Canada Service MapMenu
Canada Service Map
Search services

British Columbia · Identity and documents

Photo ID card in British Columbia: how to get one

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

If you do not drive, you can get a BCID card from ICBC. You must be 12 or older. Book an appointment at an ICBC driver licensing office, bring two pieces of accepted ID and pay the fee. The card is mailed and most cards arrive within 60 days. A free Photo BC Services Card from the same offices is another option.

Who handles it

ICBC (BC Identification card)

Handles it in British Columbia.

Apply in person at an ICBC driver licensing office.

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Steps

  1. Book an appointment at an ICBC driver licensing office, bring accepted ID and pay the BCID fee.

    Source: icbc.comchecked #

  2. To renew a BCID, bring two pieces of accepted ID to any driver licensing office. You can renew up to six months before it expires.

    Source: icbc.comchecked #

What you need

  • Bring two original pieces of ID, one primary and one secondary. Photocopies are only accepted if certified by the issuing government agency.

    Source: icbc.comchecked #

Cost

  • A Photo BC Services Card, also issued at ICBC driver licensing offices, is free and can be used instead of a BCID.

    Source: gov.bc.cachecked #

How long it takes

  • The card is mailed to you. Most licence and ID cards arrive within 60 days, and you can track yours in My ICBC.

    Source: icbc.comchecked #

Good to know

  • The BCID is government photo ID with the same security features as a B.C. driver's licence.

    Source: icbc.comchecked #

Questions people ask

How old do you have to be to get a BCID in B.C.?

You must be 12 or older.

Source: icbc.comchecked #

How long does it take to get a BCID card?

Most cards take up to 60 days to arrive by mail. Sign in to My ICBC to see if yours has been mailed.

Source: icbc.comchecked #

What ID do I need for a BCID?

Two pieces of ID, one primary and one secondary. If your name has changed, also bring proof of the change.

Source: icbc.comchecked #

Is there a free alternative to the BCID?

Yes. The Photo BC Services Card is free and is also issued at ICBC driver licensing offices to people enrolled in MSP.

Source: icbc.comchecked #

In every province and territory

The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. British Columbia is marked.

Province or territoryWho handles itOfficial linkGood to know
British ColumbiaThis pageICBC (BC Identification card)Apply for a BCIDchecked Apply in person at an ICBC driver licensing office.
AlbertaAlberta registry agents (Government of Alberta)Get an ID cardchecked Apply or renew in person at any registry agent office.
SaskatchewanSGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance)Get a photo ID cardchecked
ManitobaManitoba Public Insurance (MPI)Apply for an ID cardchecked
OntarioServiceOntarioGet an Ontario Photo Cardchecked Apply in person at ServiceOntario; you cannot hold a driver's licence and a Photo Card at the same time.
QuebecNot offered in QuebecNone on recordQuébec does not issue a non-driver photo identification card.
New BrunswickService New BrunswickGet a photo ID cardchecked Apply in person at a Service New Brunswick centre.
Nova ScotiaRegistry of Motor Vehicles (Service Nova Scotia)Photo ID card informationchecked Apply in person at an Access Nova Scotia RMV office.
Prince Edward IslandAccess PEI (Government of PEI)None on recordApply in person for a voluntary ID card at an Access PEI office.
Newfoundland and LabradorMotor Registration Division (Government Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)Get a photo ID cardchecked
YukonMotor Vehicles (Government of Yukon)None on recordThe Yukon general identification card is issued through Motor Vehicles offices.
Northwest TerritoriesDriver and Vehicle Services (Department of Infrastructure, Government of the Northwest Territories)Get a general ID cardchecked
NunavutMotor Vehicles Division (Government of Nunavut)General identification cardchecked

Where to go in person

Places in the biggest cities, from open data. Check the official link for hours and what each office offers before you go.

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Photo ID card in British Columbia: how to get one", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/photo-id-card/british-columbia