Replacing a Lost, Stolen or Damaged BC Class 7L: ICBC Steps, Fee and Interim Licence

To replace a lost British Columbia Class 7L learner's licence, you must apply in person at an ICBC driver licensing office. You cannot request a replacement online. The process involves verifying your identity, paying a $17 fee, and receiving a temporary paper permit to drive while you wait for your new photo card.

How Do You Replace a Lost BC Class 7L Learner's Licence at ICBC?

You must visit an ICBC driver licensing office for a lost permit replacement. Online services are not available for this. Booking an appointment online is recommended to avoid long waits.

• In-Person Appointment (Required): Visit an ICBC office to declare your licence lost and apply for a duplicate driving permit. A new photo is taken if your last one is over five years old.
• Online Services: Use the ICBC website only to book your appointment and check the required documents for reissuing your Class 7L learner's licence.

What ID and Fee Do You Need to Replace a BC Class 7L?

Bring the correct identification and payment to your appointment. Missing documents is a common reason for rejection.

Visit the British Columbia learner's permit guide for step-by-step rules.

• Identification: Bring two pieces of ID. One primary (e.g., Canadian Passport, Birth Certificate) and one secondary (e.g., student card, bank card).
• Parental Consent: If you are under 19, your existing consent is typically valid. However, bring a parent if possible, as ICBC may request verification.
• Replacement Fee: The replacement fee for a Class 7 photo learner’s licence is $17. If your permit has expired, you must retake the knowledge test and pay for a new licence.
• Police Report: Not mandatory for ICBC, but file a report if your permit was stolen to protect against identity theft.

Can You Drive While Waiting for Your Replacement Class 7L Card?

You cannot drive without your physical permit. When you apply at the ICBC office, you will immediately receive a yellow interim paper licence.

• Temporary Paper Permit: This interim licence is valid for 90 days and allows you to drive legally while waiting for your permanent card.
• ?? Legal Driving While Waiting: You can drive only after you have the interim paper permit in your possession. Driving without it can result in an $81 fine.
• Processing & Mail Time: Your permanent photo card is mailed to you and can take up to 60 days to arrive.

Lost, Stolen, or Expired BC Learner's Licence: Which ICBC Path Applies?

Common Lost, Stolen or Damaged Licence Situations

• Lost licence: Bring the identification ICBC requires, pay the current $17 replacement fee, and use the interim paper licence while the new card is produced.
• Stolen licence: The ICBC replacement path is the same; a police report can also help document the theft for identity-protection purposes.
• Expired licence: Use the validity/renewal guide because an expired Class 7L is not handled as a simple duplicate-card replacement.

If You Find Your Old BC Class 7L After ICBC Issues a Replacement

Use the replacement licence as your current card. Do not switch back to the old card; ask ICBC how it wants the superseded card handled if you are unsure.

Do you need to replace a damaged Class 7L if the information is still readable? ICBC allows damaged licences to be replaced. If damage affects the photo, printed information, or security features, replace it rather than relying on a card that may be difficult to verify.

How to Avoid Delays When Replacing Your Class 7L

• Check that the original identification you plan to use is current and acceptable before visiting ICBC.
• For office hours and best times to visit, use the dedicated office-hours guide instead of relying on replacement-specific timing advice.
• For an expired learner's licence, follow the validity/reapplication guidance rather than the lost-card process.

Practice free BC Class 7L knowledge test questions at shoro.ai/BC — 50 questions, ICBC-style, updated for 2026.

If Your Wallet Was Stolen and You Also Lost the ID Needed to Replace Your Class 7L

If you do not have enough accepted identification to replace the card, ICBC says to call its driver licensing information line before the appointment so it can explain the next step for your situation.

Can someone else replace your lost BC learner's licence for you? Plan to complete the replacement as your own driver-licensing transaction. ICBC requires accepted ID and processes the replacement through a driver licensing office.

Does replacing a lost Class 7L change its expiry date? A replacement is not the same as a renewal. If the licence is expired or close enough to expiry that ICBC requires renewal instead, the renewal rules apply.

Does your driver's licence number change after a lost or stolen Class 7L is replaced? The replacement remains tied to your existing ICBC driver record. Use the details printed on the new card and contact ICBC if anything does not match your record.