If you’ve ever tried to log in to a BC government service online — like checking your MSP status, accessing your health records, or using a provincial portal — you’ve probably been asked to use a BC Services Card account. The easiest and most secure way to do that is through the BC Services Card app on your smartphone.
This guide walks you through exactly how to set it up, step by step.
What Is the BC Services Card App?
The BC Services Card app is a free mobile app from the Government of British Columbia that lets you securely log in to provincial government services using your phone — no username or password required.
Think of it as a digital ID that replaces the need to remember login credentials. Once set up, you just open the app and approve the login request.
Where Can You Use It?
| Service | What You Can Do |
|---|---|
| MSP / HealthGateway | View health records, immunization history, lab results |
| My Self Serve (BC Gov HR) | Access pay stubs and benefits if you work for BC Gov |
| BC Registries | Register or manage a business in BC |
| DriveBC / ICBC | Access driving-related services |
| BC Student Aid | Manage student loan accounts |
| Other provincial portals | Any service that says “Log in with BC Services Card” |
Before You Start: Requirements
- iPhone/iPad: iOS 13 or later (no beta versions)
- Android: Version 6.0 or later (no beta OS)
- A valid BC Services Card (the card with your photo — it replaced the old CareCard in 2013)
- A working camera and microphone on your phone (for identity verification)
Not sure if you have a BC Services Card? It may be combined with your BC driver’s licence. Check your wallet — if you see a card with both your photo and your MSP number, that’s it.
If you don’t have a BC Services Card yet, check out this guide: How to Apply for BC MSP and Get Your BC Services Card.
Step-by-Step: How to Set Up the BC Services Card App
Step 0: Download the App
Search for “BC Services Card” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or use the official links:
Make sure you’re downloading the official BC government app — the developer should be listed as “Province of British Columbia.”
Step 1: Choose How to Secure the App
When you first open the app, you’ll choose how to protect it:
- Option A: Use your phone’s existing security (passcode, fingerprint, or Face ID)
- Option B: Create a 6-digit PIN specific to the app
Either option works, but the BC government recommends using a PIN if you sometimes remove the passcode from your phone. Your PIN is never shared with BC government and never leaves your device.
Step 2: Scan Your BC Services Card
The app will ask you to scan or photograph your ID. Use your BC Services Card if you have one — it speeds up the process and unlocks the most services.
| ID Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| BC Services Card with photo | Scan the card — fastest option |
| BC Services Card without photo | Scan the card + provide one piece of photo ID |
| No BC Services Card | Provide 2 pieces of government-issued ID (at least 1 with photo) |
Step 3: Add Your Residential Address
If you used your BC Services Card in Step 2, this step is skipped automatically — the app pulls your address from the card.
If you used other ID, enter the address where you currently live in Canada.
Step 4: Add and Verify Your Email Address
Enter your email address. You’ll receive a verification email — click the link to confirm it. This is a one-time step to make sure your email is valid.
BC government will only email you about your account — no marketing, no newsletters.
Step 5: Verify Your Identity
This is the most important step. Identity verification confirms that you are who you say you are, and prevents anyone else from creating an account in your name.
Verification options include:
- Video verification: A short video call where a BC government agent checks your ID (requires camera and microphone)
- In-person at a Service BC centre
- By mail (for some account types)
You only need to do this once during setup. After that, logging in is just a tap on your phone.
Setting Up on a Second Device
Already set up on one phone and want to add a tablet or second phone? You don’t need to go through the whole process again.
On your existing device, open the BC Services Card app → go to Settings → Add another device → scan the QR code with your new device. Done in minutes.
Troubleshooting Tips
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| App won’t install | Check your OS version — iOS 13+ or Android 6.0+ required |
| “Unsecure network” error (Android) | Switch to a different Wi-Fi or use mobile data |
| Camera not working for verification | Go to phone Settings → Apps → BC Services Card → Permissions → enable Camera |
| Email verification not arriving | Check spam folder; make sure the email address was entered correctly |
| Still stuck? | Call Service BC Help Desk: Mon–Fri, 7:30am–5:00pm Pacific |
Summary
The BC Services Card app is a must-have for anyone living in BC. It’s free, secure, and makes accessing provincial government services much simpler. The setup takes about 15–20 minutes the first time, but once it’s done, you’ll log in to BC government services with a single tap.
If you haven’t applied for your physical BC Services Card yet, start here: How to Apply for BC MSP and Get Your BC Services Card.