Required ID

When you come in to a driver licensing office, make sure you bring the right ID—it could save you an extra trip or other delays.

To be served at a driver licensing office, you must, in most cases, show two pieces of acceptable ID.

This helps protect you from identity fraud.

Which ID should I bring?

There's an easy way to find out—by answering a few quick questions online right now:

Important

Due to a change introduced by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), we are currently unable to accept Canadian Citizenship Certificates issued on or after Feb. 1, 2012 as we normally would do. You will still be able to apply for B.C. driving privileges.

The new citizenship document will not be accepted in support of any Enhanced Driver’s Licence/Identification Card transaction or new BC Identification Card application.

ICBC is working with CIC and hopes to be able to accept this document in the near future. Please check back for updates. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

What kinds of ID are accepted?

You need to show two pieces of ID—one primary, the other secondary:

[+] Accepted primary ID

Accepted primary ID

You may use one of these identification documents as your primary ID, except where noted.

Type of identification	Note
B.C. driver's licence or learner's licence	Must include your photo. Accepted up to three years after expiry date on licence. Did you use a student, work, visitor, temporary-resident or refugee permit on your last visit to B.C.? If so, you must bring that permit with you to be served at a licensing office.
B.C. identification card (BCID)	Accepted up to three years after expiry date on card. Older BCID cards without an expiry date are not accepted as primary ID. Did you use a student, work, visitor, temporary-resident or refugee permit on your last visit to B.C.? If so, you must bring that permit with you to be served at a licensing office.
Birth certificate	Most Canadian birth certificates are accepted as primary ID. Documents that are not not accepted include: baptismal certificates certificates of live birth Quebec birth certificates issued before 1994 Manitoba birth certificates issued by a "division registrar"
Canadian citizenship card	The commemorative sheet that comes with a citizenship card is not accepted as primary ID. Citizenship Certificates issued on or after Feb. 1, 2012 are not accepted as primary or secondary ID.
Canadian passport	Not accepted if expired. Must show your full legal name.
Canadian record of landing
Canadian immigration identification record	Not accepted if expired.
Identity card	Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to foreign representatives accredited to Canada. Not accepted if expired.
Permanent resident card	Not accepted if expired. Confirmation of permanent resident IM5292 is not accepted as primary ID.
Secure certificate of Indian Status	Only cards with a new design are accepted as primary ID.
Student, work, visitor, OR temporary-resident permit.	Did you use a student, work, visitor, temporary-resident or refugee permit on your last visit to B.C.? If so, you must bring that permit with you to be served at a licensing office. If document is expiring within six months, you will only be able to apply for an interim driver's licence (paper) and not a photo licence.

Don't have the right primary ID?

If you were born outside Canada, contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada at 1-888-242-2100.

Otherwise, please contact us.

[+] Accepted secondary ID

Accepted secondary ID

You may use one of these identification documents as your secondary ID, except where noted.

Type of identification	Note
Bank card	Your name must be imprinted on the card.
Baptismal certificate	Not accepted as secondary ID.
Birth certificate from foreign country
Canadian Forces ID
Correctional service conditional release card
Credit card	Your name must be imprinted on the card.
Driver's licence (Canadian or U.S.)
Employee ID card with photo
Firearms acquisition certificate
Foreign Affairs Canada or consular ID
Health card issued by a Canadian province or territory	Example: B.C. CareCard
Native Status card
Naturalization certificate
Parole certificate ID
Passport (Canadian or foreign, including U.S. passport card)	Must show your full legal name. Not accepted if expired.
Police identification
Social insurance card	Newer cards without a signature strip are not accepted.
Student card (school ID)
Vehicle registration	Must include your signature.

Don't have the right secondary ID?

Please contact us.

Photocopies

Each identification document must be an original, or a true copy of the original, certified by the issuing government agency.

Expired ID

Primary ID cannot be expired. (Exception: An expired B.C. driver's licence with your photo on it can be used as ID for up to three years.)

Secondary ID may be expired for up to one year.*

*Exception: Passports can not be expired.

Has your name changed?

If your name has changed (or is different from the name shown on your ID) you must provide proof of this.

Learn more »

If you don't have the right ID

If you were born outside Canada and don't have the required primary ID, please contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada at 1-888-242-2100.

Otherwise, please contact us.

Facts & Tips

You may need other ID to apply for an