Renewing Your B.C. Driver's Licence: A Complete ICBC Guide

Renewing your British Columbia driver's licence is a routine but essential task that every driver must complete to stay legally on the road. The process, managed by ICBC, ensures that your photo and personal information are up to date and that you continue to meet the vision standards required for safe driving.

While it may seem like a simple chore, knowing the process ahead of time can make your visit to the driver licensing office quick and efficient. This guide will cover everything you need to know about renewing your B.C. licence, from timelines and fees to medical requirements and out-of-province renewals.

When Do You Need to Renew?

A standard B.C. driver's licence is valid for five years and expires on your birthday.

• Renewal Reminder: ICBC will mail you a renewal reminder notice about six weeks before your licence is set to expire. This notice will be sent to the most recent address on your record. It's a helpful reminder, but it is ultimately your responsibility to know your expiry date and renew on time.
• Renewal Window: You can renew your licence up to 180 days (6 months) before it expires. There is no reason to wait until the last minute. Renewing early gives you plenty of time to handle any potential issues without the stress of an impending deadline.

The In-Person Renewal Process

In British Columbia, you must renew your driver's licence in person at an ICBC driver licensing office. Online renewals for driver's licences are not available.

Steps for a Smooth Renewal:

1. Book an Appointment (Highly Recommended): While some offices may accept walk-ins, booking an appointment online through the ICBC website is the best way to avoid long waits. Appointments are available for "Driver's licence renewal, replacement, or BCID" at most locations.
2. Bring Your Current Licence and ID: You will need to surrender your expiring driver's licence. You will also need to provide a second piece of acceptable ID (like a BC Services Card, passport, or credit card).
3. Take a New Photo: A new photograph will be taken for your new licence card.
4. Pass a Vision Screening: A simple vision test will be conducted to check if you meet the provincial standards for safe driving. If you require glasses or contact lenses to drive, make sure you wear them for the test.
5. Answer a few Questions: You will be asked to confirm your address and to declare any new or changed medical conditions that could impact your ability to drive.
6. Pay the Renewal Fee: You will need to pay the required fee for your new licence. ICBC accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.

After completing the process, you will receive a temporary paper licence. This interim licence is valid for 30 days and should be kept with your old photo licence until your new card arrives in the mail, which typically takes 4-6 weeks.

Medical Fitness and Renewal

Public safety is a top priority, so some drivers may have additional medical requirements at the time of renewal.

• Driver's Medical Examination Report: You may be asked by ICBC to have a medical examination completed by your doctor. This is standard for:
  • Drivers with certain known medical conditions.
  • Drivers 80 years of age and older (required at every renewal).
  • Drivers renewing a commercial licence (Class 1, 2, 3, or 4).
• If ICBC requires a report from you, they will send you a letter and the necessary form in the mail. You must take this form to your doctor for completion and then submit it to ICBC. Your renewal cannot be processed until the medical report has been reviewed and approved.

Renewing an Expired Licence

Driving with an expired licence is illegal. If you let your licence expire, the renewal process depends on how long it has been expired.

• Expired for Less Than 3 Years: You can usually renew your licence by following the standard in-person process. You will not have to re-take any tests.
• Expired for More Than 3 Years: You are no longer eligible for a simple renewal. You must re-qualify by starting the licensing process over again. This means you will have to pass the knowledge test and a road test to be issued a new licence.

Renewing While Outside of B.C.

If you are temporarily outside of British Columbia for reasons such as attending school, working, or travelling, and cannot return to renew in person, you may be able to apply for an extension. You must contact ICBC directly by phone before your licence expires to explain your situation and see if you are eligible. This is not a renewal, but rather a temporary extension to keep your licence from lapsing until you can return.

By planning ahead and booking an appointment, you can make your B.C. driver's licence renewal a quick and painless process.