Banff 
Albertans may soon need fewer cards in their wallets to access everyday services.
Credit: Govt. of Alberta
Starting July 2, Alberta’s government will begin issuing new and renewed driver’s licences and ID cards that include personal health numbers and, for confirmed Canadian citizens, a citizenship marker. The idea is simple: one secure card for identity, health information and citizenship confirmation.
The change, announced last September, is also meant to reduce the long-term need for paper Alberta Health Care cards. The redesigned cards will feature a modern look tied to Alberta’s history and identity, along with added security features to protect against fraud.
Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, said the update is more than a design change, describing it as a practical step to make cards more secure, reliable and useful for everyday access to services.
There are a few important details for Albertans to know. Anyone applying for or renewing a licence or ID card will need to confirm they are legally entitled to be in Canada. Canadian citizens who provide accepted proof will have a “CAN” marker added to the top right corner of the card.
Accepted documents to confirm Canadian citizenship include a Canadian birth certificate, Canadian passport, Canadian Citizenship Certificate, Canadian Citizenship Card, Canadian Citizenship E-Certificate, or NEXUS and RAST/EXPRES cards that indicate Canadian citizenship.
Eligible non-citizens can still receive a licence or ID card, and a one-time 60-day grace period may be available for those needing more time to collect documents.
To add a personal health number, eligible Albertans must bring their Alberta Health Care card, valid ID and proof of legal entitlement to a registry agent.
The rollout will happen in two phases. In Phase One, eligible citizens and permanent residents with Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan coverage will start receiving cards with their health number on the back. Youth aged 12 and 13 may receive a free ID card with the feature.
Phase Two will expand integration to remaining eligible Albertans, including children under 14. Fees will not increase.
