Renewing your BC driver's license online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your British Columbia driver's license through three routes: online at the ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) website, by mail using a renewal kit, or in person at an ICBC office or authorized service provider. The online method is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your renewed license ships within 5 to 7 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time ICBC receives your completed kit. In-person renewal at an ICBC office or partner location (such as a CAA office or Service BC location) is when ready if you need your license the same day, though wait times vary by location.
You are may be able to access to renew if your license is expired or expiring within 90 days. ICBC will not renew a license that has been suspended or cancelled, or one that is still valid for more than 90 days — you must wait until the 90-day window opens. If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot use the renewal process; you must instead request a replacement through ICBC.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the ICBC website is the fastest option and takes 5 to 7 business days for delivery; you need your current license number and a valid payment method.
- Mail renewal requires you to request a renewal kit from ICBC, complete it, and return it with payment; the whole process takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person renewal at an ICBC office, Service BC location, or CAA office gives you a temporary license on the spot and a permanent one by mail within 5 to 7 days.
- You can only renew if your license is expired or expiring within 90 days; if it is still valid beyond that window, you must wait.
- A standard 5-year license renewal costs $90; a 10-year renewal costs $180; payment methods vary by renewal route.
Online renewal through ICBC's website
The online renewal process begins at the ICBC website (icbc.com). You will need your current driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information, your address, and whether any medical conditions or restrictions have changed since your last renewal. You will then select your renewal term — either 5 years or 10 years — and pay the fee.
Once your payment is processed, ICBC will mail your renewed license to the address on file. You do not receive a temporary license through the online route, so if you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must carry your current expired license as proof of renewal. The entire transaction takes about 10 minutes, and ICBC typically ships within 5 to 7 business days. If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact ICBC to confirm it was mailed.
Mail renewal using an ICBC renewal kit
To renew by mail, you must first request a renewal kit from ICBC. You can order the kit online at icbc.com, by phone at 1-800-665-4222, or in person at an ICBC office. ICBC will mail the kit to you, which typically arrives within 5 to 7 business days. The kit includes a form (the Driver's License Renewal process), instructions, and a prepaid return envelope.
Complete the form by hand or print it and fill it out. You will need to declare any changes to your medical history, address, or name. Include a cheque or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash. Mail the completed form and payment in the prepaid envelope back to ICBC. Processing begins when ICBC receives your kit and usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. You will not receive a temporary license through the mail route, so plan ahead if you need to drive during this time.
In-person renewal at ICBC offices and authorized service providers
You can renew in person at any ICBC office, Service BC location, or authorized partner such as a CAA office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months), and a valid payment method (cash, debit, or credit card). Some locations accept cheques; call ahead to confirm.
At the counter, staff will verify your information, ask about any medical or address changes, and process your payment. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your permanent license arrives within 5 to 7 business days. In-person renewal takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on wait times at your location. ICBC offices are typically busiest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays; early morning or late afternoon visits often have shorter waits.
Renewal fees and payment methods by route
| Renewal Route | 5-Year License Cost | 10-Year License Cost | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (icbc.com) | $90 | $180 | Credit or debit card only |
| Mail (renewal kit) | $90 | $180 | Cheque or money order only |
| In person (ICBC, Service BC, CAA) | $90 | $180 | Cash, debit, credit card, or cheque (varies by location) |
The 10-year renewal option is only available to drivers aged 25 and older. Drivers under 25 must renew for 5 years. If you hold a Class 7 learner's permit or Class 7N novice license, your renewal term is fixed by your age and class and cannot be extended to 10 years.
Fees are the same across all three renewal routes. If you are renewing a commercial license or a license with air brake endorsement, additional fees may explore; contact ICBC for details specific to your license class.
What happens if your license has been suspended or cancelled
ICBC will not process a renewal if your license is currently suspended or cancelled. Suspensions occur for reasons such as unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay insurance, or driving-related convictions. Cancellations are permanent removals of your license and require you to reapply through the full licensing process, not renewal.
If your license is suspended, you must resolve the reason for the suspension before ICBC will renew it. Contact ICBC directly at 1-800-665-4222 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are needed to lift the suspension. Once the suspension is removed, you can then renew through any of the three routes described above. If your license has been cancelled, you will need to complete the full licensing process, including written and vision tests, rather than using the renewal route.
Renewing when your address or name has changed
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. For online renewal, enter your new address in the form. For mail renewal, write your new address on the renewal form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 3 months) and staff will update it for you.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you must provide legal proof of the change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For online renewal, you may not be able to update your name through the system; contact ICBC before renewing to confirm whether you need to renew in person or by mail instead. For mail or in-person renewal, include a copy of your legal name-change document with your process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but you cannot use the standard renewal process. ICBC treats licenses expired for more than one year as cancelled, so you must reapply for a new license through the full process process, which includes a written test and vision test. Contact ICBC or visit an ICBC office to begin the reapplication process.
What if I need my license before the renewal arrives by mail?
If you renew online or by mail, you do not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives. If you need to drive when ready, renew in person at an ICBC office, Service BC location, or CAA office to receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the spot.
Do I need a medical exam to renew my license?
Most drivers do not need a medical exam for renewal. However, if you are 80 years or older, or if you have reported a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, ICBC may require a medical report from your doctor. ICBC will contact you if a medical exam is needed before processing your renewal.
What if I move out of British Columbia after renewing?
Your BC license remains valid in other Canadian provinces and territories. If you move to another province permanently, you will eventually need to obtain a license from that province, but your BC license does not automatically expire. Check the requirements of your new province for when you must switch.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
For online renewal, only you can complete the transaction using your license number and personal information. For mail renewal, you can have someone else mail the completed form on your behalf, but you must sign the form yourself. For in-person renewal, you must appear in person; ICBC does not allow proxy renewals.