In British Columbia, keeping your driver's licence or BCID up to date is a standard part of life. Whether you need to renew an expired card, replace one that has been lost, or simply update your information, understanding the process can help you manage your documentation effectively.
This guide provides practical information on how to handle these common situations, helping you navigate the system with clarity.
Renewing Your Driver's Licence
Most drivers are required to renew their licence every five years and it's a good practice to complete the renewal before it expires, so your legality for driving is not impacted. Drivers in BC can renew their licence up to six months before their current licence. Renewing early does not shorten the licence validity period; the new five-year term will begin on the driver's next birthday.
ICBC requires drivers to renew their licence in-person, and this can be done at any ICBC driver licensing office, which are located in just about every city throughout the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland. You should be prepared to bring your current licence and two pieces of accepted identification. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait times, but you can check for walk-in availability. During your visit, you will have your photo taken and your vision screened, so if you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses be sure to bring them along!
You must also bring along the fee for licence renewal. For a five-year renewal, the fee is $75 and this can be paid with cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards and personal cheques. For a senior’s drivers licence (aged 65 and over), the cost is only $17.
Replacing a Lost or Stolen Licence
If your driver's licence or BCID is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement. It is a good idea to report a stolen card to the local police first, as this creates a record that can help protect you from identity theft. To get a new card, you will need to visit a driver licensing office and you will be asked to present two pieces of accepted identification, have a new photo taken, and pay a replacement fee. For a replacement licence, the fee is $17 and this can be paid with cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards and personal cheques.
Keeping Your Information Up to Date
You are legally required to keep the information on your licence current. You must update the address on your driver's licence or BCID within 10 days of moving. A change of address on a driver’s licence can be updated online, by phone, or in-person at a driver licensing office. If you need to change the address on a BCID, this must be completed in-person or by phone. Updating your name, however, requires a visit in-person, and you must bring the legal documents that confirm the change, such as a marriage certificate or a legal name change certificate.
If a family member is deceased, the licence must be cancelled by a relative. This can be done by bringing a death certificate to an ICBC office.
Special Considerations for Senior Drivers
As drivers get older, RoadSafetyBC puts a strong focus on ensuring seniors continue to be safe while behind the wheel. It is a common misconception that every senior must take a road test to renew their licence, but this is not the case. The process typically begins with a "Driver's Medical Examination Report." RoadSafetyBC will send this form to drivers starting at age 80, and then again at age 85, and every two years after. This form must be completed by a doctor or a nurse practitioner. The purpose of this report is to assess medical fitness to drive, including vision, cognitive function, and physical health. This is a medical check-up, not a road test, and your doctor may charge a fee for completing the report.
After reviewing the medical report, RoadSafetyBC will determine if any further action is needed. In some cases, a driver may be asked to complete an "Enhanced Road Assessment" (ERA). It is important to know that an ERA is not a standard pass-or-fail road test. Instead, it is an on-road assessment to evaluate a driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle despite any potential medical or cognitive changes. A driver of any age may be referred for an ERA, not just seniors. If you are preparing for an ERA, consider taking a refresher course from a driving instructor to sharpen your skills.
For seniors who decide to stop driving, they can exchange their driver's licence for a free BC Identification Card (BCID) at any driver licensing office. This provides them with a valid government-issued photo ID.
Information for New BC Residents
If you are a new resident of British Columbia, you can use your out-of-province or out-of-country driver's licence for up to 90 days. After that, you must obtain a BC licence.
To exchange your licence, you will need to book an appointment at a driver licensing office. You should bring your current valid driver's licence, two pieces of accepted identification, and documentation that proves your driving history. The need for a knowledge test or road test depends on where your previous licence was issued. You can find a list of jurisdictions that have a reciprocal agreement with BC on the ICBC website.
Enhanced Driver's Licence (EDL) and Enhanced ID Card (EIC)
The Enhanced Driver's Licence (EDL) and Enhanced ID Card (EIC) programs have been discontinued in British Columbia. While new EDLs or EICs are no longer being issued, any existing cards remain valid until their expiry date. When your card expires, you will receive a standard BC driver's licence or BCID upon renewal. For those who currently hold one of these cards, they can still be used for land border crossings into the United States, as was their original purpose.
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Keeping your BC driver's licence or BCID up-to-date is a simple process once you are aware of the requirements. By planning ahead for renewals, knowing the steps to take for a replacement, and understanding how to update your personal details, you can manage your documentation with confidence.
For more detailed information, you can find A Guide To Enhanced Road Assessments and advice on How Do You Update Your Driver's Licence From Another Country? on our blog.