Every licence and permit people in BC ask about, step by step: who issues it, what it costs, how long it takes, and where to take the course.
Permits and licences for fishing, hunting, firearms, aviation, boating, and drone operations in British Columbia.
Fish in BC's lakes and rivers legally. Get a free Fish and Wildlife ID, then buy the licence online in WILD. Salt water needs a separate federal licence.
Fish in the ocean and tidal rivers in BC. Buy the federal tidal licence online, add the salmon stamp if you keep salmon, and carry it with you.
Hunt legally in BC. Take the CORE hunter course, get the hunting credential on your Fish and Wildlife ID, then buy the licence in WILD. A rifle needs a firearms licence too.
Own or buy a rifle or shotgun in Canada. Take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, pass its tests, then apply to the RCMP and wait at least 28 days.
For handguns and other restricted firearms. Take both safety courses, apply to the RCMP, and wait at least 28 days. Since 2022 a national freeze stops most handgun purchases and transfers even with this licence.
For ages 12 to 17 who hunt or target shoot. Pass the safety course, get a parent's consent, and apply to the RCMP. It lets a minor borrow non-restricted rifles and shotguns and buy ammunition.
Drive any motorboat in Canada. Pass one accredited online test, get the card, and it is good for life.
Fly a drone that weighs 250 grams or more. Register the drone, pass a $10 online exam, and add a flight review for advanced flying near people.
Learn to fly at a flight school, pass the Transport Canada exam and flight test, and get the private pilot licence. Most people spend a year and well over $15,000; the schools below publish their own estimates.
Commercial, passenger vehicle, air brake, and motorcycle driver licensing pathways through ICBC.
Ride a motorcycle in BC. Pass the knowledge test, hold the learner licence, pass the skills test, then the road test.
Drive a car in BC. Pass the knowledge test at 16, hold the learner licence for a year, pass the Class 7 road test, wait two years, then pass the Class 5 road test.
Needed to drive any vehicle with air brakes: big trucks, buses, some RVs. Take a one-day course or study the guide, pass the ICBC knowledge test, and the code goes on your licence.
Provincial liquor special event permits and municipal business licensing across BC.
Serve or sell alcohol at a wedding or public event. Get the server certificate, apply in the LCRB portal four to six weeks ahead, and buy the alcohol under the permit.
Run a business legally in your city. Register the business, get a GST number if you will earn over $30,000, and apply for the city licence.
Civil and vital statistics licensing for milestone life occasions in BC.