The Alberta government announced last weekit is implementing new driver’s licence
Fort Macleod and district residents will be able to get a new driver’s licence that contains both their health insurance number and citizenship marker next month.
The province announced last week driver’s licences will become a source of personal information starting July 2.
“These redesigned cards are more than a visual update,” said Dale Nally, minister of Service Alberta and red tape reduction. “They are a practical improvement that will make life easier for Albertans.”
“The new features modernize Alberta’s driver’s licences and ID cards, making them more secure, more reliable and more useful for everyday service access. Having one secure card is a practical improvement that will better serve Albertans now and into the future.”
Nally said Albertans will no longer need to carry multiple pieces of ID to access programs and services.
The new cards will feature a design reflective of Alberta’s history and identity.
The new cards also include enhanced security features that will help protect against fraud.
Albertans applying for or renewing a driver’s licence or ID card will need to show proof they are legally entitled to be in Canada.
Those who confirm Canadian citizenship will have a citizenship marker added to their card.
Eligible non-citizens can still obtain a licence or ID card, and a one-time 60-day grace period may be available for Albertans needing additional time to obtain the required documents.
“These new cards will make accessing services simpler and more convenient for eligible Albertans,” said Justin Wright, minister of primary and preventative health services. “By integrating personal health numbers into driver’s licences and ID cards, we are streamlining access to health services and improving how information connects across the system, making care more efficient and responsive for Albertans.”
To add the personal health number onto their card, eligible Albertans must bring their Alberta Health Care card, valid ID and proof of legal entitlement when applying for or renewing a driver’s licence or ID card.
Registry agents will verify Alberta Health Care eligibility in person, including for dependent family members.
Once this process is complete, the personal health numbers will be added to the licence or ID card.
Implementation will roll out in two phases.
Fees for the new identification and drivers licence cards will not increase from the current rate.
