Alberta to Roll Out Combined ID Cards in July

The Alberta government has announced plans to roll out three-in-one identification cards, eliminating the need for citizens of the province to carry multiple forms of ID to access programs and services.

Alberta will begin issuing driver’s licences and ID cards that feature an individual’s identity information, personal health number, and a citizenship marker beginning July 2, Premier Danielle Smith said in a social media post.

The change will eliminate the province’s paper health cards and will consolidate all essential information onto an individual’s driver’s licence or an Alberta ID card for those who do not drive.

“Albertans can get a new driver’s licence or ID card that includes their healthcare number and proof of citizenship, all on one secure card at no additional cost,” Smith said in the June 3 post. “No more flimsy paper cards. No more carrying multiple pieces of ID. Just a common-sense change that makes life easier.”

Smith first announced the change last year, saying that her government intended to implement proof-of-citizenship markers on provincial IDs to improve service delivery and combat election fraud.

The newly designed cards feature improved anti-fraud measures as part of a provincial strategy to increase both security and convenience, the province said in a press release.

The province said it plans to phase out paper Alberta health care cards gradually as more residents switch over to the new design.

Primary and Preventative Health Services Minister Justin Wright said the switchover will not impact access to health services.

How to Get a Card

The new cards are rolling out in two phases, the province said.

During the first phase, all Albertans are required to verify their legal presence in person at a registry agent when renewing their card or acquiring one for the first time. 

Once Canadian citizenship is verified, a “CAN” marker will be placed in the top right corner of the card and the personal health number integrated on the back for those with Alberta Health Care or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) coverage.

In the second phase, the integration of personal health numbers will extend to all other eligible Albertans who are either citizens or permanent residents possessing AHCIP coverage, the province said. Children younger than 14 will also be able to receive a free ID card with an integrated personal health number, with the option to include a photo and signature.

Alberta residents who are applying for or renewing a driver’s licence or identification card will be asked to provide evidence of their legal status in Canada, the province said. Those who verify their Canadian citizenship will have a citizenship indicator included on their card.

Non-citizens who meet the eligibility criteria can still acquire a licence or ID card, and a one-time grace period of 60 days may be offered to Albertans who require extra time to gather the necessary documentation, the province added.

Documents that can be shown to prove Canada citizenship or residency include a Canadian birth certificate, a Canadian passport, a secure certificate of Indian status, a Canadian citizenship card, a Canadian citizenship card, a Canadian citizenship e-certificate, or a NEXUS or permanent resident card.

Refugee claimants can show a refugee protection claimant document and non-permanent residents can show a confirmation document, permit or resident visa issued by the Government of Canada that extends resident status in Canada for more than the next 90 days.