Canada British Columbia Driver License

British Columbia Driver’s License (Canada) – KYC & Identity Verification Guide (2025)

The British Columbia Driver’s License is an official government-issued identity document provided by ICBC (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia). It functions both as a driver’s permit and as a primary form of identification accepted for KYC (Know Your Customer) purposes across banks, fintech platforms, crypto exchanges, and public services.

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Types of Driver’s Licenses in British Columbia

British Columbia offers various license classes depending on the type of vehicle:

• Class 7L – Learner’s permit
• Class 7 – Novice license
• Class 5 – Full passenger vehicle license
• Class 6 / 8 – Motorcycle licenses
• Class 1–4 – Commercial and heavy vehicles
• BC Services Card (Non-Driver ID) – For residents without a driver’s license

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Key Features of the BC Driver’s License

BC licenses are issued as plastic ID-1 cards (credit card size) with advanced anti-fraud features and bilingual text in English and French.

Front Side Includes:

• Full legal name
• Photograph of the license holder
• License number (often 7 to 9 digits)
• Date of birth
• Address
• Class and restrictions
• Date of issue and expiry
• Cardholder signature
• Province: British Columbia
• Security holograms, UV features, ghost images, and microtext

Back Side Includes:

• PDF417 barcode for machine readability
• Donor status (if applicable)
• Licensing conditions and medical alerts
• Additional ICBC notes or endorsements

Newer designs include visual elements like the BC wild rose, mountains, and a bear paw watermark, enhancing visual authenticity and security.

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Validity & Renewal

• Typically valid for 5 years (shorter if medical clearance is required)
• Renewed through ICBC driver licensing offices
• Temporary license issued while permanent card is processed (within 7–10 business days)

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KYC & Identity Verification Applications

The BC Driver’s License is widely accepted for online and in-person verification in:

• Major Canadian banks (e.g., RBC, TD, Scotiabank)
• Fintech and payment platforms (e.g., Wealthsimple, KOHO, Wise)
• Crypto exchanges (e.g., Kraken, Bitbuy, Binance)
• Healthcare, telecom, government, and insurance platforms

Standard KYC Steps Include:

• Upload front and back images of the license
• Ensure the following are clearly visible:
  • Full name
  • License number
  • Expiry date
  • Address
  • Clear photo and issue date

Other checks may include:

• Liveness verification (selfie or video)
• Secondary ID (e.g., passport)
• Proof of address (e.g., utility bill or bank statement)

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Lost, Expired, or Replacing Your License

To replace or update your license:

• Visit a driver licensing office or use ICBC’s renewal portal
• Requirements:
  • Valid secondary ID (e.g., passport or BC Services Card)
  • Proof of address (if changed)
  • Fee: ~$75 CAD
• Temporary license issued until new card arrives

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