Select type of ID: (19 or under)

  • Updating Provincial ID Cards
  • Updating Birth Certificate

Updating Provincial ID Cards

It is recommended that you update your BC Services Card, Driver’s License, and BCID before updating your Birth Certificate, as this ensures your primary identification documents are updated as quickly as possible. However, if you have already updated your birth certificate, you may submit a copy of your updated birth certificate, by mail, to Health Insurance BC instead.

To update your gender marker on any BCID cards without an updated birth certificate, you and your parent/guardian must complete the Application for Change of Gender Designation (Minor) and submit the following, by mail, to to Health Insurance BC:

  1. a copy of the Application for Change of Gender Designation (Minor);
  2. a copy of the Physician’s or Psychologist’s Confirmation of Change of Gender Designation; and
  3. a copy of proof of parentage and/or legal guardianship (e.g. a copy of a birth certificate listing the parents and any order of guardianship).

Please note that your parents must provide their consent by signing the completed application form. In the limited circumstances indicated on the Request for Waiver of Parental Consent form, parental consent may be waived (form may download automatically). If your situation qualifies for a waiver of parental consent, complete the form and submit it with your application.

Once you receive a confirmation letter from Health Insurance BC, take the following to an ICBC Driver Licensing Office to get new identification issued:

  1. The original (preferred) or copy of the Application for Change of Gender Designation (Minor);
  2. The original (preferred) or copy of the Physician’s or Psychologist’s Confirmation of Change of Gender Designation;
  3. a copy of proof of parentage and/or legal guardianship (e.g. a copy of a birth certificate listing the parents and any order of guardianship).
  4. One piece of primary identification (see link for accepted identification)
  5. One piece of secondary identification (see link for accepted identification)

If you are also changing your name at this time, bring either a Certificate of Name Change or foundational document reflecting your new name (e.g. birth certificate or citizenship certificate) to ensure your identification can be updated to reflect the correct name and gender marker.


Move on to the steps for changing Federal documents, if desired.  Remember, name and gender markers can be changed at the same time. You should consider this approach if you want to streamline the process and minimize potential fees. 


Updating Birth Certificate

To update your gender marker on your birth certificate, complete the Application for Change of Gender Designation (Minor) and submit it, by mail, to Vital Statistics BC. The following must be included with your application:

  1. the original copy of the Physician’s or Psychologist’s Confirmation of Change of Gender Designation; and
  2. proof of parentage and/or legal guardianship (e.g. a birth certificate listing the parents and any order of guardianship);
  3. any previously issued birth certificates in your possession;
  4. the required fees.

Please note that if you are updating your gender marker at this time, be sure not to order a new birth certificate until you have received your Change of Name Certificate to ensure that the birth certificate you reflects the correct name and gender marker.


Move on to the steps for changing Federal documents, if desired.  Remember, name and gender markers can be changed at the same time. You should consider this approach if you want to streamline the process and minimize potential fees. 


Note on required fees:

Individuals who earn less than $20,000 per year are eligible to waive the application fee for a Change of Name certificate from Vital Statistics. If you qualify for the fee waiver, include a copy of your previous year’s tax return along with a letter requesting that change of name fee be waived in your application package.