Moving in British Columbia? Here's everyone you need to notify.
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Facts checked September 2026 · See what changed · How we check
A complete change-of-address checklist for British Columbia residents: federal agencies, British Columbia-specific programs, and the details that matter for your province.
British Columbia-specific note
BC BUNDLED: ICBC handles licence, registration, AND auto insurance together. Do not contact a private insurer for your vehicle coverage.
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Do these first (time-sensitive)
Open this section ↓↑ Close this section1. Canada Post mail forwarding
Set up mail forwarding immediately so you don't miss bills, government notices, or CRA correspondence. Canada Post mail forwarding for a move costs $66.50 within a province, $82.75 across provinces, or $196.50 to the U.S. or internationally, for 4 months. Visit canadapost.ca to set up forwarding online.
2. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Update your address with the CRA as soon as possible after moving. Your CRA address controls:
- • Where your tax refund cheque is mailed (if not on direct deposit)
- • Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payments
- • GST/HST credit (renamed the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit in July 2026) payments
- • Important CRA notices and correspondence
Update online via My Account at canada.ca, by phone at 1-800-959-8281, or on your next tax return.
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British Columbia-specific agencies
Open this section ↓↑ Close this sectionMSP: Health Insurance BC (HIBC)
Health cardBC's Medical Services Plan (MSP) is administered by Health Insurance BC (HIBC). Update your address through HIBC by phone or online.
hibc.gov.bc.caDriver's licence + vehicle registration + auto insurance: ICBC
BundledIn BC, your driver's licence, vehicle registration, and auto insurance are ALL handled by ICBC, a government-owned public insurer. One address change with ICBC updates all three.
icbc.com3
Universal checklist: same for every province
Open this section ↓Service Canada
Update EI, CPP, or OAS address through My Service Canada Account (mysca.ca). Apply for EI immediately if you were recently terminated.
Elections Canada
Update your voter registration at elections.ca. You can also update on election day, but doing it in advance is faster.
Employer / HR / payroll
Notify your payroll department so T4s and pay stubs go to your correct address. If you've changed provinces, tell HR; provincial income tax withholding rates differ.
Banks and credit cards
Update your address with all financial institutions. Most allow this online or through their app. An outdated bank address can delay card replacements and statements.
Investment accounts (RRSP, TFSA, RESP)
Investment institutions often hold address separately from your bank. Update each separately.
Home or tenant insurance
Your policy is tied to a specific address. Contact your insurer before or immediately after the move; coverage may lapse if you delay.
Partner · Guidepost earns a commissionMoving to a new place without a policy? Square One quotes tenant and home insurance online in British Columbia.
Doctor, dentist, and pharmacy
Notify your healthcare providers. If you're switching provinces, you may need to re-register for provincial health coverage; confirm with your new province's health authority.
Subscriptions and deliveries
Update billing and shipping addresses for Amazon, Netflix, Spotify, meal kits, and any recurring deliveries. Canada Post forwarding will catch most mail but not always packages.
Passport: Canadian passports do not store your home address. No update needed with Passport Canada when you move.
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Common questions
Open this section ↓Where do I update my health card address in British Columbia?
Your British Columbia health card (MSP) address is updated through Health Insurance BC (HIBC). BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP) is administered by Health Insurance BC (HIBC). Update your address through HIBC by phone or online.Where do I update my driver's licence when I move in British Columbia?
In BC, your driver's licence, vehicle registration, and auto insurance are ALL handled by ICBC, a government-owned public insurer. One address change with ICBC updates all three.Do I need to update my Canadian passport when I move?
No. Canadian passports do not contain your home address, so there is no requirement to notify Passport Canada when you change addresses.How long do I have to update my driver's licence after moving?
BC requires you to notify ICBC of your new address within 10 days of moving. Update through ICBC online, by phone, or at an Autoplan broker.↑ Close this sectionMoving-to-BC checklist →Moving to British Columbia from another province?
Get the full new-resident guide: driver's licence deadline, health card wait, and vehicle re-registration for British Columbia.
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Moving also means paperwork for...
Open this section ↓
Moving to British Columbia from another province? The route-specific checklist:
Change-of-address guides for other provinces
Facts checked September 2026
Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer
Informational guide only. Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide explains the typical process and is not legal advice. Requirements can change. Verify current rules with the relevant government authority or a qualified professional before you act.