Alberta Registry Offices

Alberta registries › Alberta ID card

Alberta ID card: how to apply and what it costs

Apply at any registry agent with proof of identity, Alberta residency and legal status in Canada. A 5-year card costs $59.45 at most. It is for residents 12 and older who do not have a driver's licence, and it arrives by mail within about three weeks.

Updated October 1, 2026 · checked against official Government of Alberta sources

What to bring

Cost by term

You can choose a term from 1 to 5 years.

TermGovernment feeMax. service chargeMost you pay
1 year$10.00$6.30$16.30
2 years$20.00$7.35$27.35
3 years$30.00$8.40$38.40
4 years$40.00$9.45$49.45
5 years$50.00$9.45$59.45
Duplicate or exchange ID card$20.00$13.65$33.65

From the Registry Agent Product Catalogue (October 2026).

Renewing your ID card

Renew in person at a registry with your current card and the required documents. A new photo is taken if yours is 4 or more years old. Since July 2026 new cards are issued in an updated design, so bring proof of legal status in Canada if you have not shown it before.

Frequently asked questions

Who can get an Alberta ID card?

Alberta residents with legal status in Canada who do not hold a valid Alberta driver's licence. The minimum age is 12; applicants under 18 need consent from a parent or guardian.

How much is an Alberta ID card?

It depends on the term: from $16.30 for 1 year to $59.45 for 5 years, government fee plus the maximum registry service charge.

Can I renew my ID card online?

When we last checked, online ID card renewal was listed as temporarily unavailable, so renewals are done at a registry with your current card and required documents.

How long does the ID card take to arrive?

Up to three weeks by mail. If it has not arrived after 21 days, contact the registry, and do it within 60 days.

Can I have both an ID card and a driver's licence?

No. The Alberta ID card is for residents without a valid driver's licence; a driver's licence already serves as government photo ID.

Related guides

Sources: Get a government ID card (Alberta.ca) · ID requirements (Alberta.ca) · Registry Agent Product Catalogue (October 2026). Alberta Registry Offices is independent and not affiliated with the Government of Alberta. Rules and fees can change: confirm with your registry.