When To Renew Your Driver's License In Alberta
In Alberta, the timing of your driver's license renewal depends on your age and the license class you hold. For most drivers under the age of 75, a Class 5 (Non-GDL) license is valid for 1-5 years from the date of issue, depending on the choice made at the time of the previous renewal.
If you are 75 or older, your Class 5 license is valid for two years from the issue date. In this case, you must renew your license more frequently, every two years, to maintain your driving privileges. Additionally, drivers aged 75 and above must undergo a medical examination and vision screening as part of the renewal process to ensure they are medically fit to operate a motor vehicle safely.
Alberta Transportation reminds you to renew your driver’s license as the expiry date approaches, typically mailed to your last known address.
How To Renew Your Driver's License In Alberta
To renew your driver's license in Alberta, follow these steps:
1. Gather the required documents:
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Your current Alberta driver's license
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Proof of identity, such as a passport or Alberta Identification Card
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Proof of Alberta residency, such as a utility bill or bank statement
2. Choose a renewal method:
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Online: Renew your license through the MyAlberta eServices portal (available for eligible drivers)
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In-person: Visit a Registry Agent office
3. Pay the renewal fee:
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The fee for a 5-year Class 5 license renewal is $93
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The fee for a 2-year Class 5 license renewal (for drivers aged 75+) is $43
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Payment can be made by credit card, debit card, or cash (in-person only)
4. Complete a vision screening (if required):
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Drivers aged 75 and older must undergo a vision screening at the time of renewal
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The screening can be done at a Registry Agent office or by an optometrist
5. Receive your renewed driver's license:
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If renewing in person, you will receive a temporary license valid for 30 days until your new license arrives by mail
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If renewing online, your new license will be mailed to you within 14 business days
How To Renew Expired Canada Driver's License
If your Canadian driver's license has expired, the renewal process may vary depending on the province or territory where your license was originally issued. In Alberta, if your license has been expired for less than six months, you can renew it by following the standard renewal process outlined above.
However, if your Alberta driver's license has been expired for more than six months, you may face additional requirements:
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If your license has expired for more than six months but less than three years, you may need to pass a knowledge test in addition to the standard renewal requirements.
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If your license has expired for more than three years, you may need to restart the licensing process, including the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, knowledge test, and road test.
To renew an expired driver's license, visit a Registry Agent office with the required documents, such as proof of identity and Alberta residency. The registry agent will guide you through the specific requirements based on the time your license has expired and your circumstances.
How Much Is Driver's License Renewal In Alberta?
Renewing a driver's license in Alberta costs $93 for a 5-year license. These fees are subject to change and can vary by registry office.
In addition to the license renewal fee, additional costs may be associated with the renewal process, such as fees for a vision screening or knowledge test, if required. Some Registry Agent offices may also charge a service fee on top of the standard renewal fee.
Where To Renew Your Driver's License In Alberta
You can renew your driver's license at any licensed Registry Agent office in Alberta. Over 200 Registry Agent offices are located throughout the province, providing convenient access to driver's license renewal services.
Alternatively, you can renew your driver's license online through the MyAlberta eServices portal if you meet the eligibility criteria, which include having a valid Alberta driver's license, being under the age of 75, and not requiring a change of address or a medical examination.
Can I Renew My Driver's License Online In Alberta?
Yes, you can renew your driver's license online in Alberta if you meet the following eligibility criteria:
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You have a valid Alberta driver's license that is within six months of its expiry date
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You are under the age of 75
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You do not require a change of address or name on your license
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You do not require a medical examination or vision screening
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You have a valid credit card for payment
To renew your driver's license online:
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Visit the MyAlberta eServices portal and sign in or create an account
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Navigate to the "Driver's License Renewal" section
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Follow the prompts to complete the renewal application and payment
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Your new driver's license will be mailed to you within 14 business days
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for online renewal, you must visit a Registry Agent office to renew your license in person.
What Documents Are Needed To Renew A Driver's License In Alberta
To renew your driver's license in Alberta, you will need to provide the following documents:
1. Your current Alberta driver's license
- If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a replacement license before renewing
2. Proof of identity
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A valid passport, Canadian citizenship card, or Alberta Identification Card
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If your name has changed since your last renewal, you must provide legal documentation of the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order
3. Proof of Alberta residency
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A utility bill, bank statement, or government-issued document with your current Alberta address
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The document must be dated within 90 days of your renewal application
4. Payment for the renewal fee
- A valid credit card (for online renewal) or credit card, debit card, or cash (for in-person renewal)
If you are 75 years of age or older, you may also need to provide:
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A completed Medical Examination for Motor Vehicle Operators form, signed by a physician
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Proof of a vision screening completed by a Registry Agent or optometrist
Can I Drive With An Expired License In Alberta?
No, you cannot legally drive with an expired license in Alberta. Your driver is responsible for ensuring that your license is valid and up-to-date. Driving with an expired license violates the Traffic Safety Act and can result in fines and other penalties.
What Is The Fine For Driving With An Expired License In Alberta?
The fine for driving with an expired license in Alberta depends on the length of time your license has been expired:
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If your license has been expired for less than six months, the fine is $233
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If your license has been expired for six months to 12 months, the fine is $310
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If your license has been expired for more than 12 months, the fine is $579
The Provincial Offences Procedure Act sets these fines and are subject to change. In addition to the monetary fine, you may receive demerit points on your driving record and face other consequences, such as increased insurance premiums or difficulty renewing your license.
How Long Does It Take To Renew A Driver's License In Alberta?
The time it takes to renew a driver's license in Alberta depends on the method of renewal:
1. Online renewal:
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If you meet the eligibility criteria for online renewal, the process can be completed in a matter of minutes
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Your new driver's license will be mailed to you within 14 business days
2. In-person renewal at a Registry Agent office:
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Once your renewal application is processed, you will receive a temporary license valid for 30 days
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Your new permanent license will be mailed to you within 14 business days
Is A Medical Examination Required To Renew A Driver's License In Alberta?
The requirement for a medical examination to renew a driver's license in Alberta depends on your age and the class of license you hold:
1. Class 5 (Non-GDL) license:
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Drivers under the age of 75 do not typically require a medical examination for renewal
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Drivers aged 75 and older must provide a completed Medical Examination for Motor Vehicle Operators form, signed by a physician, at each renewal (every two years)
2. Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 license:
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Drivers holding a commercial license (Class 1, 2, 3, or 4) must provide a completed Medical Examination for Motor Vehicle Operators form, signed by a physician, every five years up to age 45
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From age 45 to 65, commercial drivers must provide a medical report every two years
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Commercial drivers aged 65 and older must provide a medical report annually
Do I Have To Renew A Lost Driver's License In Alberta
If your driver’s license is lost, you must apply for a replacement at a registry agent office. This process is similar to renewal but will also include verifying your identity and possibly reporting the loss to prevent identity theft. The fee for a replacement is identical to that of a renewal.