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, proves you are an Alberta resident, and proves that you are lawfully entitled to be in and remain in Canada. All documentation presented must be valid, and in English or accompanied by a written translation from an approved translator.
To get a learner’s licence, a person must be at least 14 years old.
To get a driver’s licence, a person must be at least 16 years old.
To get an identification card, a person must be at least 12 years old.
Proof of identity
Documents that contain a photo and prove your identity:
- Non-Canadian passport
- A driver’s licence or ID card issued by an official government
- A permanent residence card issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Examples of documents that are accepted for proof of legal entitlement in Canada (these documents may also contain a photo and can be used to prove your identity):
- Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) issued by IRCC
- Work permit issued by IRCC
- Study permit issued by IRCC
- Confirmation of permanent residence issued by IRCC
- A permanent residence card issued by IRCC
Examples of documents that are accepted for proof of Alberta residency must contain an Alberta address:
- Utility, gas, phone, or cable bills
- Bank or credit card statements
- Residential lease agreement
- Pay stub
- Written confirmation of Alberta employment
- Written confirmation from an Alberta educational institution
- Statutory declaration completed in a registry agent office stating you are a resident of Alberta
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.
Your Alberta driver’s licence or ID card may take up to two weeks to arrive by mail at your Alberta address. The card will not be delivered if you have mail-forwarding.
No proof of identity
If you do not have an ID, or your ID has been lost, stolen, or destroyed a registry agent can help you. This process is still being developed.
Parental/guardian consent is required for children under the age of 18
A person under the age of 18 must have the consent of a parent or guardian when applying for a driver’s license or ID card for the first time. A guardian is someone who is responsible for the care and well-being of a person who is under the age of 18.
Cost
The cost of a driver’s license, for a one-year term, is $16. In addition, the registered agent may charge a service charge of up to $10.
The cost of an ID card, for a one-year term, is $8, in addition, the registered agent may charge a service charge of up to $8.
Testing requirements for driver’s licenses
If you become a permanent resident and are living in Alberta, you must exchange your current driver's license for an Alberta driver’s license within 90 days of moving to the province.
To get a driver’s license in Alberta, you will need to pass a knowledge test and road test. For more information on local testing locations visit: A-1 Licence and Registry or The Licence Centre.
For more information on getting an Alberta driver’s licence, visit: Exchange a licence from outside Alberta.
