Your Driver's Licence Isn't Yours

Regardless of the fact that I paid $75 to renew my driver's license, it isn't mine. In fact, it states on the back of the license that "This card remains the property of the issuing agency and must be surrendered upon request."

If that request is made or the law requires its return there is no refund of fees and you must give it back immediately.

There are three circumstances where ICBC may request that the license be returned to them.

Motor Vehicle Related Debts

The first is where a person owes a motor vehicle related debt to ICBC, was dishonest in supplying information to obtain the license or owes certain fines or monetary penalties to the Government of B.C.

This situation will result in the cancellation of the license and a demand for its return.

Duplicate Driver's Licence Obtained

The second is where a person cannot find their driver's license and has obtained a duplicate copy of the original license.

If the original is subsequently found, the original must be returned to ICBC immediately. Once found, it is also an offence to use the original license in place of the duplicate.

Prohibited and Suspended Drivers

Finally, when a driver is prohibited or suspended from driving, they must immediately surrender the license when notified of the prohibition or suspension.

Fail to Surrender Driver's Licence

In all cases, failing to surrender the license is an offence.

A person found in possession of a license that was not surrendered when required faces a traffic ticket with a ticketed amount of $109.

Reference Links

• Cancellation of Drivers License - Section 26.1(3) Motor Vehicle Act
• Production of Liability Card, Duplicates - Section 33(3) Motor Vehicle Act
• Cancellation of Driver's Licence - Section 61(2) Motor Vehicle Act

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