How To Renew a Vehicle Registration in British Columbia
Vehicle registration renewal in British Columbia is a mandatory requirement under provincial law, governed by the Motor Vehicle Act. Unlike other provinces, British Columbia integrates vehicle registration with insurance through the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), creating a unified system administered through ICBC's Autoplan program.
The province offers multiple renewal methods through ICBC's comprehensive network, ensuring accessibility and convenience for all residents across the province's diverse geographic regions.
Online Renewal Process
ICBC provides online vehicle registration renewal through their secure digital platform, offering 24/7 access for eligible insurance policies and registrations. This system represents the most convenient option for straightforward renewals without modifications to personal information or coverage details.
Online renewal eligibility requires meeting specific criteria established by ICBC. The system processes renewals for policies expiring within 44 days and requires secure authentication through either the BC Services Card app or Interac verification service. Customers must possess valid login credentials, which require advance setup and verification before the renewal deadline.
Required Information for Online Renewal:
• Valid BC Services Card app or Interac verification account
• Current insurance policy information
• Vehicle odometer reading for usage-based discount consideration
• Credit card for full payment or bank account information for installment plans
• Birth date and BC driver's licence number for any drivers being added to the policy
ICBC Online Renewal Portal
Online Portal: icbc.com
Customer Service: 604-661-2800 (Lower Mainland)
Toll-free: 1-800-663-3051
In-Person Renewal at Autoplan Brokers
In-person renewal at authorized Autoplan broker offices provides comprehensive service options, accommodating all registration types and any necessary modifications to insurance coverage or registration information.
Required documents for in-person renewal:
• Valid British Columbia driver's licence or government-issued identification
• Current insurance policy documents or renewal reminder
• Vehicle information including make, model, year, and vehicle identification number
• Odometer reading for usage-based discount programs
Autoplan Broker Services
Find a Broker: icbc.com/locators
Customer Service: 604-661-2800 (Lower Mainland)
Toll-free: 1-800-663-3051
Phone Renewal Option
ICBC offers phone renewal services through authorized Autoplan brokers, providing an alternative for customers who prefer personal assistance or cannot access online services.
Requirements for phone renewal:
• Valid policy number and personal identification information
• Current driver's licence and contact information
• Payment method (credit card or bank account information)
• Vehicle details and current odometer reading
Special Processing Requirements
Outstanding Violations and Financial Obligations
British Columbia's integrated registration system requires resolution of outstanding fines, penalties, and other financial obligations before processing renewal applications. The Motor Vehicle Act provides ICBC with the authority to restrict registration renewals until all outstanding obligations are satisfied.
Covered violations include traffic infractions under the Motor Vehicle Act, administrative penalties, municipal parking violations, and court-ordered financial obligations.
Violations can be resolved through multiple channels, including online payment systems, ICBC customer service centers, court payment facilities, or participating financial institutions.
Registration Integrated with Insurance System
British Columbia operates a unique integrated system where vehicle registration is combined with mandatory insurance coverage through ICBC's Autoplan program. This means that renewing insurance automatically updates vehicle registration, and registration cannot be maintained without current insurance coverage.
Grace Period and Enforcement Policy
British Columbia maintains strict enforcement of registration expiry dates under the Motor Vehicle Act. Operating a motor vehicle with expired registration subjects the owner to immediate penalties, fines, and potential vehicle impoundment under provincial regulations.
ICBC provides renewal notices in advance of expiry dates, and customers can renew up to 55 days before their current policy expires.
How Much Does It Cost to Renew a Vehicle Registration in British Columbia?
Vehicle registration and licensing fees in British Columbia are established through the Motor Vehicle Fees Regulation (B.C. Reg. 334/91), maintained under the authority of the Motor Vehicle Act.
All vehicle registrations in British Columbia are processed through ICBC's integrated insurance and registration system, meaning registration fees are combined with mandatory insurance premiums to create comprehensive vehicle licensing costs. The system eliminates separate registration transactions while ensuring all vehicles maintain both current registration and insurance coverage.
