Overview
Applying for the first time
To get a driver’s licence or Alberta ID card for the first time, a registry agent will ask for documentation that proves:
- who you are
- you are an Alberta resident
- you are lawfully entitled to be in or to remain in Canada
All documentation presented must be in English or accompanied by a written translation from an approved translator.
- A registry agent cannot issue you a driver's licence or ID card unless fully satisfied you are a legal resident of both Canada and Alberta.
You must provide your legal name, address, birth date, photo and signature. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce or a legal change of name, inform the registry agent and show proof of other names.
If the legal entitlement document provided confirms Canadian citizenship, a Canadian citizenship marker will be added to your card. You do not need to be a Canadian citizen to obtain a driver’s licence or ID card. If you are applying for a driver’s licence and you already have a valid driver’s licence(s) from another jurisdiction, you must surrender it to the registry agent.
You have 90 days to change your driver’s licence after moving to Alberta.
Your Alberta drivers licence or ID card may take up to 2 weeks to arrive by mail at your Alberta address. The card will not be delivered if you have mail-forwarding.
Renewing your driver’s licence or ID Card
Before renewing your driver’s licence or ID card you must provide proof that you are legally entitled to be in or remain in Canada. You must bring this proof with you the next time you renew your driver’s licence or ID card at any registry agent.
Once your legal entitlement has been provided, you will not need to show this proof again at your next renewal, unless there has been a change. You will then be eligible to renew your driver’s licence or ID card online for future renewals.
If the document provided confirms Canadian citizenship, a Canadian citizenship marker will be added to the card.
Your Alberta driver’s licence or ID card may take up to 2 weeks to arrive by mail at your Alberta address. The card will not be delivered if you have mail-forwarding.
Proof of identity
Some examples of original documents that have a photo and may be used as proof of identity include:
- an ID card or driver’s licence issued by any official government
- a valid passport, NEXUS card or permanent resident card
Unacceptable identification
The following types are not accepted as identification:
- debit and credit cards or cheque cashing cards
- Social Insurance Number cards
- interim or temporary driver’s licences
- business and organization membership cards
No ID
If your ID is lost, stolen, destroyed or you cannot present enough identification to have a driver's licence or ID card issued to you, a registry agent can help you. You may be asked questions that only you will know the answer to, or you may be asked to provide documents that only you should have.
Alberta residence documents
At least one of the following types of original documents with your Alberta address may be presented as proof that you are living in Alberta. The documents may be presented in paper form or electronically:
- utility bills, bank or credit card statements showing an Alberta address
- residential lease agreement, mortgage document or land title
- written confirmation of Alberta employment, must be signed and dated
The documents must contain your full name, address and have a date of less than 90 days prior to being presented. Note, this is not an all-inclusive list. Contact a registry agent for additional examples.
If you do not have Alberta residence documents yet, you do not have to exchange your previous driver's licence right away. You have 90 days from the day you moved to Alberta to exchange your driver's licence.
The documents must contain your full name, address and have a date of less than 90 days prior to being presented. This is not an all-inclusive list. Contact a registry agent for additional examples.
At the time of the service, both a physical address and a mailing (postal) address will be collected. The physical address will be displayed on your driver’s licence or ID card.
If you do not have Alberta residence documents yet, you do not have to exchange your previous driver's licence right away. You have 90 days from the day you moved to Alberta to exchange your driver's licence.
Legal entitlement in Canada documents
One of the following original but not-expired documents may be presented as proof you are a permanent or temporary resident of Canada.
Examples of proof of legal entitlement:
- secure Certificate of Indian Status
- permanent Resident Card
- a confirmation document, permit or resident visa issued by the Government of Canada that gives you resident status in Canada for more than the next 90 days
- refugee claimants with a Refugee Protection Claimant Document
Documents that prove Canadian citizenship:
- Canadian Birth Certificate
- Canadian Passport
- Canadian Citizenship Certificate (with photo, issued prior to February 1, 2012)
- Canadian Citizenship Certificate (without photo, issued after January 31, 2012)
- Canadian Citizenship E-Certificate
- NEXUS Cards and RAST/EXPRES Cards indicating Canadian citizenship
If your legal entitlement documents are not in English, you must present a written translation from an approved translator.
A registry agent must be satisfied that you are legally entitled to be or remain in Canada and that you are a resident of Alberta to issue you a driver’s licence or ID card.
If you are unable to provide acceptable proof that you are legally entitled to be or remain in Canada, you may be eligible for a one-time 60-day grace period to allow time to obtain the required documents. To request this grace period, you will need to visit a registry agent in person with acceptable documentation. An interim driver’s licence or ID card receipt will be provided. A physical card will not be mailed out.
You must return to a registry agent within the 60-day grace period with acceptable proof of legal entitlement. A service fee will apply at that time to complete your transaction and have your card issued.
Once your eligibility has been confirmed, your permanent card will be processed and mailed to you. Cards are typically delivered within approximately 2 weeks.
Modernized driver’s licence and ID cards
Starting July 2, 2026, your driver’s licence and identification (ID) cards will feature a modernized design, additional information, and enhanced security features. These updates will provide stronger protection against identity fraud and offer simpler, more secure access to services.
Contact
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-7013
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)