Start My Checklist

Get Your BCID Card

Description

A BCID is a government-issued photo ID card for BC residents. It lets you stop carrying your passport and permits for everyday situations — banks, liquor stores, employers, and government offices all accept it as valid photo ID.

In person 30–60 min

at ICBC office

Online N/A

must be done in person

What to do

1. Find your nearest ICBC driver licensing office at icbc.com and book an appointment
2. Bring your passport (primary ID) and your study or work permit or student ID (secondary ID)
3. Have your photo taken at the office
4. Pay the $35 fee at the office — cash and card accepted
5. You will receive an Interim ID (paper document) before leaving — this is temporary and does not have a photo
6. Provide your current permanent address — the physical card will be mailed in 4–6 weeks
7. Track your card status online through the 'My ICBC' portal using your application number
8. Once the physical card arrives, use it as your everyday photo ID and leave your passport safely at home

Warnings

Your permit must have at least 6 months remaining on the day you visit ICBC

  • ICBC counts 6 months from the date of your visit — not from your arrival date
  • If you arrive at the office with 5 months and 29 days left on your permit, you will be turned away
  • Check your permit expiry date carefully before booking your appointment
  • If your permit is expiring soon, renew it first and then apply for BCID

If you plan to exchange your foreign driver's licence — skip the BCID

  • In BC you can only hold one ICBC photo card — either a BCID or a driver's licence, not both
  • If you get a BCID now and then exchange your licence, ICBC will cancel your BCID and you lose the $35
  • If you plan to exchange your licence within the next few months, go straight to the driver's licence exchange instead

The Interim ID you receive on the day is not accepted everywhere

  • The paper Interim ID you get before leaving the office does not have a photo
  • Banks, liquor stores, and bars require the physical plastic card with your photo
  • Carry your passport for photo ID situations until your physical BCID card arrives

Use your permanent address when applying

  • The BCID card will be mailed to the address you provide
  • Do not use a temporary address like an Airbnb or a friend's place
  • If you move before the card arrives, contact ICBC immediately to update your mailing address

Tips

Why BCID is worth getting

Your passport is irreplaceable and takes months to replace if lost or stolen. A BCID gives you a government photo ID for daily use — grocery runs, opening accounts, age verification — so your passport stays safe at home.

You can apply from your first days in BC

Unlike the BC Services Card which is tied to MSP enrollment, a BCID has no waiting period. As long as you have a permanent address and at least 6 months on your permit, you can apply right away.

Track your card with My ICBC

After your visit, use the 'My ICBC' portal at icbc.com to track your application status in real time. You'll get your application number at the office — use it to check when your card has been mailed.

Book online to save time

ICBC offices can be busy, especially in Metro Vancouver. Booking an appointment at icbc.com takes 2 minutes and can save you 30–60 minutes of waiting.

BCID vs your non-photo BC Services Card

Your non-photo BC Services Card (received after MSP enrollment) is for health services only — show it at clinics and pharmacies. Your BCID is your everyday photo ID. You need both.

Start My Checklist