ICBC expands live, on-demand sign language to all driver licensing offices

May 01, 2026

Deaf and hard of hearing customers now have better access to ICBC driver licensing services with the rollout of virtual, on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation to every driver licensing office in British Columbia.

“Expanding on-demand ASL interpretation to every driver licensing office in B.C. means Deaf and hard of hearing people can access these essential services in their own community, in their own language, without having to plan around someone else’s schedule,” said Niki Sharma, Attorney General. “That’s what accessible, modern government services should look like.”

ICBC launched a free program that offers live, virtual, on-demand ASL interpretation in January. The service was piloted at six driver licensing offices and helps Deaf and hard of hearing customers communicate with ICBC staff in real time, without the need to book an in-person interpreter in advance.

Dozens of customers used the program at these locations between January and March, totaling 156 minutes of interpretation time.

“Expanding virtual, on-demand ASL interpretation is one meaningful step toward a more inclusive and accessible ICBC, and we will keep seeking ways to make customers feel supported when they come to us,” said Sara-Jane Finlay, ICBC’s associate director of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. “This program became possible thanks to the essential work of employees who brought their lived experiences to ensuring that Deaf and hard of hearing customers have better access to our services. We will continue working every day to build an ICBC with equitable access for all customers.”

The program uses video interpreting on demand, which allows Deaf and hard of hearing customers to connect to an interpreter immediately. To use the service, customers scan a QR code with a smartphone camera and open a link to connect with an ASL interpreter on a secure video call with no apps or downloads needed.

“Going from a pilot at six offices to every driver licensing location in the province means a Deaf customer in Prince George or Cranbrook now has the same immediate access to an ASL interpreter as someone in Vancouver,” said Dana Lajeunesse, Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility. “As someone who understands what it means to navigate systems that can use clearer, more accessible communication, I’m pleased that ICBC is making this technology available throughout British Columbia.”

Live, on-demand, virtual ASL interpretation is available for driver licensing needs such as the following:

• Renewing or replacing a driver’s licence or piece of ID

• Paying or disputing a ticket

• Getting a copy of your driving record

To learn more about this service, please visit icbc.com.

This initiative is guided by ICBC’s Accessibility Advisory Committee and accessibility plan established in 2023. We’ll continue listening to feedback from our customers on accessibility barriers they experience to help guide how we can better meet the diverse needs of people throughout British Columbia.