Extra-Provincial Originating Outside B.C. Temporary Operating Permit

Last updated on July 5, 2022

An extra-provincial temporary operating permit (EPTOP) allows a commercial operator from outside British Columbia to transport passengers into British Columbia.

You must have a permit before you operate vehicle(s) for an extra-provincial undertaking originating outside of B.C.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for this temporary operating permit if you don't hold a B.C. passenger transportation licence, and you hold:

  • A licence, issued by your home jurisdiction, with authority to operate beyond the boundaries of your home jurisdiction, and
  • A valid safety certificate with a satisfactory rating, issued by your home jurisdiction

Your trip into B.C. must be either one of the following:

  • You will transport passengers from any provincial boundary to any provincial boundary for a single round-trip (maximum seven days). The same permittee and vehicle must transport the same group of people out of B.C. on the same trip, or
  • You will transport passengers into the province and leave them in B.C. on a single one-way trip (maximum seven days). The same permittee and vehicle must leave the province empty—pick up of new passengers in B.C. is not allowed.

Back-to-back temporary operating permits on the same trip are not allowed.

If your trip will begin in B.C., or if your trips into B.C. will be frequent and / or over seven days in duration, get annual licensing.

Apply by Phone

Before entering B.C., contact the Provincial Permit Centre (PPC).

Be prepared to provide verbal confirmation of the following information:

  • Valid safety certificate and extra-provincial or interstate operating authority in your base jurisdiction
  • Vehicle mechanical inspection report verifying the vehicle has been inspected and passed by an approved inspection facility
  • Your point of entry into British Columbia
  • *B.C. insurance filing number
  • *Proof of vehicle registration with the International Registration Plan (IRP)

*If you do not have B.C. insurance or your vehicle is not registered with the IRP, the Provincial Permit Centre will issue you a non-resident single commercial vehicle permit (NRSCV) or a non-resident quarterly commercial vehicle permit (NRQCV) for a fee. 

Vehicle Documentation

Complete the Commercial Vehicle Safety Compliance Declaration (PTR5005B) included in the application package for vehicles with a seating capacity that exceed a driver and 11 passengers.

Fees

The fee is $25 / vehicle for a maximum of seven days.

Contact information

For questions about the Extra Provincial Temporary Operating Permit

Provincial Permit Centre Office
1 800 559-9688