Congratulations! You finally arrive in Canada and settle down for work, study or residence. In many cases, you have to show proof of identification to access certain services and buy designated products. Passports are acceptable. However, losing passports is a big hassle because it would take a long time to replace them. Therefore, foreign visitors residing in Canada are suggested to apply for a BC ID card. In this passage, we are going to explore what it is, how to apply for it and other related issues about it.
What is BC ID Card?
BC ID card, or BC identity card, refers to British Columbia identification card (BCID). It carries information like full name, date of birth, gender identity, and personal health number. As an alternative to passports, work permits, study permits or working holiday permits, this photo ID is recognized in places and situations that require a Government ID, such as accessing government services online, buying liquors, creating bank accounts, accessing health services, etc. After obtaining the card, you can take this portable certificate along with you and leave your passport at home to keep it safe.
How to Apply for BC ID Card in Canada
Applicants aged 12 and older are eligible for a BC identity card. It is quite easy to apply through the following steps.
Prepare Required Documents
Official documents include:
- 2 acceptable pieces of ID including one primary ID and one secondary ID. Examples are listed as follows.
- BC Services Card (if any)
- CareCard (if any)
| Primary ID | Secondary ID (valid or within one year after expiration) |
| ● B.C driver’s license or learner’s license (with photo and within the validity period or 3 years after expiration) ● BC Services Card (with photo and within 3 years after expiration) ● Combined driver’s license and BC services card (within 3 years after expiration) ● Canadian birth certificate ● Canadian citizenship card/certificate ● Valid Canadian passport ● Valid Canadian immigration identification record ● Valid identity card ● Valid permanent resident card ● Valid secure certificate of Indian Status ● Student, work, visitor, or temporary resident permit | ● Debit or credit (name and signature visible) ● Birth certificate from a foreign country ● Canadian Forces ID ● Certificate of Indian Status ● Correctional Service conditional release card ● Department of National Defence 404 driver’s license ● Canadian or US driver’s license ● Photo employment ID card ● Foreign Affairs Canada or consular ID ● Canadian health card (card with signature for organ donation is unacceptable) ● MNBC identification ● Nexus card ● Parole certificate ID ● Valid Canadian or U.S. passport card ● Canadian boating license ● Police identification ● Firearms Possession and Acquisition Licence ● Social insurance card with a signature strip ● School ID card ● Tla’amin Nation identification |
Make a BC ID Appointment
You are supposed to request the BC ID card in the driver licensing office which can be found on this service locator. After finding an office near you, you should book an appointment online or by phone before visiting. If you don’t, visit there during walk-in hours.
Attend the Appointment
Visit the driver licensing office at the scheduled time with all required documents. The officers will verify whether you are a resident of British Columbia and take your photo.
Alternative to BC ID Card
In February 2013, the British Columbia government issued BC Service card to replace the CareCard which can also be applied in a driver’s license office. It is more versatile by carrying a personal health number. Moreover, it is free of charge unless you combine it with a driver’s license. There are three types of it listed as follows.
Photo BC Service Card
It is a BC service card only. You can apply for it as long as you have registered in the Medical Services Plan (MSP). On the front of the card, there is a head-and-shoulder photo, the holder’s name, card issued date, card expiry date, and date of birth. On the back of it, there is a magnetic stripe, personal health number, barcode, and card serial number. Please note that it is not a driver’s license.
image resource: gov.bc.ca
Non-Photo BC Service Card
This type is only eligible to some residents, such as:
- children and youth aged 19 or younger
- adults with temporary immigration status
- adults who fail to finish the identification at an ICBC driver licensing office
- adults aged 75 or older.
image resource: gov.bc.ca
There is no photo on this BC services card. For temporary permit holders below 19 years old, there is an MSP expiry date on the back.
Minors cannot get the non-photo BC Services Card at the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) driver licensing office. It would be automatically issued when the adult on the Health Insurance BC account asks it to do or applies for their own BC service card at an ICBC driver licensing office
Combined BC Driver’s Licence and Services Card
It is a combination of a driver’s license and a BC services card. You can apply for it when:
- you are at least 19 years old.
- you have enrolled in MSP
- you are eligible to apply for a driver’s license
Please note that Enhanced Driver’s Licence (EDL) holders must not combine it with a BC service Card. Apply for a photo BC service card instead.
FAQs:
Q: How much does it cost to apply for a BC ID card?
A: It costs $35 and it should be paid at the ICBC offices.
Q: How long does it take to receive my BCID?
A: It takes 4-6 weeks to mail the card to you.
Q: Is a BC identity card mandatory?
A: No, it aims to offer convenience to those who don’t have a driver’s license or are looking for a convenient government ID.
Q: Should I obtain a BC ID card if I just stay in BC temporarily?
A: It’s optional, but please note that your work or study permit must have at least six months when applying for BCID.
Q: Will the BC ID card expire?
A: Yes, it has a 5-year validity. You should renew it once it expires.
Summary
Now you can see a BC ID card is a great invention for temporary residents. As an alternative to passports, this government-issued photo identification is quite easy to apply by taking the necessary documents to a driver’s licensing office after a BC ID appointment. If you already have a CareCard or are enrolled in MSP, a BC service card is also a good choice.