What you need to do to convert your out-of-state license in BC

If you have a valid driver license from another U.S. state and you move to British Columbia, you do not have to take a full written or road test. Instead, you exchange your out-of-state license for a BC license through a process called license conversion. You will visit a Service BC office or an authorized private driver licensing office, show your current license and proof of BC residency, and pay a fee. The whole process usually takes one visit.

BC recognizes licenses from all U.S. states as valid for conversion. You must be at least 16 years old and have held your current license for at least two years without a suspension or cancellation. If your license is expired, you can still convert it, but you will need to renew it at the same time, which costs more and may require a vision test.

The key difference between converting and getting a new license is that conversion skips the testing step. You are trading one valid license for another, not proving you can drive. This saves time and money, but only if your license is current and in good standing.

Key Takeaways

  • You can convert a valid U.S. state license to a BC license without taking a written or road test if you have held it for at least two years.
  • You must visit a Service BC office or authorized private licensing office in person with your current license and proof of BC residency, such as a utility bill or lease.
  • The conversion fee varies but is lower than the cost of a full new license; an expired license costs more to convert because it must be renewed at the same time.
  • Your BC license will be mailed to you within 10 to 15 business days; you can drive on your out-of-state license until it arrives.
  • If your out-of-state license has been suspended or cancelled, you cannot convert it and must instead take the full licensing process from the beginning.

Documents you need to bring to the licensing office

Bring your original, valid out-of-state driver license. It must be the physical card, not a photo or copy. If your license is expired, bring it anyway — BC will still convert it, but the renewal fee will be added to your total cost.

You also need one piece of proof of BC residency. This can be a utility bill (hydro, gas, water, or internet), a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax notice, or a government letter addressed to you at your BC address. The document must show your name and current BC address and be dated within the last three months. A bank statement or credit card bill does not count as proof of residency for this purpose.

Bring your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or a document that shows it, such as a tax return or letter from Service Canada. You will also need to fill out a form at the office, which takes a few minutes.

Where to go and how long it takes

You can convert your license at any Service BC office across the province. These are government offices run by the Province of British Columbia. You can also use an authorized private driver licensing office — these are private businesses licensed by the province to handle certain licensing tasks. Both types of office can process conversions.

Find the nearest office on the Service BC website or by calling 1-800-663-7867. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Call ahead or check online to see if you need to book a time slot. Wait times vary by location and time of day; offices in smaller towns are often faster than those in Vancouver or Victoria.

The conversion itself takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. Your new BC license will be mailed to you within 10 to 15 business days. Until it arrives, you can drive using your original out-of-state license. Do not surrender it until you have the BC license in hand.

Fees and what affects the total cost

The fee for converting a valid, current license is set by the province and does not vary between offices. As of 2024, the conversion fee is $35 for a five-year license or $65 for a ten-year license. You choose which term you want when you explore.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you must renew it as part of the conversion. The renewal fee is added to the conversion fee, making the total higher. An expired license conversion costs roughly $70 to $100 depending on the term you choose. Some offices accept debit or credit card; others accept cash. Ask when you call to book or arrive.

Private licensing offices may charge a small service fee on top of the government fee — usually $5 to $15. This is legal and varies by office. Service BC offices do not charge this extra fee.

What happens if your license is suspended or cancelled

If your out-of-state license has been suspended or cancelled, you cannot convert it. Instead, you must take the full BC licensing process, which includes a written test, a vision test, and a road test. This takes much longer and costs more than conversion.

Before you go to the office, check the status of your out-of-state license online through your home state's Department of Motor Vehicles website. If it shows as suspended or cancelled, contact that state's DMV to find out why and whether it can be reinstated before you move. If you can reinstate it before moving to BC, you will then be able to convert it instead.

If reinstatement is not possible, you will need to start fresh in BC. You can take the written test in English or French. The road test is conducted by a certified examiner and tests your ability to drive safely in BC conditions, including winter driving if you take the test in winter.

Driving while you wait for your new license

Your out-of-state license remains valid to drive in BC until your new BC license arrives. You do not need a temporary permit or letter from the licensing office. straightforward keep your original license with you while you drive.

Once your BC license arrives in the mail, you should stop using your out-of-state license for driving in BC. Keep it for identification purposes if you wish, but it is no longer your legal driving credential in the province. If you are pulled over by police after your BC license has arrived, you must show the BC license, not the out-of-state one.

Insurance and registration after conversion

Your BC driver license is separate from vehicle registration and auto insurance. If you own a vehicle, you must register it with the province and obtain BC auto insurance before you drive it, regardless of whether you have converted your license. Insurance companies in BC will ask for your driver license number when you get a quote, so have your new BC license number ready once it arrives.

If you are moving from a state where you had auto insurance, contact your insurer to let them know you are moving to BC. Some U.S. insurers do not cover drivers in Canada, and BC law requires you to have a valid insurance policy. You will need to switch to a BC-licensed insurer before you drive. This is a separate process from license conversion and should be done as soon as possible after you move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive in BC on my out-of-state license while I wait for my BC license to arrive?

Yes. Your out-of-state license is valid to drive in BC until your new BC license arrives in the mail, which usually takes 10 to 15 business days. You do not need a temporary permit. Once your BC license arrives, you must use it instead of your out-of-state license when you drive.

What if my out-of-state license expires before I can convert it?

You can still convert an expired license, but the renewal fee will be added to the conversion fee, making it more expensive. You will also need to pass a vision test as part of the renewal. Bring the expired license to the office along with your other documents.

Do I need to take a road test to convert my license?

No, not if your out-of-state license is valid and has been held for at least two years. Conversion skips the testing step. If your license is suspended, cancelled, or you have held it for less than two years, you will need to take the full BC licensing process, which includes a road test.

Can I convert my license at a private licensing office instead of Service BC?

Yes. Authorized private driver licensing offices can process conversions and are often faster than Service BC offices. They may charge a small service fee on top of the government fee. Call ahead to confirm they offer conversions and to book an appointment if required.

What if I move to BC but keep my out-of-state address on my license?

You must convert your license within a certain timeframe after becoming a BC resident. BC law requires you to have a BC license if you live in the province. Driving on an out-of-state license after you have established residency in BC is not permitted. Convert your license as soon as you have proof of residency.