How to Replace a Lost BC Driver's License

Getting a replacement BC driver's license after you've lost yours

You can replace a lost BC driver's license through the ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation. The fastest route is usually in person at an ICBC office or a private driver licensing agent, where you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day. If you choose to mail your request or use the online option, the replacement takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but you avoid a trip to the office.

The main thing ICBC needs from you is proof of identity and proof of residency, plus a completed form. You do not need to retake the driving test or pay a road test fee; you are straightforward replacing the card itself. The cost is a replacement fee set by ICBC, which varies depending on how long your license has left to run.

Key Takeaways

ICBC handles all BC driver's license replacements, and you can start the process in person, by mail, or online depending on how quickly you need the new card.
You will need two pieces of ID (one with a photo) and proof you live in BC, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement.
An in-person replacement at an ICBC office or private agent gives you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid while you wait for the plastic card.
Mail and online replacements take two to three weeks but cost the same and require the same documents.
You do not retake any test or pay a road test fee — the replacement fee covers only the new card.

Replacing your license in person at an ICBC office

Walking into an ICBC office is the fastest way to get a replacement. Bring your two pieces of ID (at least one with a photo, such as a passport or BC ID card) and proof of residency (a utility bill, bank statement, or lease dated within the last three months). You will also need to fill out form DL 44, which ICBC provides at the office or you can read from the ICBC website before you go.

When you hand in your documents, ICBC will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail, which usually takes two to three weeks. You pay the replacement fee at the time of your visit. Bring a debit or credit card — most ICBC offices accept both.

To find the ICBC office nearest you and check their hours, visit the ICBC website and use their office locator tool. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip during a slow period.

Using a private driver licensing agent

Private driver licensing agents are authorized by ICBC to handle certain transactions, including license replacements. These are often located in communities where there is no ICBC office nearby, or straightforward as a convenience option. You bring the same documents — two pieces of ID and proof of residency — and fill out the same form (DL 44).

The agent will issue you a temporary paper license and send your process to ICBC. The plastic card arrives by mail in the same timeframe as an in-person ICBC visit. Private agents may charge a small service fee on top of the ICBC replacement fee, so ask about the total cost when you call. To find a private agent near you, search the ICBC website for "private driver licensing agents" and your postal code.

Replacing your license by mail

If you prefer not to visit an office, you can mail your replacement request to ICBC. read and complete form DL 44 from the ICBC website, then photocopy both sides of your two pieces of ID and your proof of residency. Mail the completed form and copies to the ICBC address listed on their website.

Include a cheque or money order for the replacement fee (do not send cash). ICBC will process your request and mail the new plastic license to your address on file. This method takes two to three weeks from the time ICBC receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary paper license by mail, so if you need to drive before the new card arrives, this option is not practical.

Replacing your license online

ICBC offers online replacement for some driver's licenses through their website. You will need to log in using your BC Services Card or online banking credentials. The online process walks you through uploading photos of your ID and proof of residency, then paying the replacement fee by debit or credit card.

After you submit your online request, ICBC mails the new plastic license to your address on file, which takes two to three weeks. Like the mail option, you do not receive a temporary paper license, so you cannot drive legally until the new card arrives. The online route is useful if you want to avoid a trip to the office and do not need to drive in the meantime.

What documents you need for any replacement method

No matter which route you choose, ICBC requires the same documents. You need two pieces of identification, and at least one must have a photo. Acceptable photo ID includes a passport, BC ID card, provincial health card (in some cases), or a work ID with your photo. Non-photo ID can be a birth certificate, social insurance number letter, or a document from a government agency with your name and signature.

You also need proof that you live in BC. A utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, or property tax notice dated within the last three months all work. The document must show your current address. If you have recently moved and your ID does not yet show your new address, bring both your old ID and a proof of residency document showing your new address.

The replacement form itself is form DL 44, available on the ICBC website or at any ICBC office or private agent. You can fill it out at home before you go, or at the office if you prefer. If you are replacing your license by mail or online, you will need to print and sign the form yourself.

Understanding the replacement fee and timeline

ICBC charges a replacement fee for a lost license. The amount depends on how long your current license has left before it expires — a license with more years remaining costs more to replace than one expiring soon. Check the ICBC website or call ICBC directly to confirm the exact fee for your situation, as amounts can change.

The timeline varies by method. In-person at an ICBC office or private agent: you get a temporary paper license the same day, and the plastic card arrives in two to three weeks. By mail or online: the plastic card arrives in two to three weeks, with no temporary license issued. During the wait for the plastic card, the temporary paper license (if you received one) is your proof of a valid license for driving and for showing police if stopped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license to arrive?

Yes, if you received a temporary paper license from an ICBC office or private agent. This temporary license is valid for driving while the plastic card is in the mail. If you applied by mail or online, you do not receive a temporary license, so you cannot drive legally until the new plastic card arrives.

What if my address has changed since my old license was issued?

Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within three months) along with your old ID. ICBC will update your address on the new license. You do not need to visit twice or complete a separate address change form for a replacement.

Do I need to retake a driving test to replace a lost license?

No. A replacement is straightforward a new card with the same license class and restrictions you already had. You do not retake any test or pay a road test fee — only the replacement fee for the card itself.

What if I lost my license outside of BC?

You can still replace it through ICBC using any of the methods described here. If you are out of province and need to drive before the replacement arrives, contact ICBC to ask about a temporary license or other options for your specific situation.

How long does the plastic card take to arrive after I explore?

Typically two to three weeks from the time ICBC processes your process. Processing time can vary depending on mail delays and ICBC's workload. If you need your license urgently, an in-person visit is your best option because you leave with a temporary paper license the same day.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.