Moving to a New Neighbourhood in BC: What to Update and When

Just moved in BC? From ICBC to CRA to school transfers — here's the complete post-move admin checklist so nothing slips through.

You hired the movers, survived the boxes, and finally found the kettle. But if you think the hard part is over — there's one more task that most people forget until it bites them: updating your address with every government office, financial institution, and service provider that matters.

Miss a step and you could face a lapsed driver's licence renewal, a missed tax refund, or a school registration delay for your kids. This checklist walks you through exactly what to update, in what order, and how quickly after your BC move.

Update Your ICBC Address First (Within 10 Days — It's the Law)

This one isn't optional. In British Columbia, you're legally required to update your address with ICBC within 10 days of moving. That includes your:

• Driver's licence
• Vehicle registration
• ICBC insurance policy

You can update online through icbc.com, by phone, or in person at an Autoplan broker. If you're renewing your licence soon anyway, bring your new proof of address — a utility bill or bank statement works — and update everything in one visit.

Tip: If you're moving between municipalities (say, from Burnaby to North Vancouver), your insurance rate zone may change. Ask your broker to review your premium at the same time.

Update CRA — Before Tax Season Catches You Off Guard

The Canada Revenue Agency doesn't know you've moved unless you tell them. A missed address update means your tax refund, benefit payments (like GST/HST credits or Canada Child Benefit), and important notices go to your old address.

How to update your CRA address:

1. Log into My Account on CRA
2. Go to Personal Profile → Contact information → Edit address
3. Save and confirm

If you don't have a CRA My Account, you can also call 1-800-959-8281 or update it when you file your next tax return — though that's risky if you're expecting a refund or benefits in the meantime.

BC Services Card and Health Authority

Your BC Services Card (combined driver's licence / Care Card) is updated automatically through ICBC when you change your licence address. But if you carry a separate BC Services Card (non-driver version), you'll need to visit a Service BC location or call 1-888-356-2741.

You should also contact your regional health authority if you have ongoing care, prescriptions, or specialist referrals in progress — particularly if you're crossing health authority boundaries (e.g., moving from Fraser Health to Vancouver Coastal Health territory).

Voter Registration

Federal and provincial voter lists are maintained separately, and neither updates automatically when you move.

• Federal elections: Update via Elections Canada online, or confirm your registration at the door on election day
• BC provincial elections: Update at Elections BC or when you renew your driver's licence

If there's a municipal election coming up, contact your new municipality directly — voter lists for city and school board elections are managed locally.

School Transfers (If You Have Kids)

School registration in BC is tied to your home address and catchment zone. If you've crossed into a new catchment area, your kids may need to transfer schools — and waitlists can be long, especially mid-year.

What to do:

1. Find your new catchment school using your school district's address tool (each district has one — Google "[Your District] catchment school finder")
2. Contact the school directly to begin registration
3. Request records and report cards from the previous school
4. If your child has an IEP or has been receiving support services, flag this immediately — it takes time to transfer those services

Most school districts in Metro Vancouver (Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam) allow out-of-catchment enrollment via a request, but spots are not guaranteed.

Financial Institutions and Subscriptions

Once the government side is handled, work through this list:

Pro Tip: Do a Canada Post Forward on Move Day

Even the most thorough checklist won't catch everything on the first pass. Setting up a mail forward through Canada Post for four to six months after your move gives you a safety net. Every piece of mail that arrives at your old address shows you who still needs updating.

Mail forwards can be set up at canadapost.ca for around $50–$75 for six months — well worth it.

A Quick-Reference Timeline

Moving is exhausting enough without discovering three months later that your tax refund went to your old address. Knock this list off in the first two weeks and you can actually enjoy your new neighbourhood.

Need help getting there first? Smart Pacific Moving serves Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, North Vancouver, and across the Lower Mainland.