ICBC Is Changing Its License Plate Sticker Rules & You Can Renew Your Insurance Online Soon

ICBC is bringing some changes for B.C. drivers next month, like ditching licence plate stickers and offering online self-renewals for insurance.

As of May 1, you won't need to display a licence plate sticker in B.C. to show you have valid insurance.

Instead of using stickers, ICBC is investing in the Automated Licence Plate Recognition program, which helps police "detect unlawful, unlicensed and uninsured drivers," the B.C. government said in a February press release.

Eligible customers with policies expiring on or after May 1 will also be able to renew their personal ICBC insurance policy on a computer, tablet or mobile device.

You can actually renew your insurance up to 44 days before the expiration — so some drivers might already be eligible for online renewal before May 1.

Basically, you can say goodbye to the long lines at the ICBC office.

A few other things are also getting a bit easier starting on May 1.

The government release added that customers will be able to "renew their current personal auto insurance coverage, change their address, apply for discounts, update the drivers listed on their policy and modify how they use their vehicle," all online.

All of that said, there will still be some instances you may need to visit an ICBC office.

New insurance policies, cancellations, mid-term changes, lapsed policies, changes to optional coverages, leased vehicles, motorcycles, motorhomes, collector vehicles, joint ownership, temporary operation permits and fleet or commercial policies will all need to be dealt with in person, over the phone or through a broker — not online.