Yes, you can renew after expiry, but the process changes
You can renew your BC driver's license after it expires, but you cannot drive legally on an expired license while you wait for the new one. If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can renew it by mail or online through the Service BC website — the same routes available for a license that has not yet expired. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must visit a Service BC office in person and may need to retake the written knowledge test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired.
The key difference is timing: renewing before expiry takes a few weeks and costs the standard renewal fee. Renewing after expiry may take longer, costs more, and requires in-person verification. You also cannot legally drive during the gap between expiry and approval, so the sooner you start the process, the sooner you can drive again.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired less than two years can be renewed by mail or online through Service BC, using the same process as a non-expired renewal.
- Licenses expired more than two years require an in-person visit to a Service BC office and may require you to retake written and vision tests.
- You cannot legally drive on an expired license, even if your renewal is in progress, so plan ahead to avoid a gap in your driving privileges.
- Renewal fees are higher for late renewals than for on-time renewals, and the exact cost depends on the type of license and how long it has been expired.
- Mail and online renewals typically take two to four weeks; in-person renewals at a Service BC office can sometimes be completed the same day.
Renewing within two years of expiry
If your license expired within the last two years, you have two main options: renew online through the Service BC website or renew by mail. Both routes use the same process form and cost the same as a standard renewal, though you may pay a small late fee on top of the base renewal cost.
To renew online, visit the Service BC website, log in with your BC Services Card username and password, and follow the prompts to submit your renewal request. You will need to provide your driver's license number, confirm your personal information, and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. The new license is mailed to your address on file, usually within two to four weeks.
To renew by mail, read the Driver's License Renewal form from the Service BC website or pick one up at a Service BC office, fill it out, and mail it with a cheque or money order to the address listed on the form. Include a photocopy of both sides of your expired license. Mail-in renewals also take two to four weeks.
Renewing after more than two years of expiry
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Service BC office in person. At the office, you will need to bring your expired license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).
Depending on how long your license has been expired, the Service BC staff member may ask you to retake the written knowledge test, the vision test, or both. If your license expired between two and five years ago, you typically retake the vision test only. If it expired more than five years ago, you usually retake both the written test and the vision test. Some offices can complete the renewal the same day if you pass the tests; others may mail the new license to you within two to four weeks.
The cost of a late renewal is higher than a standard renewal. The exact amount depends on your license type and how long it has been expired, so ask the Service BC staff member for the total fee before you pay.
What documents you need to bring
| Renewal Type | Documents Required | Where to Submit |
|---|---|---|
| Online (expired less than 2 years) | Driver's license number, BC Services Card login | Service BC website |
| By mail (expired less than 2 years) | Completed form, photocopy of expired license front and back, cheque or money order | Mailed to Service BC address on form |
| In person (expired more than 2 years) | Expired license, proof of identity, proof of current address | Service BC office |
Finding a Service BC office near you
Service BC offices are located throughout the province in cities and towns. To find the office nearest you, visit the Service BC website and use the office locator tool, or call 1-800-663-7867. Some offices require an appointment, while others accept walk-ins. During busy periods, wait times can be long, so calling ahead or booking an appointment online (if available) can save you time.
If you live in a remote area without a nearby Service BC office, you may be able to renew by mail even if your license has been expired for more than two years. Contact Service BC by phone to ask whether your situation qualifies for a mail renewal exception.
Driving while your renewal is being processed
You cannot legally drive on an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal request and are waiting for approval. If you are stopped by police, you must show a valid license. Driving on an expired license can result in a fine and may affect your insurance claim if you are in an accident.
If you need to drive before your renewal is approved, you have two options: wait until the new license arrives, or explore for a temporary driving permit. A temporary permit is valid for a short period (usually 30 days) and allows you to drive while your renewal is in progress. You can request a temporary permit when you submit your renewal process, either online or by mail, or by visiting a Service BC office in person.
Late renewal fees and costs
Renewing after your license expires costs more than renewing before it expires. The base renewal fee for a five-year license is one amount; the late renewal fee is higher. The exact cost depends on your license type (standard, commercial, motorcycle, or other) and how long it has been expired. Service BC does not publish a single late fee amount because it varies by situation.
When you start your renewal, the Service BC website or office staff will show you the total cost before you pay. If you are renewing by mail, include payment with your process; if you are renewing online, you will pay by card at the end of the process; if you are renewing in person, you will pay at the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to a Service BC office if my license is expired?
No. You cannot legally drive on an expired license. If you need to visit a Service BC office to renew, arrange a ride with someone who has a valid license, use a taxi or rideshare service, or use public transit. If you have a temporary driving permit, you can drive to the office.
How long does it take to get a renewed license in the mail?
Mail and online renewals typically take two to four weeks from the date Service BC receives your process. In-person renewals at a Service BC office may be completed the same day, or the license may be mailed to you within two to four weeks, depending on the office and whether you need to retake tests.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?
You can still renew without the physical license. Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID) and proof of your current address to a Service BC office. The staff member can look up your license record in the system and process your renewal. You may pay a small fee for a duplicate or replacement license.
Do I have to retake the written test if my license expired five years ago?
Yes. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you typically must retake both the written knowledge test and the vision test. If it expired between two and five years ago, you usually retake the vision test only. The Service BC staff member will tell you which tests you need when you arrive at the office.
Can I renew online if my license expired three years ago?
No. Online and mail renewals are only available if your license expired within the last two years. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must visit a Service BC office in person.