Where Vancouver Driver's License Offices Are Located

British Columbia has two main driver's license service centres in the Vancouver area. The primary location is the Vancouver Driver Services Centre, located at 865 Hornby Street in downtown Vancouver. This is where most people go to renew, replace, or update a driver's license. There is also a second location at the Burnaby Driver Services Centre at 4720 Kingsway, which serves the same functions and operates on similar hours.

Both offices are run by ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia), the provincial Crown corporation that handles driver licensing. You cannot walk into a regular ICBC insurance office to handle license matters — you must go to one of these dedicated driver services centres. The Hornby Street location tends to be busier, especially during lunch hours and late afternoons, so arriving early in the day or mid-week often means shorter waits.

Key Takeaways

  • The main Vancouver Driver Services Centre is at 865 Hornby Street downtown, and the Burnaby location is at 4720 Kingsway; both handle the same license services.
  • You must book an appointment online through the ICBC website before visiting — walk-ins are not accepted.
  • Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and any other documents the ICBC website specifies for your transaction type.
  • Processing times vary by service: renewals usually take 10 to 15 minutes, while replacements or address changes may take 20 to 30 minutes.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you can renew a standard license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions.

How to Book an Appointment Online

ICBC requires all visitors to book an appointment before arriving at a driver services centre. You cannot show up without one. Go to the ICBC website (icbc.com) and look for the "Book an appointment" link on the Driver Services page. You will select your service type — renewal, replacement, address change, or another transaction — and then choose your preferred location and date.

The online booking system shows available time slots for the next several weeks. Peak times (weekday mornings and afternoons) fill up faster than early morning or mid-week slots. Once you select a time, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Bring this confirmation number or have it ready on your phone when you arrive. If you need to cancel or reschedule, you can do so through the same online system up to 24 hours before your appointment.

What Documents to Bring

The documents you need depend on what you are doing, but nearly every transaction requires your current driver's license and proof of residency. Proof of residency means a document showing your name and current BC address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government-issued mail all work. The document must be dated within the last three months.

If you are renewing your license, bring only these two items. If you are replacing a lost or damaged license, bring the same documents plus a police report if the license was stolen. If you are changing your address, bring proof of your new address. If you are updating your name, bring your current license, proof of residency, and a legal document showing the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The ICBC website lists the exact requirements for your specific transaction before you book, so check there first to avoid a wasted trip.

Hours and Wait Times

The Vancouver Driver Services Centre at 865 Hornby Street is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Burnaby location keeps similar hours. The office is closed on Sundays and statutory holidays. Because appointments are staggered, wait times are usually short — most people are seen within 5 to 10 minutes of their appointment time, though this can stretch during peak periods.

Arriving 5 to 10 minutes early gives you time to check in at the front desk. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, your appointment may be cancelled and you will need to book a new one. If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online so the slot opens for someone else.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk with your confirmation number. A staff member will call you to a service window, where they will verify your documents, take a new photo if required, and process your transaction. For a straightforward renewal, this takes about 10 to 15 minutes. For a replacement or address change, allow 20 to 30 minutes. You will pay the applicable fee — renewal fees vary depending on your license class and how many years you are renewing for, while replacements have a separate fee.

Once your transaction is complete, you will receive a receipt and a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 10 to 15 business days. Keep the receipt and temporary license until the permanent one arrives. If your permanent license does not arrive within three weeks, contact ICBC to check the status.

Renewing by Mail or Online Instead

If you have a standard Class 5 driver's license and it is not suspended or expired for more than two years, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. To renew online, log into your ICBC account on the website, select your license, and follow the prompts. You will pay the renewal fee online and receive a temporary license when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 10 to 15 business days.

To renew by mail, request a renewal form from ICBC or read it from the website, fill it out, and mail it with your payment and current license. Mail renewal takes longer — typically three to four weeks total — so this option works best if your license is not expiring soon. You cannot renew by mail or online if your license is expired, if you need to update your photo, or if you have medical or legal restrictions on your license.

Parking and Getting There

The downtown Vancouver Driver Services Centre at 865 Hornby Street is in the financial district, close to transit and street parking. The nearest SkyTrain station is Burrard, about a five-minute walk away. Street parking is available but can be tight during business hours — a paid parking lot is located one block away at 900 Hornby Street. The Burnaby location has its own parking lot, making it easier if you are driving.

If you are using transit, check TransLink's trip planner for the fastest route from your location. Both offices are accessible by bus as well. Arriving by transit often saves time because you avoid parking hassles, especially during peak hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes, but you must renew in person at a driver services centre. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired. Book an appointment and bring your expired license along with proof of residency. There may be an additional fee for renewing an expired license, depending on how long it has been expired.

What if I lost my license and do not have a police report?

You can still replace it without a police report. Bring your proof of residency and any other ID you have. The staff member will ask you to sign a declaration stating the license was lost. A police report is only required if the license was stolen, not lost.

How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?

Your permanent plastic license arrives within 10 to 15 business days of your appointment. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day of your visit. If your permanent license does not arrive within three weeks, contact ICBC to check on it.

Can I book an appointment for someone else?

No, the person whose license is being serviced must book their own appointment and be present at the visit. A parent or guardian can book for a minor, but the minor must still attend the appointment.

What if I need to change my address but do not have a utility bill?

A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or any official mail from a government agency showing your name and new address works as proof of residency. It must be dated within the last three months. If you do not have any of these, contact ICBC before your appointment to ask what other documents they will accept.