Driver licensing

Card security and your privacy

In addition to ICBC, public agencies and thousands of private businesses rely on the security features and integrity of the information that appears on our licences and ID cards to confirm your identity. That's why our ID cards protect you with extensive security features. 

How our cards help protect your identity

Our photo cards meet the highest standards for integrity and security. 

There is more than one version of cards currently in circulation in British Columbia however all of the cards except where indicated, share these common features:

  • A polycarbonate, durable design. Raised laser etching of your name on the surface of the card.

  • Additional miniature/micro-printing throughout the face of the card.

  • Fine line background and security spiraling to make photo substitution difficult. (This is why you will find your photograph appears in black and white.)

  • A slightly overlapping signature to make photo substitution difficult.

  • Colours that blend across the front of the card.

  • A 'ghost' image with your year of birth on the right-hand side that can be felt by touch.

  • Starting in late January 2022, the ghost image is paired with your signature and full birthdate.

  • Starting in late January 2022, cards issued will have the silhouette of a B.C. provincial animal in a blue or gold colour, depending on the viewing angle.

DL sample

Why we collect your personal information

ICBC is committed to respecting both your individual rights and following B.C.'s laws for recording your information. We always strive to give you the best service while balancing these needs.

Your privacy is important to us. We collect your personal information to issue driver licences and BC Services cards and BCID cards. We also use facial recognition software to protect you from fraud and identity theft.

For driver's licences, the information is used to create and issue licences, keep driving records, and operate driver safety and improvement programs. For BC Services Cards and BCIDs, information is used to create and issue the cards and keep any associated records.

What authorizes ICBC to collect this information?

Driver's licences

  • The collection of information is authorized by section 25 of the Motor Vehicle Act.

BC Identification Cards

  • The collection of information is authorized by section 3 of the Identification Card Regulation.

BC Services Cards

  • The collection of information is authorized by section 9 of the Identification Card Regulation.

What is facial recognition software?

Facial recognition software is a computer application that automatically identifies or verifies a person from a digital image. Generally speaking, it compares selected facial features from an image with images in a facial database.

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Questions

If you have any questions on the collection and use of your personal information, please contact us by phone or mail:

Manager, Privacy & FOI department
151 W Esplanade,
North Vancouver, B.C., V7M 3H9

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