How To Change Information on a Vehicle Permit In British Columbia?
British Columbia residents are required by law to maintain current and accurate information on their vehicle registration documents. All vehicle registration updates must be processed through Autoplan brokers or ICBC driver licensing offices.
Change of Address Requirements
The Motor Vehicle Act requires individuals to update their address within 10 days of moving. The address on vehicle registration documents must reflect the owner's primary residence.
Address Update Methods
British Columbia offers multiple methods for updating address information on driver's licences, which automatically updates vehicle registration records:
- Online: Through the BC address change service
- By phone: Calling ICBC at 1-800-950-1498
- In-person: Visiting an ICBC driver licensing office with required documentation
Documentation Requirements
Individuals updating their address must provide:
- Valid identification documents showing current address
- If identification does not show the current address, recent utility bills or other proof of residence may be required
Address Stickers
Individuals with photo BC Services Cards will receive an updated address sticker to attach to their card following online or telephone address changes.
Change of Name Procedures
Name changes on vehicle registration documents require specific documentation to verify the legitimacy of the requested modification. All name changes must be processed in-person at ICBC driver licensing offices.
Marriage-Related Name Changes
British Columbia residents who marry are not required to complete a legal change of name to assume their spouse's surname. Under Section 3 of the Name Act, individuals may use their current surname, their spouse's surname, or a combination of both surnames following marriage.
Acceptable documentation for marriage-related name changes includes:
- Marriage certificates issued in British Columbia
- Marriage certificates from other jurisdictions
- Birth certificates showing the connection between former and current names
Legal Name Changes
Individuals who have completed formal legal name change processes must present their Certificate of Change of Name issued by the BC Vital Statistics Agency. This certificate serves as primary evidence of the official name modification.
Legal name change applications processed through BC Vital Statistics require:
- Residency in British Columbia for at least three months
- Criminal record check for applicants aged 12 years and older
- Application fee of $137 per adult
- Processing time of approximately 24 weeks
Divorce-Related Name Changes
Individuals seeking to revert to previous names following divorce may present:
- Divorce certificates that include both married and previous names
- Court orders relating to name changes
- Birth certificates showing original names
- Marriage certificates demonstrating the link between surnames
Reverting to Birth Surname
Individuals who assumed a spouse's surname may revert to their birth surname at any time without completing a formal legal name change. To update identification documents, individuals must present:
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate or Canadian Citizenship Certificate proving the link between the two surnames
Common Law Relationships
British Columbia recognizes common law relationships for name change purposes when individuals have been living together in a marriage-like relationship. Documentation requirements vary depending on the specific circumstances and the policies of individual government agencies.
Amending Sex Information
British Columbia permits individuals to change gender designations on government-issued identification to "M" (male), "F" (female), or "X" (for individuals who do not identify as either male or female). The Vital Statistics Act removed the requirement for surgery before individuals can change the gender designation on their identification documents.
Gender Designation Options
British Columbia residents have two options for changing their gender designation on driver's licences and vehicle registration documents:
With an Updated Birth Certificate
Individuals who have updated their birth certificate with BC Vital Statistics may:
- Submit a copy of the updated birth certificate to Health Insurance BC
- Visit an ICBC driver licensing office in person with the updated birth certificate
- Complete the gender designation change without additional supporting documentation
Without an Updated Birth Certificate
Individuals who have not updated their birth certificate must:
- Complete an Application for Change of Gender Designation (Adult) or Application for Change of Gender Designation (Minor)
- Submit the completed application with supporting documentation to Health Insurance BC
- Visit an ICBC driver licensing office in person with copies of these documents along with primary and secondary identification