Exchanging your Korean driver’s licence for a BC Class 5 licence is one of the first practical tasks after arriving in BC. Thanks to a reciprocal agreement between Korea and BC, you can skip both the written and road tests — but there are several documents to prepare carefully, and missing even one means you’ll have to come back another day.
1. You Have 90 Days After Arriving in BC
New BC residents must exchange their foreign licence within 90 days of arriving. Until then, driving on your Korean licence is legal — but after 90 days, it becomes illegal.
💡 Note: Korea and BC have a Reciprocal Agreement, meaning you can exchange directly to a Class 5 (full licence) with no written or road test required.
2. Required Documents
Prepare every item below before visiting ICBC. One missing document means a wasted trip.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Korean driver’s licence (original) | Must be the physical card. Copies not accepted. |
| English driver’s licence or certified English translation | An English-version licence from Korea is easiest. Otherwise, a certified translation is required. |
| Driving record in English | Available from Government24 (gov.kr) or Police eFine. Must be printed in colour. |
| Passport (original) | For identity verification. Expired passports not accepted. |
| BC address proof | Lease agreement, utility bill, bank statement — must show your name and BC address. |
| Immigration status document | PR card for permanent residents; Work Permit original for permit holders. |
🚨 Critical — Print in Colour: Canadian authorities require official documents to be printed in colour. A black-and-white driving record will be rejected on the spot. Print it in colour from Government24 or eFine.
3. Book an ICBC Appointment in Advance
Walk-ins are possible but wait times can be long. To avoid wasted time, book an appointment online at icbc.com/appointment before your visit.
4. What Happens at ICBC
The licence exchange visit typically takes 15–30 minutes. At the counter:
- Your documents are verified
- Your Korean licence is surrendered (ICBC keeps it)
- A temporary paper licence is issued on the spot
- The physical BC licence card arrives by mail within 1–2 weeks
Licence fee: approximately $31 for a 5-year licence (confirm current fee at icbc.com).
5. Get Your BC Services Card at the Same Time
While at ICBC, you can also get your BC Services Card — the photo ID card linked to your MSP (Medical Services Plan). It serves as official government-issued photo ID throughout BC.
💳 Tip: You can combine your driver’s licence and BC Services Card into one card. This is convenient and saves you a second trip. Ask at the counter — the driver’s licence fee applies, but the BC Services Card itself is free.
⚠️ Note: If you haven’t yet completed the MSP 3-month waiting period, the Services Card will be issued as a non-photo card first, and upgraded to a photo card once coverage is active.
6. Full Checklist
- ✅ Korean driver’s licence (original)
- ✅ English driver’s licence or certified English translation
- ✅ English driving record — printed in colour
- ✅ Passport (original, valid)
- ✅ BC address proof (lease, utility bill, bank statement)
- ✅ Immigration document (PR card or Work Permit)
- ✅ ICBC appointment booked
Related posts: How to Apply for BC MSP — Getting Your BC Services Card · 9 BC Driving Rules Korean Drivers Must Know