Free new-resident guide — BC
Moving to British Columbia (2026)
What you need to do when you move to British Columbia from another province — driver's licence, health card, vehicle re-registration, and address updates, with British Columbia-specific deadlines.
Keep your old health coverage
Keep your old provincial health coverage active until your new coverage starts -- do not cancel it early.
Update address & notify agencies
Update your address with Canada Post (mail forwarding), CRA, Service Canada, Elections Canada, your bank, employer, and provincial agencies including your health card and driver's licence address.
Driver's licence
Exchange deadline: 90 days
Exchange your out-of-province licence within 90 days of becoming a BC resident at any ICBC driver licensing office.
Testing is typically waived when exchanging a same-class Canadian licence.
Official source → https://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/moving-bc/Pages/Moving-from-within-canada.aspxHealth card — MSP (Health Insurance BC)
Plan
MSP (Health Insurance BC)
When to apply
on arrival
How to apply
Online, in person, or by mail
Waiting period / coverage start
Approximately 3 months: the balance of the month you arrive plus the following 2 full months. The waiting period is waived for returning Canadians, permanent residents, and certain other groups.
Vehicle re-registration
Re-register your out-of-province vehicle in British Columbia. The deadline and whether a safety inspection is required varies by province.
British Columbia vehicle re-registration guide →Federal tasks
- •CRA: update your mailing address via My Account at canada.ca or by calling 1-800-959-8281. Direct deposit details stay the same.
- •Elections Canada: update your voter registration at elections.ca or at your nearest Elections Canada office.
Local setup
Utilities, waste/recycling, transit passes, and school registration are set by your municipality — rules and providers vary by city. Check your city or municipal website for local services. (Per-city details are outside the scope of this guide.)
Replace or obtain documents
If you need a replacement birth certificate, SIN confirmation letter, or passport, see the replace-documents guide for British Columbia-specific steps and agencies.
British Columbia replace-documents guide →Official sources
Last updated: June 2026
Download your free British Columbia new-resident checklist
Printable PDF covering all 7 steps with British Columbia-specific deadlines.
Free. General information only -- not legal or regulatory advice.
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