Service BC Mobile Service Centre
Publication date: September 12, 2024The mobile service centre is a van that travels to different communities throughout the province. It helps people connect to government services in communities where it is otherwise hard to access services. During times of disaster, it provides essential services when needed the most.
On this page
- Goals of the mobile service centre
- Services provided
- What do I bring?
- Locations and dates
- What to expect at the mobile service centre
- Contact us
Goals of the mobile service centre
The mobile service centre offers many of the same services as Service BC’s in-person offices. It aims to:
- Visit communities where people have limited access to online and in-person services
- Make sure government services are inclusive and accessible by providing options to people experiencing mobility challenges
- Support reconciliation by visiting Indigenous communities in remote areas to deliver government services
- Provide essential services in communities facing emergencies, such as wildfires or floods
Services provided
Get help with most of the same services offered at Service BC offices (except for income assistance services and ICBC road tests). For example, the van can help you:
- Renew or replace a B.C. driver's licence, BCID, or BC Services Card
- Take a knowledge test for driver's licence (Learners, Commercial and Motorcycle)
- Purchase a marriage licence
- Order or change a B.C. birth certificate
- Verify identity – BC Services Card account
- Apply for Medical Services Plan (MSP)
- Make provincial government payments
- Get a fishing licence
- Change your name
- Get help with submitting documents and finding Residential Tenancy Branch forms
- Learn what to do after a death
What do I bring?
You may need one or more pieces of ID depending on the service.
- Driver's licence
- BCID
- BC Services Card
- Marriage licence
- Birth certificate
- Secure Certificate of Indian Status Card
- Certificate of Indian Status Card
View popular services to learn which ID is needed for services. For ICBC driver licensing, take this short ICBC questionnaire.
Locations and dates
The van schedules visits to communities where there are challenges accessing government services. Culture, language, how remote the community is, and technology needs are all considered when determining locations. Sometimes the mobile service centre works with community partners or other service providers and can be at group events in public spaces.
The mobile service centre is a pilot project. Service BC is working to understand the demand for it and on a process to request the van. Due to limited capacity, the van prioritizes visiting communities who need its help the most.
Contact us to learn when and where the van will be next, to make a request or if you have questions: SBC.MobileOutreach@gov.bc.ca
What to expect at the mobile service centre
Currently, there is only one van operating. For assistance in your language, staff can connect you to over 220 languages through Service BC’s support line.
The van operates year-round and is equipped for tougher terrain. It also has cellular connectivity so that you can connect to Wi-Fi and satellite connectivity where there is poor or no cellular service.
Services are available both inside and outside the van. There is a handrail and step to help you enter the van. If you can't enter the van, there are tables and chairs in an enclosed, sheltered area outside.
The van is equipped with:
- A hearing loop for those who are hard of hearing
- Ergonomic seating for comfort
- A portable ICBC photo station
For those sensitive to noise or light, the van offers a low sensory environment with white noise, sound-absorbing materials and low lighting.
Personal information is protected with the same security and privacy measures as those found inside a Service BC in-person office. The mobile service centre also supports client confidentiality using partitions, white noise machines and laptop privacy screens.
We are working with community partners to schedule future dates for the van. Please visit this page again to see what we have planned, or contact us at SBC.MobileOutreach@gov.bc.ca.