Can I legally drive in British Columbia (Canada) with an american license?

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Randy B

You will only need to get a Canadian license if you move here. If you are a tourist then you can of course use your American license (as long as it's valid).

ETA: If you are going to be here for 4 years you will need to get a Canadian (BC) license. And as for the responder who said that the cops will not know how long you have been here if you get pulled over, they know. You insurance will have to be reflecting your new address so the info won't match. Also, if your car is here for that long you will need Canadian (BC) plates which will again have a different address then your license.

And just a safety tip....if you do somehow keep your insurance and move here without changing things over...if you have an accident while you are here you may very well find your insurance company denying any claim or liability since you would be in violation of the conditions.

hilaritee

are you visiting or moving there? if you are just visiting then your u.s. license is fine. if you intend to move to b.c. then you should consider applying for a new license....it would probably be a provincial license rather than a national license

Tessa

I have when I visited. If you move there permanently then you might have to get a Canadian licence.

kittman51

You will eventually need to get a Canadian license if planning to stay over a year. I believe you have up to 3 months to acquire one (however if the cops pull you over how do they know how long you have been residing in BC) so 3 months (ish).

If you have held a full driver license (not for minors) for a period of two years, you may be eligible to swap your USA license for a Canadian one. Note that in this case, you will need to surrender your American license in order to obtain the Canadian one. A simple process pay some money get your picture done and voila. However if you have had your license less than 2 years then you are best to check the policies at the licensing bureau when you get to BC.

Of note my buddy moved from Texas to Alberta and had a hard time only because his American license did not have a date of issue only an expiry date. Please insure this is on your license or have something from your licensing bureau showing your date of issue before you get to BC. It will save a lot of hassle trust me.

Garth B

You do not need a Canadian driver's license. The American one will do fine.

Jake

there is no such thing as a "Canadian License"...it's under provincial jurisdiction...u havre to0 get a "BC License"

Mr. Goodkat

Yes, anyone that visits Canada has to establish a Canadian address and get a drivers license there before they are able to drive.

Bob Loblaw

your good.

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