Renewing Your Alberta Driver's Licence: A Complete Guide

Renewing your driver's licence in Alberta is a routine but essential task for every driver. It ensures that your personal information is current, your photo is recognizable, and you continue to meet the vision and medical standards required for safe driving. The process is handled through authorized registry agents across the province.

This guide will provide you with all the information you need for a smooth and hassle-free renewal experience, covering renewal timelines, fees, medical requirements, and what to do if your licence has already expired.

When to Renew Your Licence

In Alberta, a driver's licence is typically valid for a term of one to five years. The expiry date is printed clearly on the front of your card.

• Renewal Reminder: The Government of Alberta will mail a renewal reminder to the address you have on file. This notice is sent several weeks before your licence is set to expire. However, receiving this notice is a courtesy; it is your responsibility to renew your licence on time, even if you don't receive a reminder.
• Renewal Window: You can renew your licence up to one year before its official expiry date. There is no advantage to waiting until the last minute. Renewing early ensures you won't be caught with an expired licence.

The In-Person Renewal Process

In almost all cases, you must renew your Alberta driver's licence in person at an authorized registry agent office. Online renewals are not available for driver's licences in Alberta.

What to Expect at the Registry:

1. Bring Your Current Licence: You will need to surrender your old driver's licence.
2. Provide Proof of Residency (If Needed): If your address has changed since your last renewal, you will need to provide proof of your new Alberta address (e.g., a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 90 days).
3. Take a New Photo: A new photograph will be taken for your new licence card.
4. Pass a Vision Screening: The registry agent will conduct a simple vision test to ensure your eyesight meets the minimum standard for driving. If you wear glasses or contact lenses to see clearly, make sure you have them with you.
5. Answer Medical Questions: You will be asked to declare any new medical conditions or changes to existing conditions that may affect your ability to drive safely.
6. Pay the Fee: You will need to pay a renewal fee. The cost includes a government fee and a registry agent service fee, so the final price can vary slightly from one registry to another.

After completing these steps, you will be given a temporary paper licence that is valid for 30 days. Your new, permanent licence card will be mailed to you within approximately 21 days.

Medical Requirements for Renewal

For some drivers, a medical report from a physician is a mandatory part of the renewal process. A medical report is required if:

• You are 75 years of age or older.
• You have a pre-existing medical or vision condition that could affect your ability to drive safely (e.g., epilepsy, heart conditions, diabetes requiring insulin).
• You are applying for or renewing a commercial class of licence (Class 1, 2, or 4).

If you require a medical report, the form must be completed by your doctor and submitted at the registry when you renew.

Renewing an Expired Licence

It is illegal to drive with an expired licence. If you forget to renew on time, the process for getting your licence back depends on how long it has been expired.

• Expired for Less Than 6 Months: You can typically renew as normal, though it's best to do so immediately.
• Expired for More Than 6 Months but Less Than 3 Years: You will be required to pass a vision screening, and you may be required to pass the written knowledge test again before your licence is renewed.
• Expired for More Than 3 Years: You are no longer eligible for renewal. You will be treated as a brand-new driver and must re-apply for a licence by going through the entire Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, including passing the knowledge test and both the basic and advanced road tests.

Renewing While Temporarily Outside of Alberta

If you are temporarily out of the province (e.g., for school, work, or as a snowbird) and cannot renew in person, you may be eligible for a mail-in renewal. This is a very limited service. You must contact a registry agent directly from outside of Alberta to inquire about your eligibility and get the required forms.

By keeping your expiry date in mind and understanding the process, you can ensure your licence renewal is a simple and straightforward task.