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Alberta · Identity and documents

Photo ID card in Alberta: how to get one

Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked

Short answer

In Alberta, Alberta registry agents (Government of Alberta) handle it. Apply or renew in person at any registry agent office.

Who handles it

Alberta registry agents (Government of Alberta)

They handle it in Alberta.

Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.

Who can apply

  • The ID card is for Alberta residents who can legally live in Canada and do not hold a valid driver's licence. Students from elsewhere attending an accredited Alberta school can also apply.

    Source: alberta.cachecked #

  • You must be at least 12. Applicants under 18 must come with a parent or guardian who gives consent.

    Source: alberta.cachecked #

Steps

  1. Online renewal is temporarily turned off. Renew by bringing your ID card to a registry agent. A new photo is taken if yours is 4 or more years old.

    Source: alberta.cachecked #

What you need

  • Prove Alberta residence with a utility bill, bank statement or credit card statement, on paper or on screen.

    Source: alberta.cachecked #

  • Prove legal status in Canada with one original, unexpired document such as a Canadian birth certificate, passport, permanent resident card or citizenship certificate. Non-English documents need an approved translation.

    Source: alberta.cachecked #

Cost

  • Registry agents set the price, up to a maximum listed in Alberta's Registry Agent Product Catalogue.

    Source: alberta.cachecked #

Where to go

  • Apply in person at any authorized registry agent in Alberta.

    Source: alberta.cachecked #

Good to know

  • If you are outside Alberta for a while or cannot leave home for medical reasons, you can apply remotely with form REG11197 sent to a registry agent.

    Source: alberta.cachecked #

Questions people ask

How old do you have to be to get an Alberta ID card?

At least 12. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you to give consent.

Source: alberta.cachecked #

Can I renew my Alberta ID card online?

Not right now. The online renewal site is temporarily disabled, so renew in person at a registry agent.

Source: alberta.cachecked #

Can I drive with an Alberta ID card?

No. The ID card is only for identification and does not let you drive a motor vehicle.

Source: alberta.cachecked #

In every province and territory

The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. Alberta is marked.

Province or territoryWho handles itOfficial linkGood to know
British ColumbiaICBC (BC Identification card)Apply for a BCIDchecked Apply in person at an ICBC driver licensing office.
AlbertaThis pageAlberta registry agents (Government of Alberta)Get an ID cardchecked Apply or renew in person at any registry agent office.
SaskatchewanSGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance)Get a photo ID cardchecked
ManitobaManitoba Public Insurance (MPI)Apply for an ID cardchecked
OntarioServiceOntarioGet an Ontario Photo Cardchecked Apply in person at ServiceOntario; you cannot hold a driver's licence and a Photo Card at the same time.
QuebecNot offered in QuebecNone on recordQuébec does not issue a non-driver photo identification card.
New BrunswickService New BrunswickGet a photo ID cardchecked Apply in person at a Service New Brunswick centre.
Nova ScotiaRegistry of Motor Vehicles (Service Nova Scotia)Photo ID card informationchecked Apply in person at an Access Nova Scotia RMV office.
Prince Edward IslandAccess PEI (Government of PEI)None on recordApply in person for a voluntary ID card at an Access PEI office.
Newfoundland and LabradorMotor Registration Division (Government Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)Get a photo ID cardchecked
YukonMotor Vehicles (Government of Yukon)None on recordThe Yukon general identification card is issued through Motor Vehicles offices.
Northwest TerritoriesDriver and Vehicle Services (Department of Infrastructure, Government of the Northwest Territories)Get a general ID cardchecked
NunavutMotor Vehicles Division (Government of Nunavut)General identification cardchecked

Cite this page

Canada Service Map, "Photo ID card in Alberta: how to get one", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/photo-id-card/alberta