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By Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee

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SOUND OFF: Saving people time at ICBC

Feb 25, 2026 | 10:45 AM

EVERY DAY, BRITISH COLUMBIANS need to renew or replace their photo ID, including driver’s licenses, BC Services Card, and BC ID, which involves making trips to their local ICBC office and at times, waiting in long lines. 

Last week, we introduced legislation that would allow people to renew their simple license and ID requests online through the ICBC website, including lost or damaged cards. 

These changes will save people time and money and reduce wait times in ICBC offices. 

To some, this may not seem like a big change, but for others, especially people who live in rural and remote communities or people with disabilities, this could have a huge impact by limiting unnecessary trips to ICBC offices. 

For people in many rural communities, a trip to the ICBC office means travelling across long distances, including to neighbouring towns. Rural people are used to it, but it can still be burdensome and challenging to have to plan in advance and to, sometimes, travel far from home for an appointment. 

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Additionally, this change will help free up staff to deal with other urgent ICBC matters that require in-person meetings, like road tests, insurance queries, and more. 

Starting in 2027, eligible drivers with full B.C. licences will be able to apply to renew or replace their existing licence, while drivers with Class 7 learner’s licences can replace a lost or damaged licence online. Renewals involving a change in a driver’s information, such as their name, address or a new medical condition, will still require an in-person visit. People with learner’s licences will still require an in-person appointment for re-testing to renew their “L.” 

ICBC will also be able to offer renewal and replacement of BCID, photo BC Service Card, and the combination of a full Driver’s Licence/BC Services Card. 

This is part of our work to modernize driver’s license and ID services for British Columbians and improve access to people for services, no matter where they are in the province. 

Making ICBC services faster, easier and more accessible builds on our work to support British Columbians through ICBC, including by putting money back in British Columbians pockets through lowered insurance rates and rebates.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.