The BC government has proposed new legislation that would allow BC residents to replace or renew their driver’s licences online, rather than in-person.
Specifically, this initiative would see the Motor Vehicle Act amended to enable ICBC to renew or replace driver’s licences, BC Identification (BCID) and photo BC Service Cards online.
The goal behind the legislation is to save people time and reduce wait times for other in-person appointments.
“Too many people have to take time off work or travel long distances just to renew or replace their ID,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General.
“By allowing these straightforward transactions online, we’re making life more convenient for people, especially those in rural and remote communities. This is part of our work to modernize government services so they’re easier, faster and more accessible for everyone in British Columbia.”
If passed, the amendments will allow eligible drivers to apply for replacements and renewals through ICBC’s website via a digital portal.
The only drivers that would not be able to renew online would be Class 7 learners. This is because renewal requires retesting as a learner. Class 7 license holders would however be able to apply for replacement cards through the ICBC portal.
The Province also stipulated that renewals involving a change in a driver’s information, such as their name or address, will still require an in-person visit.
Eight other provinces already offer some form of online driver’s licence renewal, so these updates to the Motor Vehicle Act would be bringing BC in line with a modernization already employed in much of Canada.
If passed, the online service is expected to begin operating in 2027.
