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Getting a B.C. driver's licence when moving from the U.S.

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Passenger vehicles and motorcycles:

Most drivers from the United States can get a B.C. driver's licence right away.

To be eligible, you must meet our licensing requirements.

Commercial vehicles:

If you need a commercial driver's licence, please contact us.

How to apply

To apply for a B.C. driver's licence for a passenger vehicle or motorcycle, go to any driver licensing office in B.C.

When you come in, be sure to bring

Important: Drivers from 14 states must bring their driving record, too.

Licensing requirements

90-day time limit

You must switch to a B.C. driver's licence within 90 days of moving here. During this time, you can keep driving with your existing licence.

Two years' driving experience

To be eligible for a full-privilege B.C. driver's licence, you must have held a driver's licence (not a learner's) for at least two years.

If you cannot provide proof of two years' driving experience, you can still get a B.C. licence. However, you will have to go through our graduated licensing program.

Proving your driving experience »

Your driving record 

When you apply to ICBC for a B.C. licence, you may need to provide us with your driving record.

If you are from…  then…
  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Maine
  • Minnesota
  • North Dakota
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Washington
  • Washington D.C.
 you must provide us with your driving record.
any other state we recommend you provide us with your driving record. (If you do not, and we are not able to verify your record electronically, it may be difficult for you to obtain a B.C. driver's licence.) 

 

Important: Your driving record must be an original, issued by the licensing authority in your state. A fax or letter from an agent or a printout/download from the internet is not acceptable.

How to get your driving record

To get your driving record, contact the licensing authority in your state before coming to B.C. (In some states, you must go in person to request your record.)

Non-English documents

If your licence, driving record and ID are in a language other than English, they have to be translated by an ICBC-approved translator. (PDF)

The fees and services vary for each translator—please contact them for more information.

Fines and debts

Before we can issue a driver's licence, any outstanding fines and debts to ICBC or the province of B.C. must be paid.

Need more information?

Visit any driver licensing office in B.C., or call:

Enhanced driver licence