Learn how to apply for an enhanced licence (EDL), enhanced ID card (EIC) or BCID.
EDL/EIC and COVID-19
Effective March 24, 2020, we will suspend issuing, renewing and booking appointments for Enhanced Driver Licences (EDL) and Enhanced ID Cards (EIC) until further notice.
If you have an existing appointment for an EDL or EIC, ICBC will contact you directly. If you’d like to make alternate arrangements or your EDL or EIC is due for renewal, contact our Driver Licensing Contact Centre at 1-800-950-1498.
If you’re travelling to the U.S. by land or water, the enhanced driver’s licence (EDL) or enhanced ID (EIC) is a great alternative to a passport. It’s convenient, inexpensive and gives you access to a faster Ready Lane at certain border crossing points.
Please note: EDL and EIC offer different benefits than the NEXUS Pass or a Canadian Passport. Make sure you choose the travel ID that fits your needs.
Benefits of an enhanced driver’s licence (EDL) or enhanced ID (EIC)
| Benefit | EDL | EIC |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of identity and citizenship | X | X |
| Access to a faster Ready Lane | X | X |
| Less expensive than a passport for travel to the U.S. by land or water | X | X |
| Security features to prevent fraud and identity theft | X | X |
| Can also be used as your B.C. driver’s licence | X | |
| Available to children 12 and older | X | |
| Available if you have a driving prohibition or licence suspension | X | |
| Available if you don’t drive | X |
7 steps to getting your EDL or EIC
The most important thing to do when applying for an EDL or EIC is to read the guide. It contains all of the information you need.
- Carefully read your guide to B.C.’s enhanced driver’s licence
- Confirm you meet all the EDL requirements (pages 3-4)
- Book your EDL/EIC application appointment online or by phone
- Before your appointment, gather all required identification (pages 5-10). If your legal name is different than your birth name, pay extra attention to the section titled “Has your name changed?” (pages 9-10).
- Use the application checklist to prepare for your appointment (page 18)
- Attend your appointment at one of ICBC’s designated EDL/EIC driver licensing centres to complete your application (pages 13-14)
- Once you receive your enhanced card, activate it online or by phone within 30 days from the card activation date printed on the letter you receive with your card (page 20)
Check out frequently asked questions about Driving to the U.S.?
Changes to your EDL or EIC
Changing your licence class
You will need to reapply for an EDL each time you apply for a different class of driver’s licence.
- If your current licence expires within six months and you upgrade to an EDL, your new EDL will be valid for five years.
- If your current licence expires more than six months from now, you can still upgrade to an EDL. The expiry date will be the same as your current licence.
Changing your name or address
You will need to reapply for an EDL or EIC every time you change your name or address.
You must visit one of the designated Driver Licensing Offices in person to change your address. We recommend that you book an EDL appointment before you visit to avoid waiting in the office. If you attend a designated office without an appointment you may have to wait for service.
BC Services card not available to combine with EDL or EIC
You can’t get a BC Services card added to an EDL or EIC. If you would like a BC Services card, simply visit any driver licensing office.
Apply for a BCID
If you’re not a driver, a BCID card provides peace of mind. It’s a reliable piece of government photo ID with the same security features as a B.C. driver’s licence.
How to get your BCID card
To get a BCID card, you must be 12 or older. To apply:
- Visit any driver licensing office
- Bring accepted ID
- Pay the fee for your BCID
BC Services Card
Learn more about getting a BC Services card as an alternative to a BCID.
