Changing Your Address in BC After a Move: ICBC, Utilities and More
Moving is not finished when the truck is unloaded. Some address changes are legally required within days, and others save you from missed bills and mail. This guide covers the BC essentials in a sensible order.
Updated November 3, 2026
ICBC: driver's licence and vehicle insurance
In British Columbia you must update ICBC with your new address within 10 days of moving. There are two separate steps, and both matter.
Driver's licence or BCID
You can change the address on a driver's licence online, by phone or in person. A BCID card must be updated by phone or in person at a driver licensing office. ICBC mails an address change sticker, so call or visit if it has not arrived within about two weeks.
Vehicle insurance (Autoplan)
Your insurance policy must show your current home address. Visit an Autoplan broker to change it. Your address can affect your insurance, and an out-of-date policy could cause problems if you make a claim.
- Do this within the first week in your new home, not the last day.
- Check ICBC's website for the current process and any ID you need to bring.
Utilities and home services
Book utilities before moving day so the lights, heat and internet work when you arrive. Most providers let you schedule a stop date at your old address and a start date at your new one, either online or by phone.
Electricity
Most Surrey homes get electricity from BC Hydro. Schedule your stop and start dates a couple of weeks before the move.
Natural gas
Gas providers such as FortisBC also handle start and stop requests. Ask whether your new home uses gas for heat, hot water or cooking.
Water, sewer and garbage
In many homes these are billed through the property owner or strata fees. If you rent or live in a strata, ask your landlord or strata manager how they are handled.
Internet, TV and phone
Book installation early, because install dates can be a week or more out. Ask providers whether you can move your existing service.
Home and tenant insurance
Update or start a policy for your new address before the move. Your insurer may change your premium based on the new location.
Other places to update your address
- Canada Post: set up mail forwarding so mail reaches you while you update everyone else.
- Health coverage: update your address on your BC Services Card and with Health Insurance BC.
- Canada Revenue Agency: update your address in My Account, along with any benefit programs you receive.
- Your employer, bank, credit cards, pharmacy, doctor and dentist.
- Phone plan, subscriptions, loyalty programs and online shopping accounts.
- Your children's school or daycare, if you are changing schools.
- Voter registration, so you are on the list for your new riding.
A simple order to follow
Two to four weeks before
Book electricity, gas and internet for your new address. Set up Canada Post forwarding. Tell your insurer.
Moving week
Confirm utility start dates. Pack a bag of essentials, chargers and important documents that travel with you, not on the truck.
First week in your new home
Update ICBC for both your licence and your vehicle insurance. Update health coverage.
First month
Update banks, employer, CRA and subscriptions as the mail arrives, so nothing is missed.
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Common questions
How long do I have to change my address with ICBC in BC?
ICBC requires you to update your address within 10 days of moving. Change your driver's licence or BCID, and your Autoplan vehicle insurance through an Autoplan broker.
Can I change my ICBC address online?
You can change the address on a driver's licence online, by phone or in person. A BCID must be done by phone or in person. Vehicle insurance changes go through an Autoplan broker.
Who do I call for electricity when I move in Surrey?
Most Surrey homes get electricity from BC Hydro. Schedule your stop date at your old address and your start date at the new one before moving day.
Should I set up Canada Post mail forwarding?
Yes. It gives you time to update your address with everyone else without missing bills or important mail.
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