What Is License Plate Replacement In British Columbia?
License plate replacement in British Columbia involves obtaining new license plates when your current ones are lost, stolen, damaged, or need replacing. The process is managed by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), the provincial agency responsible for vehicle registration and licensing.
Replacing your license plates ensures your vehicle displays valid, legible plates as required by the Motor Vehicle Act. It's essential to replace plates promptly to avoid fines or other penalties.
When Do You Need To Replace Your British Columbia License Plate?
British Columbia license plates must be replaced in several situations to comply with provincial regulations and ensure proper vehicle identification. The primary circumstances requiring license plate replacement include:
• Physical damage that affects legibility
• Loss or theft of one or both plates
• Fading or peeling of the plate's reflective coating
• When switching to a different plate type (e.g., personalized plates)
• If the plate is deemed obsolete by ICBC
Additionally, British Columbia periodically updates its license plate designs, which may necessitate replacement to comply with current standards. Vehicle owners are responsible for ensuring their license plates remain in good condition and meet all legal requirements.
How Can You Get A Replacement License Plate In British Columbia?
Obtaining a replacement license plate in British Columbia involves a straightforward process administered by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). To initiate the replacement, vehicle owners must follow these general steps:
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Report lost or stolen plates to the police and obtain a police file number
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Visit an Autoplan broker office
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Provide necessary documentation (vehicle registration, driver's license, police file number if applicable)
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Pay the required replacement fee
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Receive new plates or a temporary permit while waiting for plate manufacture
Additional steps may be required for specialty plates, such as personalized plates. It's important to note that the specific requirements may vary depending on the reason for replacement and the type of plate being replaced.
Where Can You Replace A License Plate In British Columbia?
You can replace your license plates at any Autoplan broker's office in British Columbia. There are over 900 brokers located throughout the province. To find a broker near you:
• Use the ICBC broker locator tool at icbc.com/locators
• Call ICBC customer service at 1-800-663-3051
• Check your local directory or search online for "Autoplan brokers."
Brokers' offices are typically open Monday to Friday during regular business hours, with some offering extended or weekend hours. Call ahead or check the broker's website for their specific hours and any additional services they offer.
Can You Replace A British Columbia License Plate Online?
No, you cannot currently replace a British Columbia license plate online. The plate replacement process requires you to visit an Autoplan broker in person with your required documentation and payment.
While some ICBC services, like renewing your insurance or driver's license, can be completed online, replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged plate still requires an in-person visit. This ensures proper identification and documentation and allows the broker to issue your new plates physically.
For the most up-to-date information on online services, check the ICBC website or contact their customer service line at 1-800-663-3051.
When Must You Replace Your License Plate In British Columbia?
In British Columbia, you must replace your license plates as soon as you become aware that they are lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise invalid. Driving without valid plates violates the Motor Vehicle Act and can result in fines and other penalties.
Specific timelines for replacement include:
• If your plates are lost or stolen, replace them immediately and report the incident to police for a case number
• If your plates are damaged or illegible, replace them within 30 days of the damage occurring
• If you're issued new plates after a renewal or transfer, install them on your vehicle as soon as you receive them
Failing to replace invalid plates can lead to a $109 fine for operating a vehicle without proper number plates. It's essential to act quickly to ensure your vehicle always displays valid, legible plates.
Do You Need Insurance To Get Replacement Plates In British Columbia?
Yes, you need to have valid Autoplan insurance to get replacement license plates in British Columbia. When you visit an Autoplan broker to request new plates, they'll verify that your vehicle insurance is current before processing your replacement request.
If your insurance has expired, you'll need to renew it before obtaining new plates. This is because vehicle registration and insurance are tied together in B.C. under the Autoplan system, administered by ICBC.
Driving without insurance is a serious offense under the Motor Vehicle Act, with penalties including fines up to $598 and possible vehicle impoundment. Always ensure your insurance is up to date to avoid these consequences and to be able to replace your plates when needed.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A License Plate In British Columbia?
The cost of replacing a regular passenger vehicle license plate in British Columbia is $18 per plate. This fee applies whether you're replacing one or both plates. Here's a breakdown of the possible fees:
• Replacing one license plate: $18
• Replacing a personalized plate: $50 (in addition to a regular plate replacement fee)
Payment can be made by cash, debit card, credit card, or personal check at any Autoplan broker's office. Some brokers may charge an additional service fee, so it's best to ask about total costs before proceeding with your replacement.
How Long Does It Take To Get Replacement License Plates In British Columbia?
In most cases, you can get your replacement license plates immediately when you visit an Autoplan broker's office in British Columbia. The broker will process your request and issue you new plates on the spot as long as you have all the required documentation and payment.
The entire process typically takes less than an hour, depending on the broker's current volume of customers. If the broker offers that option, it's a good idea to call ahead and ask about wait times or to make an appointment.
In some cases, such as replacing a personalized plate or specialty plate, your new plates may need to be ordered. The broker will provide you with a temporary permit to display in your vehicle while you wait for your plates to arrive by mail, which usually takes 2-4 weeks.
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)
Head Office: 151 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3H9
Phone: 1-800-663-3051
Website: https://www.icbc.com