British Columbia Driver's License Renewal

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British Columbia—
Drivers License—
Renewal

When To Renew Your Driver's License In British Columbia

Driver's license renewal in British Columbia should be initiated before the expiration date printed on the current license. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) typically sends renewal notices approximately 6-8 weeks before the license expiration date, which always falls on the holder's birthday.

Drivers are permitted to renew their licenses up to 180 days before the expiration date. It is advisable to renew well in advance to ensure continuous driving privileges and avoid potential penalties associated with driving with an expired license.

How To Renew Your Driver's License In British Columbia

Renewing a driver's license in British Columbia is straightforward. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) administers the process.

The general steps for license renewal include the following:

  1. Receiving a renewal notice from ICBC (if applicable)

  2. Gathering necessary documentation

  3. Paying the required renewal fee

  4. Updating personal information if necessary

  5. Taking a new photo (required every ten years)

Drivers can consult the ICBC license renewal page for detailed instructions on the renewal process.

How To Renew Expired Driver's License In British Columbia

If your driver's license has expired, you must visit an ICBC driver licensing office to renew it. Here's what to do:

  1. Gather the required documents:

    • One piece of primary ID (e.g., birth certificate, passport, Canadian citizenship card)

    • One piece of secondary ID (e.g., BC Services Card, bank card with your signature)

    • Proof of B.C. residency (e.g., utility bill, mortgage statement, rental agreement)

  2. Visit an ICBC driver licensing office. Be prepared to:

    • Complete a renewal application form

    • Pay the renewal fee plus any additional late fees or fines

    • Pass a vision screening test

    • Have your photo taken for your new license

If your license has expired for over three years, you may also be required to pass a knowledge test and a road test to demonstrate your driving skills.

How Much Is Driver's License Renewal In British Columbia?

The cost to renew your driver's license in British Columbia:

• 5-year renewal: $75

• 5-year renewal for seniors (65+): $17

These fees are accurate as of 2024 but are subject to change. You can check the current renewal fees on the ICBC website at https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/visit-dl-office/Fees or by contacting an ICBC driver licensing office.

If you are renewing an expired license, you may also need to pay additional late fees or fines, depending on how long your license has been expired.

Where To Renew Your Driver's License In British Columbia

You can renew your driver's license at any ICBC driver licensing office in British Columbia. There are offices located throughout the province, and you can find the one nearest you by:

• Using the ICBC locator tool on their website

• Calling ICBC's customer service line at 1-800-665-6442

ICBC driver licensing offices are typically open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering extended hours or Saturday service. To minimize your wait time, it's a good idea to check the hours of operation for the specific office you plan to visit and book an appointment if possible.

When you visit the office to renew your license, be sure to bring your renewal notice (if you received one), acceptable forms of ID, and payment for the renewal fee. The ICBC representative will guide you through the renewal process, which may include a vision screening test and having your photo taken for your new license.

Can I Renew My Driver's License Online In British Columbia?

No, you cannot currently renew your driver's license online in British Columbia. ICBC, the provincial agency responsible for driver licensing, only offers a partially online renewal option.

To renew your driver's license in B.C., you must visit an ICBC driver licensing office in person. In-person renewal ensures ICBC can verify your identity, update your photo, and complete any necessary tests or medical examinations.

What Documents Are Needed To Renew A Driver's License In British Columbia

Certain documents are required to verify identity and ensure the accuracy of personal information when renewing a driver's license in British Columbia. The specific documents needed may vary depending on the renewal method and individual circumstances.

Generally, the following documents are required for license renewal:

• Current driver's license (if not expired)

• Two pieces of accepted ID (if renewing in person)

• Proof of residency (if the address has changed)

• Medical forms (if applicable)

Can I Drive With An Expired License In British Columbia?

Driving with an expired license in British Columbia is not permitted and is considered a violation of the Motor Vehicle Act. Once a driver's license expires, it is no longer valid for operating a motor vehicle on public roads.

Consequences of driving with an expired license may include:

• Fines and penalties

• Potential vehicle impoundment

• Impact on insurance coverage in case of an accident

• Accumulation of penalty points on the driving record

What Is The Fine For Driving With An Expired License In British Columbia?

British Columbia's fine for driving with an expired license is $81. This fine is issued under the Motor Vehicle Act for operating a vehicle without a valid driver's license.

In addition to the $81 fine, you may also face a separate fine of $109 for failing to produce a valid driver's license when requested by a police officer. These fines are cumulative, meaning you could be charged with both offenses and required to pay a total of $190.

In addition to the fines, driving with an expired license carries three driver penalty points, which are added to your driving record. Accumulating multiple penalty points can lead to additional consequences, such as driver risk premiums or license suspensions.

Is A Medical Examination Required To Renew A Driver's License In British Columbia?

In most cases, a medical examination is optional to renew a driver's license in British Columbia. However, there are certain situations where ICBC may require a medical examination or additional information from a doctor to ensure a driver is medically fit to operate a vehicle safely.

You may be required to provide a medical examination or additional medical information if:

  1. You are 80 or older: Drivers aged 80 and above must complete a Driver's Medical Examination Report (DMER) every two years as part of the license renewal process. The DMER must be completed by a physician and submitted to ICBC.

  2. You have a medical condition that may affect your driving: If you have a medical condition or disability that could impact your ability to drive safely, such as vision problems, hearing loss, seizures, or cognitive impairments, you may be required to provide a DMER or additional medical information to ICBC.

  3. You have a commercial driver's license (Class 1, 2, 3, or 4): Commercial drivers must provide a DMER every five years until age 45, every three years from age 45 to 65, and annually after age 65.

  4. ICBC has reason to believe a medical examination is necessary: If ICBC receives information that suggests a driver may have a medical condition that could affect their driving ability, they may request a DMER or additional medical information, regardless of the driver's age or license type.

Suppose you are required to provide a medical examination or additional medical information for your driver's license renewal. In that case, ICBC will typically send you a notice in the mail outlining the requirements and deadlines for submission. Failure to provide the necessary medical information can result in the cancellation or non-renewal of your driver's license.

For more information on medical requirements for driver's license renewal in B.C., visit the ICBC website at https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/re-exam/Drivers-medical-exams or contact an ICBC driver licensing office.

Do I Have To Renew A Lost Driver's License In British Columbia

Yes, if you have lost your driver's license in British Columbia, you must replace it as soon as possible. Driving without a valid license in your possession is illegal and can result in fines and other penalties if you are pulled over by law enforcement.

To replace a lost driver's license, you must visit an ICBC driver licensing office in person. Here's what to do:

  1. Gather the required documents:

    • One piece of primary ID (e.g., birth certificate, passport, Canadian citizenship card)

    • One piece of secondary ID (e.g., BC Services Card, bank card with your signature)

  2. Visit an ICBC driver licensing office and:

    • Complete a license replacement application form

    • Pay the replacement fee (currently $17, subject to change)

    • Have your photo taken for your new license

  3. You will be issued an interim license, which is valid for 90 days, to use while waiting for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.

If your lost license was due to expire within the next six months, you might be required to renew it instead of simply replacing it. In this case, you'll need to follow the standard renewal process and pay the applicable renewal fee and the replacement fee.

Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)

Head Office: 151 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3H9

Phone: 1-800-665-6442

Website: https://www.icbc.com