Autoplan Insurance

Insurance for students, military personnel and tourists

If you’re driving in B.C. as a tourist, you can drive with your existing insurance for up to six months – as long as you have a valid out-of-province driver’s licence and your vehicle is properly licensed in your home jurisdiction.

Am I eligible for exemption?

You may be eligible for an exemption from licensing and insuring your vehicle in B.C. if you have a valid out-of-province driver’s licence and your vehicle is properly registered, licensed​ and insured in your home jurisdiction (Canada or USA).

You will also need to be: 

  • A member of the Canadian Armed Forces stationed in B.C. for training for up to six months or

  • A student enrolled full-time at a recognized B.C. post-secondary institution and/or a B.C. ​Government of Canada-designated educational institution

Please apply in order to qualify within 30 days after arriving in B.C. Note that it typicall​y takes 3-5 business days to process exemption applications but can take up to 10 days.

What you need to submit your application

To submit your application, please have ready:

  • An official letter of enrollment from your academic institution (stating you are a full-time student with the start and end date of the school year or semester) or for military personnel, a letter from your commanding officer indicating you’re on temporary assignment in B.C.

  • A copy of your vehicle registration and/or certificate of title showing the expiry date

  • A copy of your vehicle insurance showing the expiry date

Steps to submit your application

  1. Contact your insurance provider and request that an authorized signor from the insurance company send a completed Financial Responsibility Certificate (MV23) pdf to ICBC that verifies your coverage.

  2. Once your insurer confirms the certificate has been submitted, please call 604-443-4624 to pay the mandatory $30 fee. You can also mail a cheque to:

    ICBC – Student Exemption
    135 – 151 West Esplanade
    North Vancouver, B.C., V7M 3H9

  3. ​​​​Complete the MV1804A web form.

  4. Email the following documents to irp@icbc.com with “STUDENT EXEMPTION – last name, first name” in the subject line:

    • Letter of enrollment from your academic institution or letter from your Commanding Officer

    • A copy of your vehicle registration and/or certificate of title showing the expiry date

    • A copy of your vehicle insurance showing the expiry date

​Once your application has been processed and approved, we’ll email you your B.C. permit to print and keep in your vehicle.

Driving in B.C.

When driving in B.C., please keep the following documents in your vehicle:

  • Your B.C. permit

  • Your driver’s licence

  • Your proof of vehicle registration and insurance