Renewing your British Columbia Driver’s License Set to Go Online in 2027
British Columbia residents may soon find it much simpler to renew their driver’s licenses, BC Identification (BCID), and photo BC Service Cards. The proposed amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act by the province aim to introduce an online renewal and replacement system through ICBC’s website.
This new process is expected to be a significant time-saver, especially for individuals in rural or remote areas who currently have to endure long journeys for in-person appointments. However, the online service is not anticipated to be operational until 2027.
The province states that all eligible drivers holding full B.C. licenses classified under classes 1 through 8 will have the option for online renewals, even in cases where their licenses are lost, destroyed, or damaged.
It’s important to note that learners license holders will still need to schedule in-person appointments, as will individuals seeking to update their name or address, or those with outstanding fines, tickets, or violations.
Similar online renewal systems for driver’s licenses are already available in other provinces like Ontario and Alberta. Niki Sharma, the Attorney General and minister responsible for ICBC, expressed that this initiative aims to reduce the inconvenience faced by many who have to take time off work or travel long distances for ID renewals or replacements.
This online service forms a part of ICBC’s extended modernization program, spanning over a decade.