ICBC Licence Translation (BC)
Certified translation of foreign driver's licences for ICBC exchange in British Columbia.
Does ICBC require a translation of my foreign driver's licence?
Not always. It depends on the jurisdiction that issued your licence. ICBC typically requires a translation when the licence has non-English characters, does not show images of the vehicle classes you may drive, or is a paper document describing the vehicles in words. Send us a photo of your licence and we will tell you free of charge, within one business hour, whether a translation is required in your case.
- ✓Translation: required depending on the issuing jurisdiction
- ✓Video call: the translator reviews your documents with you
- ✓Format: printable certified PDF, with the ICBC declaration form
- ✓Delivery: generally 24 to 48 hours
Required Documents
- Driver's licence scan (front and back)
- Driving record and letter of experience if available
- High-resolution colour scan
Recommended Format by Institution
| Institution | Recommended Format | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ICBC | Certified PDF | Printable for licensing office |
How It Works
Send your documents
Upload or email your scanned documents for analysis.
Receive your quote
Get a detailed written quote within 1 hour.
Certified translation
Your documents are translated by a certified translator.
Delivery
Receive your certified translation by PDF or sealed paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ICBC always require a translation?
No. It depends on the jurisdiction that issued your licence. A translation is typically required when the licence has non-English characters, does not show images of the vehicle classes you may drive, or is a paper document describing the vehicles in words. Send us a photo and we confirm free of charge.
What documents can be translated?
Your driver's licence, your driving record and your letter of experience. The last two matter: ICBC asks for proof of at least two years of driving experience to exempt you from the Graduated Licensing Program.
Do I need an ICBC-approved translator?
Yes. ICBC requires a translator it has approved under its own criteria — being certified by a professional order is not the same thing. We assign an ICBC-approved translator and check that the approval covers the direction of translation you need, which is granted direction by direction.
How does the video call with the translator work?
You send your documents electronically, then the translator schedules a video call to review them with you. It takes 5 to 10 minutes, on WhatsApp, Zoom, Google Meet or FaceTime. Have your original licence and a piece of identification to hand. It is not a test and it has nothing to do with driving.
Can I print a certified PDF?
Yes. Print the certified PDF and bring it with the original document to your appointment. We also prepare the ICBC Approved Translator Declaration for Conduct of a Translation and include it with the delivery.
How fast can you deliver?
Generally 24 to 48 hours for a one-page licence. Order before your driver licensing appointment: if your licence or supporting documents require translation, ICBC puts your application on hold until the translations are complete.
Do you serve all of BC remotely?
Yes. The whole process is remote across British Columbia: documents sent electronically, video call with the translator, certified PDF delivered by email.
Often requested with…
Get Your Free Quote
Email us your documents directly for a quick analysis.
To receive a precise offer within one hour, please send your files to:
Large files? Send them via WeTransfer
Your documents are never used to train an artificial-intelligence model. Security and privacy