, so check the ICBC website for current pricing before you go to an office or renew online.
Your license remains valid for the length of time you chose when you renewed — 1, 2, 3, or 5 years. ICBC sends you a reminder by mail about 30 days before your license expires. You can renew up to 12 months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you need to get a replacement. Go to any ICBC Driver Licensing office and tell them what happened. Bring your identity documents (birth certificate or passport) and proof of your current address. If your license was stolen, you can report it to ICBC at the office, and ICBC will note it in their system so the old license cannot be used.
A replacement license costs less than a new license and is mailed to you within two weeks. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait. If your license was damaged (for example, the photo is worn or the card is cracked), ICBC may issue a replacement at no charge depending on the damage — ask the staff member at the office.
Checking your driving record and updating your information
You can view your ICBC driving record online through the ICBC website using your driver license number and BC Services Card number or Social Insurance Number. Your driving record shows any traffic violations, at-fault accidents, and insurance claims. Insurance companies use your driving record to set your rates, so it is worth checking it once a year to make sure the information is correct.
If you notice an error on your driving record — for example, a violation that was dismissed or an accident that was not your fault — contact ICBC to dispute it. You may need to provide court documents or insurance paperwork to support your dispute. ICBC can take several weeks to investigate and update your record.
If you change your address or name, update it with ICBC as soon as possible. You can update your address online if your license has not expired. If your license has expired or you need to change your name, you must go to a Driver Licensing office in person.
Where to find an ICBC Driver Licensing office and book an appointment
ICBC operates Driver Licensing offices in most BC cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check their hours on the ICBC website. Many offices require you to book an appointment in advance — walk-ins are not always accepted. You can book online, by phone, or in person at the office.
During busy times of year (spring and early summer), appointment slots fill up quickly. If you cannot find an appointment at your nearest office, try offices in nearby towns — you can take your written test or road test at any ICBC office in the province, not just the one closest to you.
Bring all required documents with you to your appointment. If you are missing a document, the staff member will tell you what you need and you will have to reschedule. Appointments typically last 30 minutes to one hour depending on what you are doing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my ICBC license to cross the border into the United States?
Yes, your ICBC driver license is valid for driving in the United States. However, you should also carry your passport or passport card. Some US states may ask for additional identification, and having your passport with you prevents delays at the border.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in BC. If you are stopped by police, you can be ticketed and fined. You can renew your license up to 12 months before it expires, so there is no reason to let it lapse. If your license has already expired, renew it in person at a Driver Licensing office as soon as you can.
Do I need to retake my road test if I renew my license?
No. When you renew a license that you already hold, you do not need to retake the written test or road test. You only take tests when you are getting your first license or when you want to change to a different license class (for example, from Class 5 to Class 6 for a motorcycle).
How long does it take to get my license after I pass my road test?
ICBC mails your new plastic license to your address within two weeks of the day you pass your road test and submit your process. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive legally while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
What if I move out of BC — do I need to get a new license?
If you move to another province or country, your ICBC license remains valid for driving in BC and most other places. However, if you become a resident of another province, that province may require you to get a license from them. Check the rules of the province or country you are moving to before you leave BC.