Renew your BC driver's license online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation

In British Columbia, you can renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) website, by mail, or in person at an ICBC office or Service BC location. The online method is fastest and available if your license is not expired and you have no medical or legal restrictions. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks; online takes minutes.

Your renewal timeline depends on your license type and when it was issued. Class 5 (standard car) licenses expire every five years. You can renew up to six months before expiry, which gives you time to plan. ICBC sends renewal reminders by mail about two months before your expiry date, but you should not rely on this — check your license expiry date now if you are unsure.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through ICBC takes about 15 minutes and costs $95 for a five-year Class 5 license, but only works if your license is current and has no medical or legal conditions.
  • You can renew up to six months before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the expiry date.
  • If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at an ICBC office or Service BC location — online and mail options are not available.
  • Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and costs the same as online, but requires you to send documents by post and wait for your new license to arrive.
  • You will need a valid payment method (credit or debit card) and your current driver's license number to start any renewal.

Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current

To renew online, go to the ICBC website and select "Renew your driver's license." You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a credit or debit card. The process takes about 15 minutes. You will answer questions about your health and any changes to your address or name. If you answer yes to any medical or legal questions, the system will stop and direct you to renew in person instead.

Online renewal costs $95 for a five-year Class 5 license. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 to 15 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives — there is no gap in coverage. If you need your license sooner, you can pay an extra fee for expedited mailing, though this is not always necessary if you plan ahead.

Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired. If your expiry date has already passed, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.

Mail renewal: slower but requires no office visit

To renew by mail, contact ICBC at 1-800-950-1498 or visit an ICBC office to request a renewal package. You will fill out the process form, include a copy of your current driver's license, and mail everything back to ICBC along with your payment. Mail renewal costs $95 for a five-year Class 5 license, the same as online.

Processing takes four to six weeks from the date ICBC receives your package. Your new license will be mailed to you after approval. During this time, you can continue driving on your current license. Mail renewal is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer not to renew online, but it requires more planning because of the processing delay.

In-person renewal at ICBC or Service BC offices

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you have medical or legal restrictions, or if you are changing your license class. Walk into any ICBC office or Service BC location during business hours. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill or bank statement), and a payment method.

In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. You will answer health and legal questions, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license is printed on the spot in most cases, though some offices may mail it to you. Check the ICBC website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.

The cost is the same as online or mail renewal: $95 for a five-year Class 5 license. If you need your license the same day, in-person renewal is your only option.

What documents and information you need

For any renewal method, have your current driver's license ready. You will need your license number and date of birth. If you are renewing online, this is all you need besides a payment method. If you are renewing by mail or in person, you will also need proof of your current BC address — a utility bill, property tax notice, or bank statement dated within the last three months works.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a legal document proving the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have changed your address, update it during renewal. If you wear glasses or contact lenses for driving, make sure your vision is current and bring any required medical forms if asked.

Renewal fees and payment methods

A five-year Class 5 driver's license renewal costs $95 in British Columbia. This price is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you choose expedited mailing during online renewal, there is an additional fee — check the ICBC website for the current amount, as it varies.

Online and mail renewal accept credit and debit cards. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at most offices, but call ahead to confirm your local office's payment methods. ICBC does not accept personal cheques for renewal.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

If your license expires and you have not yet renewed, you cannot legally drive. Driving with an expired license can result in a ticket and fines. If your license has been expired for less than two years, you can still renew online or by mail. If it has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the knowledge test or road test depending on how long it has been expired — ask ICBC when you contact them.

To avoid this, renew as soon as you receive your reminder notice, or check your expiry date six months in advance and plan your renewal then. You can renew up to six months before expiry, so there is no reason to wait until the last minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my BC driver's license if I live outside the province?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you have moved out of BC permanently, you will need to update your address during renewal. If you are temporarily away, keep your BC address on file. In-person renewal requires you to visit an ICBC office or Service BC location in BC.

What if I have a medical condition or court restriction on my license?

You must renew in person at an ICBC office. Online and mail renewal will not work if you have medical conditions, court-ordered restrictions, or if your license was suspended. Bring any required medical forms or court documents when you visit.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online renewal: 10 to 15 business days by mail. Mail renewal: 4 to 6 weeks from when ICBC receives your package. In-person renewal: same day in most cases, or mailed within a few days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for five years?

No, not through standard renewal. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake written and road tests. Contact ICBC at 1-800-950-1498 to find out what tests you need before you visit an office.

Do I need to renew my license on my birthday?

No. Your renewal date is based on when your license was issued, not your birthday. Check the expiry date printed on your license. You can renew anytime within six months before that date.