When you move to a new province in Canada, you are generally required to change and update some documents. This brings the question: Can I carry driver’s licences from different provinces at the same time? The short answer is no - you cannot hold two driver’s licences from different provinces. However, the process of exchanging your current out-of-province licence to an Alberta licence is not as complex as you may think. Let’s dive into it.
Exchanging Your Driver’s Licence to an Alberta Licence
If you are moving from another Canadian province, you will be required to surrender your current driver’s licence and exchange it for a new one that is valid in Alberta. This doesn’t have to be done as soon as you arrive. Once you are an Alberta resident, you are allowed up to 90 days to exchange your current licence for an Alberta licence. However, once this period is over, an Alberta driver’s licence is mandatory to drive legally in the province.
To exchange your Class 1,2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 driver’s licence you will need to go to a registry office near you and provide some documentation. This includes:
Your current driver’s licence
Your Canadian Legal presence document, such as Canadian passport, Permanent Resident card, Nexus card, or Immigration documents.
One proof of residence in Alberta, such as a utility bill, bank or credit statement, or signed residential lease agreement with residential address.
Medical report if you are applying for class 1, 2 or 4 licence, or if you are 75 years of age or older. Those with medical conditions that may affect their driving capabilities may also need to present a medical report.
You won’t need to take a knowledge test or a road test. However, those who have less than two years of driving experience may be placed in the GDL program. Additionally, Class 1 truck drivers may need to take mandatory training.
Situations Where You Are Not Required to Exchange Your Licence
In some cases, you may not be required to exchange your current provincial driver's licence to an Alberta licence. These include:
Students living in Alberta enrolled in accredited institutions or working as part of a co-op program of study
Members of the armed forces, provided your original driver’s licence is not expired.
Situations Where You Are Ineligible to Exchange Your Driver’s Licence.
Drivers from Non-Reciprocal Jurisdictions
People moving to Alberta bringing driver’s licence from non-reciprocal jurisdictions will be required to pass a knowledge test, surrender the driver’s licence from their country, and pass a road test.
Drivers Holding Class 5 or 6 Licences for Less Than 2 years
Those who haven’t completed two years of experience driving may have to take the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program before being able to exchange their licence to an Alberta licence.
Driver’s Licence Services and Information in Alberta
If you are looking for a registry office that can provide you with reliable information and efficient driver’s licence services, Registry At South Trail Crossing Ltd is here for you. Our friendly team of registry agents can help guide you through the process of exchanging your driver’s licence and obtaining your Alberta licence. Visit our office in Calgary today or contact us to learn more.
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