Procedures for exchanging your existing licence for an Alberta driver licence

 

Do I need to exchange my operator's licence for an Alberta operator's licence?

 

Yes, if you:
    No, if you:
  • Have moved to Alberta and are setting up a permanent residence. You must obtain an Alberta operator's licence within 90 days of moving to the province.

What you'll need:

All documents presented must be originals or certified copies (for vital statistics documents).


Photocopies and expired documents will not be accepted.


  
  • Are working in Alberta periodically, but your residence is outside the province.
  • Are visiting or traveling around Alberta, but your residence is outside the province, and you're not taking up residence in Alberta.
  • Are visiting Alberta from outside Canada and are using an International Driving Permit (IDP). IDP can be used, in conjunction with your valid home jurisdiction licence, to drive in Alberta for up to 12 months.
  • Are a full-time student in Alberta, but your permanent residence is in another jurisdiction.
  • Are working in Alberta as part of a co-op program of study, but your permanent residence is in another jurisdiction.

Direct licence exchange

  • All valid Canadian driver's licences can be directly exchanged for an equivalent class of Alberta operating licence (classes 1-7).
  • If you have a licence from one of the following countries it can be directly exchanged for an Alberta Class 5 licence:
  • Austria
  • Australia
  • Belguim
  • France
  • Germany
  • Japan
  • Republic of Korea
  • Switzerland
  • United Kingdom (excluding Ireland)
  • United States of America

For more information, speak to an AMA Registry agent

OR

Read the Government of Alberta's Exchanging a Non-Canadian Driver's Licence


In order to renew or register your car and plates, you must be a member in good standing with the AMA, CAA or AAA. Not a member? Join AMA now.

The following documents may be considered for proof of legal presence in Canada:


  • Valid Canadian Passport
  • Canadian Issued Birth Certificate 
  • Canadian Indian Status Card (Federal) 
  • Record of Landing 
  • Permanent Residence Card 
  • Canadian Citizenship Card 
  • Student Authorization (Federal) 
  • Employee Authorization (Federal)
  • NEXUS card
  • Visitor Record - issued to missionaries authorized to drive OR Out of Country spouses of Canadian citizens who are Alberta residents (proof of marriage required)

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Proof of Alberta residency documents must be:


  • In your full name (not your partner's name)
  • Dated within 90 days 
  • Include your current Alberta residence's address

You may use:

  • Utility, telephone, gas,or cable TV bill.
  • Current bank or credit card statements (originals only). 
  • Mortgage documents or residential lease (original only). 
  • Federal Income Tax Return (originals only). 
  • Alberta Social Benefits statement or cheque. 
  • Land Title documents (must physically reside at the address). 
  • Written confirmation of employment. Must include an employer's contact name and phone number for verification (dated within 15 days). 
  • Written confirmation from an educational institution in Alberta indicating that dependents are attending school.

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Medical reports are required for individuals who:

  • Have a medical condition and/or physical disability that may affect their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
  • Are applying for a class 1, 2 or 4 operator's licence. 
  • Are 75 years of age or older.

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