Moving to B.C.: the checklist

A practical, in-order checklist for moving to Vernon from another province (mostly written for Albertans). Tick items off as you go; your ticks are saved in this browser only.

• Visit in more than one seasonBook a summer and a winter trip if you can. Kelowna's airport is about 30 minutes from Vernon.
• Get a driver's abstract from your current provinceICBC credits up to 15 years of driving experience when you show an abstract with the date you were first licensed.
• Talk to a mortgage professional about buying in B.C.Get pre-approved before you house-hunt; the Bank of Canada's policy rate was 2.25% as of its September 2, 2026 decision.
• Check whether you'll qualify for the first-time buyer exemptionIt requires one year of B.C. residence before registration, or two B.C. tax returns in the last six years. Most new arrivals don't qualify yet.
• Plan your health coverage gapAlberta coverage continues for the month you leave plus two months; B.C.'s MSP wait is the rest of your arrival month plus two months.
• Book winter tires if you're driving October to AprilMost B.C. highways require winter tires or chains from October 1 to April 30 (3.5 mm tread, M+S or mountain-snowflake symbol).

• Apply for MSPApply online, at Service BC or by mail as soon as you become a resident. B.C. advises keeping your former plan during the wait.
• Register and insure your vehicle with ICBCNew residents have 30 days. Private vehicles from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are exempt from the out-of-province inspection; bring your previous registration and bill of sale.
• Confirm your PST exemption on the vehicleNo PST if you owned it at least 30 days before becoming a B.C. resident, it's for personal use, and it arrives within a year of your move.
• License your dogDogs three months and older in Greater Vernon need a Regional District of North Okanagan licence ($25 a year through DocuPet) if you live here more than 30 days.

• Switch to a B.C. driver's licenceBook an ICBC driver licensing office. Bring two pieces of ID, your current licence and proof of driving experience. You'll surrender your old licence.
• Get your B.C. Services Card photo takenAdults verify ID and residency at an ICBC driver licensing office; the card shows your Personal Health Number.
• Register for a family doctorSign up on B.C.'s Health Connect Registry, or call 8-1-1 if you can't register online. Until then, the Vernon Urgent and Primary Care Centre sees patients by appointment.
• Enrol the kids in schoolSchool District 22 runs 14 elementary and 5 secondary schools, with French Immersion at École Beairsto and W.L. Seaton Secondary.

• File taxes as a B.C. residentThe Canada Revenue Agency uses the province you lived in on December 31.
• Claim the home owner grantThe 2026 threshold is $2,075,000 of assessed value; from 2027 the regular grant is $570. City of Vernon property taxes are due on the first working day in July.
• Make your speculation and vacancy tax declarationOwners in taxable areas, including Vernon (except Predator Ridge) and Coldstream, declare every year by March 31.
• Update your clocks, onceFrom November 2026 Vernon stays on year-round Pacific time, one hour behind Alberta all year.

This checklist is general information from the government sources listed below, current as of October 2026. Rules change; confirm anything important with ICBC, Health Insurance BC or a professional before you rely on it.

Common questions

Last reviewed October 2, 2026 by Sean Phillips, REALTOR®.