Alberta Identification Cards
If you are an Alberta resident who can legally live in Canada and do not have a valid driver’s licence, you can apply for an ID card to use as photo identification.
An Alberta ID card is for identification purposes only and does not allow the holder to operate a motor vehicle. The ID card is valid for one to 5 years.
What do I need to know?
The minimum age to hold an ID card is 12 years old.
Applicants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to provide consent.
If you are a student from another jurisdiction and are attending an accredited school in Alberta, you can apply for an ID card.
You will need to prove that you are an Alberta resident and that you can legally live in Canada.​
​All documentation presented must be in English or accompanied by a written translation from an approved translator
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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.
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​If the photograph on your ID card is 4 or more years old, a new one will have to be taken.
If your ID card expired more than 6 months ago, 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.).
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The documents must contain your full name, address and have a date of less than 90 days prior to being presented.
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Alberta residence documents
You can prove that you are an Alberta resident by providing the registry agent with a rental or tenancy agreement, mortgage document, utility bill, bank statement, or credit card statement. The documents may be presented in paper or electronically. Minors will use their parent or guardians drivers license or ID card as proof of residency.
Canada residence documents
One of the following original valid / not-expired documents may be presented as proof you are a permanent or temporary resident of Canada:
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Canadian provincial birth certificate
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valid Canadian passport,
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NEXUS or
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Permanent Resident card
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Secure Certificate of Indian Status Card
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Canadian Citizenship Card with photo (dated before February 2012)
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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
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refugee claimants with a Refugee Protection Claimant Document
If your Canada residence documents are not in English, you must present a written translation from an approved translator.
How to apply
To apply for an Alberta ID card, please visit us in our office with all of your supporting documents which include:
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Proof of Alberta residency
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Proof of entitlement in Canada.
A valid passport will also be required to verify your identity for those with a work or study permit.​