Alberta Identification Card
Alberta Identification Card
Get an Alberta ID Card if you do not have a driver’s licence
A photo identification card is available to Alberta residents who do not or cannot hold a valid Alberta operator’s license. The card is clearly marked for identification purposes only and does not entitle the person to operate a motor vehicle under any circumstances.
Your new ID card will arrive in the mail within 3 weeks of your application date. If your card has not arrived in 21 days, please call the number on the back of your identification card receipt. If you don’t report a missing card within 60 days of the day you applied, you may be charged for a replacement.
You can keep your previous Alberta identification card as government issued photo identification until your new one arrives in the mail. You must securely destroy your previous ID card and tear apart the identification card receipt when the new card arrives.
Important Notice – Driver’s Licence & ID Card Services
Alberta is modernizing its driver’s licences and identification cards with enhanced security features, providing stronger protection against identity fraud and simpler access to government services.
As part of this province-wide upgrade, the Motor Vehicles System will be undergoing scheduled maintenance beginning June 28, 2026 at 6:30 PM. During this time, all driver’s licence and identification card services (both online and in-person) will be temporarily unavailable until July 2, 2026.
Learn more by visiting the Government of Alberta website.
How to Apply
To obtain an identification card, the individual must provide acceptable identification and proof of residency in Alberta & Canada as required. The minimum age is 12, and applicants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to provide consent.
Important Notice: New Alberta Driver’s Licence & ID Cards — Effective July 2, 2026
Alberta has launched a new integrated driver’s licence and ID card that now includes your Personal Health Number and a citizenship marker. To complete your licence or ID card transaction, please bring the following with you:
1. Your Alberta Health Care card — either your physical paper card (which will be surrendered) or your mobile health card displayed in the Alberta Wallet app. Please note: photos or photocopies of your health card cannot be accepted.
2. Proof of Canadian citizenship or legal entitlement to be in Canada — such as a Canadian birth certificate, valid Canadian passport, citizenship certificate, or Permanent Resident card.
These documents are required the first time you obtain or renew a driver’s licence or ID card after July 2, 2026. For the latest information, please refer to the Government of Alberta website.
How to Renew
Renew in person
You will need to provide proof of legal entitlement to be in Canada (birth certificate, passport, etc.), as well as proof of your residency in Alberta (utility bill, residential lease agreement, etc.).
If the photograph on your ID card is 4 or more years old, a new one will have to be taken.
Renew Online – Verified Alberta.ca account required
Online renewal will be unavailable starting June 28, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. until further notice
Renew your ID card online. Once renewed, a printed copy of the digital download is required. You will receive your new ID card in the mail in approximately 14 days.
Please refer to the terms and condition on the Alberta government site for further information regarding eligibility.
