Citizens need to prove their identity for many day-to-day activities, such as booking a hotel room, opening a bank, and completing an application. In Canada, you can use a BC identity card to identify yourself when required to do so. In this article, we will show you how to apply for BC ID, how to complete the BC ID card appointment and other related BC ID card issues
What Is ICBC Booking?
According to the provincial government (the Government of British Columbia), it has launched a new online booking tool before British Columbians visit the BC Service. Booking this appointment can reduce lineups and save valuable time for citizens. Many services can be accessed through this booking system, such as resident application, incoming assistance, and other benefits. Therefore, before you go to Service BC, don’t forget to make an appointment for your purposes.
Prepare for a BC ID appointment
Before booking your in-person appointment, you must meet the required eligibility requirements in advance. There are some services where you are not required to book an appointment. Here you can check eligibility below:
- You need to be over 12.
- You must be a resident of British Columbia.
- You want to apply for or hold a B.C. driver’s license.
- You don’t have any outstanding debt because it could affect your ability to renew or upgrade your license. If you have a huge debt, you should call Account Services (604-661-2723or1-800-665-6442) before you book an appointment.
😀Read Also: How to Get a BC Driver’s License
Of course, you must prepare the official documents with your application. Here you can check the list below:
- Two acceptable pieces of ID, such as passport and birth certificate.
- Your CareCard (if applicable)
- Your BC Services Card (if applicable)
📣Read Also: Everything You Need to Know about Applying for Canada Passport
How to Book an Appointment for BC ID
After you have met eligibility and prepared all the required documents, you can move on and book an appointment to apply for your BC ID now. According to Service BC, you can book an appointment online or call the nearest Service BC location to make an appointment request. Therefore you don’t need to waste your time on lineup in the Service BC. Here you can check the methods below and book an appointment.
Online
It is convenient for you to make an appointment online, and you can follow the steps below:
- You need to visit the BC Service Appointment website.
- You should choose the nearest location from 62 Service BC Centre locations. At the same time, you can see the opening time and available service of the BC Service Centre of your choice. Then click on “Book an appointment”
- You must select the service you wish to complete at the BC Service Centre, such as “BC Driver Licence, BC Service Card, and/or BCID”. Then you can click “next.”
- You can choose the available days in the calendar and time slots according to your needs.
- After you have selected the date and time, you are required to confirm the appointment by logging in with the mobile BC Services Card or basic BCeID.
- And you need to check the details of the appointment to make sure everything is correct.
- You can receive a confirmation message from Service BC.
Call the Nearest Service BC location
Instead of booking an appointment online, you can try this method to complete the appointment by finding the office closest to you. Here you can follow the steps below:
- Open the map and search for the nearest ICBC Driver Licensing Office, Service BC Centre or the nearest Driver Licensing Agent.
- You can choose the type of service and the opening time, such as the driver’s license office and claim center and others.
- Once you enter the name of address, it will show you the contact information for your nearest driver licensing agent, such as the detailed address, phone number, and the opening time.
- Then you can call them during their working hours and let them know that you want to make an appointment for the BC ID or other service. The officials will tell you the available date and time slot, so you can accept the appointed time if you are available.
However, some driver licensing services are not available in certain areas, such as Chilliwack and Prince George, as they are currently only available for road tests. Therefore, you need to book your appointment through Service BC online system instead or you can choose other places to have your appointment.
No matter which way you choose to book an appointment, you must attend the appointment on time. To avoid waiting, it is recommended that you arrive no more than 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. In addition, you should bring all necessary documents when you attend the appointment to avoid the failure of the application.
How Many ICBC Appointments Can I Book?
According to Service BC, you may make one appointment at a time. It can provide access to as many people as possible. Therefore, if you have successfully booked an appointment online, you do not need to make another appointment or call the nearest Service BC to book an appointment. And they will take your first appointment into consideration.
How to Change My BC ID Appointment
If you have something important to do on the appointment day and can’t attend the scheduled appointment on time, you can change the BC ID appointment in advance. If you don’t know how to change the appointment, you can follow the steps below.
- You need to visit the ICBC booking website.
- Search for your existing appointment by entering your full name, phone number and email address. Then you will see the selected appointment.
- You can choose another available day and time slot to book your BC ID appointment.
- Then submit your appointment when you are done.
You’d better change the appointment rather than miss it. Therefore, it is recommended to set a clock to attend the appointment at the scheduled time.
Can I Book an Appointment for My Family Member?
According to Service BC, when you book an appointment, you are required to provide personal information. To protect the privacy of your family members, it is recommended to contact the driver’s license information line by phone. And booking an appointment online is easy and simple. However, if they are unable to book an appointment online, they can call Centre BC at 604-982-2250 for the Lower Mainland and 250-978-8300 for Greater Victoria.
How Long Does It Take to Get a New BC ID?
Normally, it will take you 60 days to receive a BC ID card. Or you can check the status of your BC ID card online. If you provide a proper photo ID and other required documents, the process can arrive on time. Therefore, it is recommended that you prepare everything well before the application.
FAQ
Is BC ID and Health Card the same?
No, the BC ID card is different from the health card. BC ID refers to a British Columbia identification card that contains personal information, such as name, date of birth, gender identity, and personal health number. You can use it as an ID to show your identification at a liquor store, health services or other businesses and organizations. However, the health card can only be used for health services.
Is BCID the same as BC Services Card?
No, BCID and BC Services cards are not the same. Although both are used as primary sources of identification in British Columbia for Canadian citizens, they still perform various functions. For example, the BC Services card contains your Personal Health Number, which makes it more effective than a BCID.
Can I make an appointment on weekends?
You can make an appointment according to the available day and time slots. However, lots of Service BC don’t open on weekends. So you need to arrange your schedule and make an appointment on weekdays. Or you can contact the Center BC if they can offer the additional service on weekends.
How much is the BC ID card?
When you apply for the BC ID card, you are not required to pay for any fees, except for the case that you apply for a driver’s license together. It will depend on the service you choose. Or you can call the Service BC before you book the appointment and apply for your BC ID card.
Conclusion
To summarize, it is necessary to obtain a BC ID card when you are in British Columbia. Because you can obtain an additional piece of government-issued photo identification. Although it is not mandatory for those who don’t have a driver’s license, it is useful in daily life as a government official ID. Before applying for a BC ID card, you must book an appointment to complete the application. If you have any questions about the BC ID appointment, you can call Service BC.
Erin Lo