So, you’re looking into getting a British Columbia identification card, or as everyone here calls it, a BCID. Maybe you just moved to Vancouver and realized your old out-of-province license is about to expire, or perhaps you’re one of the many people who simply doesn’t drive. Whatever the reason, there’s a weird amount of confusion around this little piece of plastic. Honestly, most people end up getting a card they don't actually need because they confuse the BCID with the BC Services Card.
Let's clear the air.
The British Columbia identification card is a standalone photo ID for non-drivers. It looks exactly like a driver’s license—same security features, same holographic shiny bits—but it doesn’t give you the right to get behind the wheel. It’s basically for people who need a government-issued photo to get into a bar, pick up a package at the post office, or prove they actually live here.
The BCID vs. The BC Services Card: The Great Mix-Up
Here is the thing. Most people in BC carry a BC Services Card. Since 2013, that’s been the card that replaced the old "CareCard." It has your photo, your name, and your Personal Health Number (PHN) on the back.
You’ve probably seen the combined version, too. That’s the one where your driver’s license and your health card are merged into one.
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Wait, so why would anyone pay for a BCID?
Great question. The BC Services Card is free. The British Columbia identification card costs $35. Most people use the Services Card for everything. However, there are specific groups who need the BCID.
- International students or workers: If you aren't eligible for the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) yet, you can't get a photo Services Card. You need a way to prove who you are without carrying your passport everywhere.
- The "Back-up" Crowd: Some people just like having two pieces of government photo ID. If you lose your wallet and your only ID was in there, you are in for a world of pain trying to replace it. Having a BCID tucked away in a desk drawer at home is a life-saver.
- Youth: You can get a BCID starting at age 12. It’s a rite of passage for teenagers who don't have a learner's permit yet but want to feel official.
How to Actually Get One Without Losing Your Mind
You can't do this online. Don't even try. You have to show up at an ICBC driver licensing office.
The process is pretty straightforward, but if you forget one document, they will send you packing. I’ve seen it happen. You’ll wait in line for 45 minutes just for the clerk to tell you your birth certificate copy isn't "original" enough.
The Document Checklist (The "Don't Make Me Come Back" List)
You need two pieces of ID. One must be a "Primary" document.
- Primary ID: This is the heavy hitter. Think Canadian Birth Certificate, valid Passport, or a Permanent Resident card. If you're a newcomer, your study or work permit (IMM1442) is your foundation.
- Secondary ID: This is more flexible. A bank card with your name on it, a student ID, or even your existing BC Services Card.
Pro tip: If your name has changed—maybe you got married or just decided "Moonunit" wasn't working for you anymore—you must bring the legal paper trail. Marriage certificates, name change decrees, the whole works. ICBC is very particular about the "link" between your birth name and your current name.
Fees and the "Senior Discount"
As of early 2026, the standard fee for an original British Columbia identification card is $35. It's valid for five years.
If you're 65 or older, it drops to $15.
If you are just renewing or replacing a lost card, it’s also $15.
Interestingly, if you decide to give up your driver's license—say, you're an older driver who decides it's time to hang up the keys—ICBC will usually give you a BCID for free. It’s a nice "thanks for being safe" gesture.
What Happens at the Office?
It’s not just paperwork. They’re going to take your photo.
Look, we all want to look like a movie star on our ID, but the lighting at ICBC is notoriously "interrogation room chic." You also can’t wear a hat or sunglasses unless it’s for religious or medical reasons. They might ask for your height and weight, too. Be honest; the bouncer at the club doesn't care if you've added an inch to your height, but the police might if they ever need to find you.
Once you pay the fee and they snap the photo, they don't hand you the card. You get a yellow paper interim receipt. Your real, shiny British Columbia identification card arrives in the mail about two to three weeks later.
The "Digital" Future (Sorta)
There's been a lot of talk about digital IDs. While the BC Services Card app is actually pretty advanced and lets you log into government sites, it is not a legal replacement for a physical ID card when you're out in the world.
If a cop pulls you over or you're trying to board a domestic flight, "I have a photo of it on my phone" or "Look at this app" won't cut it. You need the physical card.
Common Pitfalls: What Most People Get Wrong
People often think the BCID is a travel document. It isn't. You cannot use a BCID to cross the border into the US. You can't even use the "Enhanced" version anymore because those were phased out a few years back.
Another weird one? Address changes.
If you move, you're technically supposed to update your address with ICBC within 10 days. You don't need a whole new card for this—they usually just mail you a sticker for the back. It feels a bit low-tech, but hey, it saves you $35.
Is it worth it?
If you already have a photo BC Services Card or a Driver's License, honestly? No. It’s redundant.
But if you are a student from abroad, a non-driver who wants to keep their health card private, or someone who just wants a backup, the British Columbia identification card is the gold standard. It’s accepted everywhere in Canada.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your current ID expiry: If your primary ID (like a passport) is expired, you can't use it to get a BCID.
- Book an appointment: ICBC offices are busy. Use the online booking tool to snag a spot so you aren't standing in line all morning.
- Locate your "Foundation" document: Find your original birth certificate or immigration papers now. If they're in a safety deposit box or at your parents' house, get them before you head to the office.