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vwfulltimer's avatar
vwfulltimer
Explorer
Jan 25, 2016

Physical Address in BC Canada

Hi folks.

Newb here but not new to RV camping. Longest trip I've done is one month.
I drive a VW Westfalia.

I'm vacating my apartment soon and want to travel in US
for 1 or 2 months before renting a new place.
Of note, I'm retired.

From what I've read, BC snowbirds need a physical address for a drivers license, insurance and medical IIRC.

I've been renting a residential garage for about 2 years. Person who sublets it to me has said "ok" to me using the garage address for address change purposes.

Do any BC folks know if this would qualify as a legitimate "address" ?
In terms of my address, border officials never ask anything beyond "where do you live?"
but with the new address in my passport, they might.

Input is most welcome.

Thanks!
  • Artum_Snowbird's avatar
    Artum_Snowbird
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2016
    I would put in the address where you legal documents would go to. You might use c/o for care of, and that person would be responsible and accept your mail. It's tax season soon, where will your T-4's go to? That would be the place where you address would be. If you have a post box, that is your address, but you do not live there.
  • vwfulltimer's avatar
    vwfulltimer
    Explorer
    Jan 25, 2016
    Thanks for the quick replies.

    Yes. T4's! Person i rent garage from said they'd
    hold my mail. I'd submit my garage address to ICBC, DMV,
    MSP. All my belongings will be in the garage.

    My concern is that after noting the address change
    in my passport, customs might drill me down to "I rent a garage there"
    then refuse me entry to US.

    I would bring paper work (cc of cheques to rental place, bank statements etc.)
    to show that I have every intention of returning home.

    Maybe I'm worrying about nothing?
  • vwfulltimer's avatar
    vwfulltimer
    Explorer
    Jan 26, 2016
    [edit] called BCAA insurance carrier. No problems. They basically just need address as
    contact info. i.e. my guess is that a PO address may even suffice. [end edit]

    So FWIW, called ICBC agent. Basically, as long as the address
    supplied for insurance is where vehicle spends its time (or most if its time), it's insured.
    As for BCAA travel insurance, don't know yet but given that it's travel insurance, I'd think that it's the person that's insured not where they are located.
    As for drivers license, if there's an issue involving the authorities, well that's potentially a whole 'nother matter.

    I'm no expert on this, YMMV.

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