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Welcome to B.C.! After moving here, you have 90 days to switch over your licence. You can drive with an existing, valid licence in the meantime. 

How to apply for a B.C. licence

To apply for a B.C. driver’s licence, go to any driver licensing office in B.C. Bring the following to apply for your licence:

Changes for new B.C. residents

Starting September 1, 2019, new B.C. residents will only be required to provide their driver licence history — proof of insurance is no longer required. However, their premiums will be adjusted for the first three years of driving in B.C. due to the increased risks associated with driving in a new area.

Each year you remain crash-free, your discount increases.

ICBC will credit you with up to 15 years of driving experience (up from eight years) upon receipt of a driver’s abstract showing the original date that you received your licence. (Customers who moved to B.C. and received their B.C. driver’s licence prior to September 1, 2019, will automatically have their years of experience adjusted.)

When obtaining your B.C. licence, you can provide your original driver’s abstract in person at a driver licensing office.

Driving experience requirement

If you don’t have two years’ driving experience (with a full-privilege, non-learner licence) or can’t prove it, you can still get a B.C. licence by going through the graduated licensing program. You’ll get credit for however long you have been driving.

Commercial licences

Some commercial licences may not be equivalent. To check, visit a driver licensing office or contact us.

Just visiting or going to school?

If you are just visiting here up to six months or are a full time student at a designated institution you may not have to switch your licence. For more information, please contact us.

Giving up your previous licence

Please note than when you qualify for your new B.C. licence, you’ll need to surrender your previous licence to ICBC. B.C. law requires that you only have one driver’s licence.

More information

If you’re unsure about your driving experience or have other questions, contact us. It could save you an extra trip to a driver licensing office.