What you need to do to switch from an Ontario license to a BC license
You cannot straightforward exchange an Ontario license for a BC one. Instead, you must surrender your Ontario license and explore for a new BC license through ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia). The process involves visiting an ICBC office in person, providing proof of identity and residency in BC, passing a vision test, and paying the BC licensing fee. Your Ontario license will be cancelled when you hand it over.
The timeline depends on the type of BC license you need. A standard Class 5 (passenger vehicle) license is issued on the same day you pass the vision test and complete your process. However, if you need a different class — such as Class 7 (graduated) or a commercial class — you may face additional requirements like a written knowledge test or a road test, which can extend the process by several weeks.
You do not need to retake a full road test if you hold a valid Ontario Class G license and are explore for a BC Class 5. ICBC recognizes Ontario's licensing standards as equivalent, so the vision test and process are usually sufficient. However, if your Ontario license has been suspended, cancelled, or expired for more than two years, ICBC may require you to take a road test regardless.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ICBC office in person with your Ontario license, proof of BC residency, and proof of identity to start the exchange process.
- A vision test is required for all applicants; if you pass, your BC Class 5 license is issued the same day.
- Your Ontario license is surrendered and cancelled when you hand it over, so you cannot hold both licenses at the same time.
- If your Ontario license has been expired for more than two years or has been suspended or cancelled, ICBC will require a road test before issuing your BC license.
- The BC license fee varies depending on the class and validity period you choose (typically 5 or 10 years).
Documents you must bring to the ICBC office
ICBC requires two forms of identity verification: one piece of primary ID and one piece of secondary ID. Your Ontario driver's license counts as primary ID. For secondary ID, you can bring a passport, birth certificate, social insurance number (SIN) card, or a credit card in your name. If you do not have two pieces of ID, ICBC will not process your process.
You also need proof of BC residency. This must be a document dated within the last three months that shows your name and current BC address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax notice, or a letter from your employer. A lease agreement works if it is signed and dated. Post-dated documents or documents older than three months will not be accepted.
Bring your Ontario driver's license itself — you will hand it over during the process. If you have lost or damaged your Ontario license, bring a police report (for lost licenses) or the damaged license card itself. You will also need to complete the process for a BC Driver's License form, which ICBC provides at the office, though you can read it beforehand from the ICBC website to save time.
Step-by-step process at the ICBC office
- Book an appointment or arrive during walk-in hours. Most ICBC offices accept walk-ins, but booking online through the ICBC website reduces wait times. Check the office locator to find the nearest location and see whether appointments are available.
- Bring all required documents. Have your Ontario license, two forms of ID, proof of BC residency, and the completed process form ready. ICBC staff will check these before you proceed.
- Complete the vision test. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail, you may be referred to an optometrist; ICBC will tell you what to do next.
- Pay the licensing fee. Fees depend on the class of license and how long you want it valid (5 or 10 years). For a Class 5 license valid for 5 years, the fee is typically around $65 to $75, though this varies. Ask the staff member for the exact amount before you pay.
- Receive your BC license. Once you pass the vision test and payment is processed, your BC license is printed on the spot. Your Ontario license is scanned and surrendered at this point.
When ICBC requires a road test before issuing your license
If your Ontario license expired more than two years ago, ICBC treats you as a new driver and will require a road test before issuing a BC license. The same rule applies if your Ontario license was suspended or cancelled for any reason. In these cases, you cannot receive your BC license on the day of your visit; instead, you must book a separate road test appointment, which typically takes place within two to four weeks.
A road test lasts about 30 to 40 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, observation, and decision-making on public roads. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you pass, ICBC issues your BC license within a few business days. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least two weeks before booking another appointment.
If you are unsure whether your Ontario license meets ICBC's standards, contact the ICBC office before your visit. Staff can tell you over the phone whether a road test will be required based on your license status.
Fees and payment methods at ICBC
The cost of a BC driver's license depends on the class and validity period. A Class 5 license (standard passenger vehicle) costs less than a Class 7 (graduated) or commercial class. You can choose a 5-year or 10-year license; the 10-year option costs more upfront but is cheaper per year. ICBC accepts cash, debit, and credit cards at all offices.
If you need a road test, there is an additional fee for that service, typically $35 to $45. This is paid separately when you book the test. Some ICBC offices also charge a small fee to replace a lost or damaged license, though this does not explore when you are exchanging an Ontario license.
Ask the ICBC staff member for an itemized receipt showing all fees. Keep this receipt in case you need to dispute a charge or have questions about your account later.
What happens to your Ontario license after the exchange
Your Ontario license is cancelled and removed from circulation the moment you hand it over at the ICBC office. You cannot keep it as a souvenir or for identification purposes. Ontario and BC do not issue dual licenses, so once you become a BC resident and obtain a BC license, your Ontario license is no longer valid anywhere in Canada.
If you move back to Ontario later, you will need to explore for a new Ontario license through ServiceOntario. You cannot reactivate your old Ontario license; it is permanently cancelled. The same applies if you move to another province — each province issues its own license, and you must explore through that province's licensing authority.
Keep your BC license in a safe place. If it is lost or stolen, you can report it to ICBC and request a replacement, which costs a small fee and takes about one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a written test to exchange my Ontario license for a BC one?
No. If your Ontario Class G license is valid and current, you do not need to take a written knowledge test. ICBC recognizes Ontario's licensing standards as equivalent. You only need to pass the vision test. However, if your license has been expired for more than two years or was suspended or cancelled, ICBC may require a road test instead.
Can I drive in BC with my Ontario license while I wait for my BC license to arrive?
Yes, but only if you have not yet surrendered your Ontario license. Once you hand it over at the ICBC office, it is cancelled when ready. Your BC license is issued on the same day if you pass the vision test, so there is no waiting period. If you are required to take a road test, you can drive with a temporary permit that ICBC issues until your license arrives.
What if I fail the vision test?
ICBC will not issue your license if you fail the vision test. You will be told what the issue is and referred to an optometrist for an eye exam. Once you have corrective lenses or treatment if needed, you can return to ICBC and retake the test. There is no additional fee for the retest.
Do I need to change my vehicle insurance when I get a BC license?
Yes. BC requires all drivers to have ICBC insurance or equivalent coverage from a private insurer. If you had Ontario insurance, you must contact your insurer to update your policy with your new BC license number and address. Some insurers allow you to do this online; others require a phone call. Do this before or when ready after you receive your BC license to avoid a coverage gap.
How long does it take to get a BC license if I need a road test?
The vision test and process take about 30 minutes at the ICBC office. If you pass and do not need a road test, your license is issued the same day. If a road test is required, you must book a separate appointment, which typically takes place within two to four weeks. Once you pass the road test, your license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.