Yes, you can renew an expired BC driver's license, but the process depends on how long it has been expired
British Columbia allows you to renew your license after it expires, but the rules change based on how many years have passed. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it through the standard renewal process. If it expired more than five years ago, you will need to reapply as if you were a new driver — which means taking the written test, the road test, and paying the full new-driver fee instead of the renewal fee.
The key difference is timing: a recent renewal is faster and cheaper, while an older expired license requires you to start over. Either way, you cannot legally drive in BC with an expired license, even if you are in the middle of renewing it.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired fewer than five years ago can be renewed through the standard renewal process at a Service BC office or online.
- Licenses expired more than five years ago require you to reapply as a new driver, including the written test and road test.
- You cannot legally drive while your license is expired, even if you have started the renewal process.
- Renewal by mail is available in BC if your license was not suspended and you meet the vision and medical requirements.
- The renewal fee is lower than the new-driver fee, so renewing within five years saves money.
Renewing a license expired less than five years ago
If your BC driver's license expired within the last five years, you can renew it without retesting. You have three options: renew online through the Service BC website, renew by mail, or renew in person at a Service BC office.
Online renewal is the fastest route. You log into your Service BC account, provide your driver's license number and personal details, pay the renewal fee, and your new license is mailed to you within two weeks. You will need a valid credit or debit card to pay online.
Renewal by mail requires you to complete a form (available on the Service BC website), include a new photo, and mail both to the address listed on the form along with a cheque or money order. This takes longer — usually three to four weeks — but does not require you to visit an office.
In-person renewal at a Service BC office is when ready if you bring the right documents. You pay the fee, provide a new photo if needed, and walk out with your renewed license the same day. Service BC offices are located throughout BC; you can find your nearest one on the Service BC website.
Reapplying when your license expired more than five years ago
If your BC driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot straightforward renew it. Instead, you must reapply as a new driver. This means you start from the beginning: you take the written knowledge test, pass a road test with an examiner, and pay the full new-driver fee rather than a renewal fee.
The written test covers BC traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official BC Driver's Guide, available free on the ICBC website. The test is offered at ICBC driver examination centres and takes about 30 minutes.
After you pass the written test, you must book and pass a road test. An ICBC examiner will assess your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. Road tests typically take 45 minutes to an hour. You will need to bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
The full new-driver fee is higher than a renewal fee. Exact costs vary, but reapplying is significantly more expensive than renewing within the five-year window. This is one reason to renew before your license expires or as soon as you realize it has expired.
What documents you need to bring
For in-person renewal of a license expired less than five years ago, bring your expired BC driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or bank statement with your current address), and a valid payment method. If your address has changed since your license was issued, bring a document showing your new address.
For online renewal, you will need your driver's license number, your Service BC username and password (or you can create an account), and a valid credit or debit card. You do not need to visit an office or provide physical documents.
For mail renewal, include your completed renewal form, a new passport-style photo (4 by 6 centimetres), your expired license, and payment by cheque or money order. Do not send cash through the mail.
If you are reapplying after a five-year expiry, bring your expired license, proof of residency, proof of BC residency for at least one year (such as a lease or property tax notice), and your Social Insurance Number. You will also need to bring a vehicle for the road test that is registered, insured, and passes a safety inspection.
Fees for renewal and reapplication
The renewal fee for a BC driver's license varies depending on the type of license and how long you are renewing it for. A standard Class 5 license can be renewed for one, two, three, four, or five years; the fee increases with the length of the renewal period. A five-year renewal costs more upfront but is cheaper per year than renewing annually.
The new-driver fee — which applies if your license expired more than five years ago — is significantly higher than any renewal fee. You also pay separate fees for the written test and the road test. These fees are set by ICBC and do not vary by location within BC.
If you renew by mail, the fee is the same as in-person renewal, but you pay by cheque or money order rather than cash or card. Online renewal fees are identical to in-person fees.
What happens if you drive with an expired license
Driving in BC with an expired driver's license is illegal, even if you have submitted a renewal process and are waiting for your new license to arrive. If you are stopped by police, you can be ticketed and fined. The fine amount depends on how long your license has been expired and whether you have previous violations.
An expired license also affects your insurance. If you are in an accident and your license is expired, your insurance company may deny your claim or reduce your payout. Some insurers will not cover you at all if you are driving with an expired license.
If your license is expiring soon, renew it before the expiry date rather than waiting. Renewal takes only a few days online or in person, so there is no reason to let it lapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I am waiting for my renewed license to arrive?
No. You cannot legally drive with an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, renew in person at a Service BC office so you can get your license the same day.
What if my BC license was suspended or cancelled, not just expired?
A suspension or cancellation is different from expiry. You cannot renew a suspended or cancelled license. You must contact ICBC to find out why it was suspended or cancelled and what steps you need to take to restore it. This may involve paying fines, completing a remedial driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.
Do I need a new photo for renewal?
For online renewal, you do not need a new photo unless your current license photo is more than 10 years old. For in-person renewal, you may be asked to provide a new photo, but it is not always required. For mail renewal, you must include a new passport-style photo.
How long does it take to get my renewed license?
In-person renewal is when ready — you receive your license the same day. Online renewal takes about two weeks for mailing. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks. If you need your license urgently, renew in person at a Service BC office.
Can I renew my license if I have moved out of BC?
No. To renew a BC driver's license, you must be a resident of British Columbia. If you have moved to another province or country, you need to obtain a driver's license from your new location. You cannot maintain a BC license once you are no longer a BC resident.