Standard Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees
Private Passenger Motor Vehicles
Standard passenger vehicles including cars, station wagons, and light trucks are classified under private passenger motor vehicle categories based on net weight specifications.
| Weight Category | Vehicle Weight Range | Government Registration/Licence Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight Vehicles | not exceeding 1,000 kg | $46.00 |
| Standard Vehicles | 1,001 kg - 1,400 kg | $53.00 |
| Medium Vehicles | 1,401 kg - 1,900 kg | $61.00 |
| Heavy Vehicles | 1,901 kg - 2,300 kg | $84.00 |
| Extra Heavy Vehicles | 2,301 kg - 2,800 kg | $122.00 |
| Maximum Weight Private Vehicles | exceeding 2,800 kg | $142.00 |
Additional registration processing fee for all vehicles: $18.00
These fees are collected as part of the mandatory ICBC insurance premium and do not include insurance coverage costs, which vary based on vehicle type, driver history, coverage selections, and other rating factors.
Motorcycle and Recreational Vehicle Fees
Standard Motorcycle Registration
Motorcycles utilize a simplified fee structure reflecting their distinct classification under the Motor Vehicle Act
| Motorcycle Registration Component | Fee |
|---|---|
| Government registration/licence fee | $33.00 |
| Additional registration processing fee | $18.00 |
| Total registration cost | $51.00 |
Motor Home Registration
Motor homes are classified separately from standard passenger vehicles, with fees based on weight categories that reflect their specialized use and larger size characteristics.
| Motor Home Weight Category | Weight Range | Government Registration/Licence Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Motor Homes | not exceeding 2,300 kg | $63.00 |
| Large Motor Homes | 2,301 kg - 3,200 kg | $89.00 |
| Maximum Weight Motor Homes | exceeding 3,200 kg | $125.00 |
Additional registration processing fee for all motor homes: $18.00
Trailer Registration and Licensing
Standard Trailer Classifications
Trailers require annual registration with fees calculated based on gross vehicle weight ratings.
| Trailer Weight Category | Weight Range | Government Registration/Licence Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Light Trailers | not exceeding 1,400 kg | $23.00 |
| Medium Trailers | 1,401 kg - 2,100 kg | $26.00 |
| Medium Trailers | 2,101 kg - 2,800 kg | $28.00 |
| Heavy Trailers | 2,801 kg - 3,400 kg | $30.00 |
| Heavy Trailers | 3,401 kg - 4,800 kg | $37.00 - $44.00 |
| Heavy Trailers | 4,801 kg - 6,200 kg | $47.00 - $50.00 |
| Commercial Trailers | 6,201 kg - 14,600 kg | $53.00 - $99.00 |
Additional registration processing fee for all trailers: $18.00
Specialty Vehicle Registration
Antique and Collector Motor Vehicles
| Specialty Vehicle Type | Annual Registration Fee | Additional Processing Fee | Total Registration Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antique motor vehicles | $35.00 | $18.00 | $53.00 |
| Collector motor vehicles | $35.00 | $18.00 | $53.00 |
Conditional Licence Categories
Various organizations and entities qualify for reduced registration fees under conditional licence provisions established in the Motor Vehicle Fees Regulation.
| Conditional Licence Category | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Municipal, regional district, and school district vehicles | $12.00 |
| Fire protection vehicles | $12.00 |
| Federal government vehicles | $12.00 |
| Charitable organization vehicles | $12.00 |
| Volunteer rescue group vehicles | $12.00 |
Specialized Licence Plates and Services
Personalized Number Plates
ICBC offers personalized licence plates through a specialized application and approval process, with annual renewal requirements to maintain exclusivity rights.
| Personalized Plate Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial application and first issuance | $100.00 |
| Annual renewal fee | $40.00 |
| Replacement plate fee | $18.00 |
BC Parks Licence Plates
BC Parks licence plates support provincial park conservation and maintenance programs through dedicated revenue streams while providing distinctive vehicle identification options.
| BC Parks Plate Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial plate issuance | $50.00 |
| Annual renewal fee | $40.00 |
| Standard number plate fee (if applicable) | $18.00 |
Administrative Service Fees
Transfer and Ownership Services
ICBC and authorized Autoplan brokers provide various administrative services supporting vehicle ownership changes and registration modifications.
| Administrative Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Transfer of title or licence (Section 17) | $28.00 |
| Salvage vehicle transfer | $28.00 |
| Duplicate registration permit | $18.00 |
| Number plate substitution | $18.00 |
Search and Documentation Services
ICBC maintains comprehensive vehicle and ownership records, providing search and documentation services for legal, insurance, and administrative purposes.
| Record Search Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Current registered owner search (name only) | $5.00 |
| Current registered owner search (name and address) | $7.00 |
| Historical ownership search | $15.00 |
| Certified document copies | $15.00 |
| Standard document copies | $10.00 |