How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Driver’s Licence in Alberta

Your driver’s license is an important document. Losing it, whether through misplacement, theft, or even damage, is inconvenient, but don’t worry; sometimes it happens. If you’ve lost your driver’s license or had it stolen, you may be wondering what your options are. Fortunately, it’s a fairly straightforward process. Here’s how you replace your driver's license in Alberta.

What to do if Your Driver's Licence is Lost, Stolen, Destroyed or Unreadable

If your driver's licence is lost, stolen, destroyed or unreadable, you must apply for a replacement at a registry agent office. You can easily visit Registry @ South Trail Crossing and talk to one of our friendly registry experts who can help guide you through the process. You’ll need to bring some documentation with you in order to apply. 

Additionally, if you know your driver’s licence has been stolen, you should report it to the police. You’ll receive a police case report number that will then be recorded with Alberta registries. 

What Documents Do You Need to Replace a Lost Alberta Driver’s Licence?

In order to qualify for a replacement, you must bring a valid form of identification with you. You must have the original document, photocopies are not accepted, and it cannot be a temporary document. Some examples of valid photo identification include:

• A photo identification card issued by another motor vehicle jurisdiction or government-issued photo identification

• Your passport

• A citizenship, immigration, naturalization or permanent resident card

• A Canadian Armed Forces identification card

• A municipal, provincial or federal police force identification

This is not an exhaustive list. If you aren’t sure if something counts as acceptable ID, please visit our office today, and we can help you out. 

You’ll also need to bring a method of payment with you, as there is a fee for replacing a lost or stolen licence. The exact fee changes over time. You can find the latest fees here. 

Obtaining a Temporary Alberta Driver’s Licence

Once you’ve applied for a new licence, you’ll be given a 30-day temporary interim licence to use until your new driver’s licence arrives in the mail. This usually takes 7-10 business days.

You can keep your previous Alberta driver’s licence as government-issued photo identification until your new one arrives in the mail. However, you must securely destroy your previous driver’s licence card and the temporary driver’s licence once the new card arrives.

Remote Application for a Driver’s License

Can’t make it to a registry office in person? If you need to apply for a new Alberta driver’s licence but live outside the province temporarily or are unable to visit a registry agent in person because you’re medically homebound, don’t worry; you can still apply for a new licence remotely. You need to fill out the Remote Driver's Licence/ID Card Application and send it to any Alberta registry agent. 

You must have last held an Alberta driver’s licence and provide proof of identification and Alberta residency with your application. Some examples of acceptable Alberta residency documents include:

• A utility, telephone, gas, cell phone or cable TV bill in your name

• Your income tax return

• A land title document

• A mortgage document or residential lease containing your physical address

• A written confirmation of employment

Registry @ South Trail Crossing can help you understand the steps you need to take to apply for a new licence remotely. Visit our registry agents and we can provide all the assistance you need to replace a lost or stolen driver’s licence. 

Driver’s Licence Services in Calgary

If you’re looking for a reputable registry office in your area, Registry @ South Trail Crossing Ltd. in Calgary is the place to go. We issue driver's licences and other photo identification cards, perform vehicle registrations and book driving tests, all in one place! Contact us today to find out how we can serve you.