If you are a new resident in Alberta, you must obtain an Alberta driver’s license within
90 days of moving to Alberta, regardless of whether you travel outside Alberta during those 90 days.

– If you are working in Alberta but have your residence outside the province, you may continue to use the valid license from your home jurisdiction.

– If you are visiting Alberta, you may use your valid license from your home jurisdiction as long as you have a legitimate residence there and do not take up residency in Alberta.

– If you are visiting Alberta from outside Canada and using an International Driving Permit (IDP), you may drive in Alberta for up to 12 months using the IDP.

If you are staying in Alberta as a full time student or you are working here as part of a co-op program of study, you may use your valid driver’s license from your home jurisdiction. Steps to receive an Alberta License
When applying for an Alberta License of please bring the following:
1. Your out of province license
2. Proof of Alberta residency – a utility, cable or phone bill; mortgage papers or rental agreement, pay stub from an Alberta employer with your name & address.

3. Proof of Canadian residency such as an original Canadian Birth Certificate or Passport, or Canadian Citizenship card / Permanent Resident card, or out-of-country passport with study or work permit.
4. The cost for a 5 year License is $89.00.
If you have moved from any country outside of Canada, please bring the following:
1. An official English translation of your driver’s license (if applicable) and your International Drivers License.
2. Passport with immigration documents (work / study permit)

A valid license from another Canadian jurisdiction can be exchanged for an equivalent class (Classes 1 through 7). Testing is not normally required, but medical and vision requirements must be met.
A medical and proof of vision screening is required for Class 1, 2 and 4 and may be required for all other classes if applicant has a medical condition that may affect their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
A valid license from the United States can be exchanged for a Class 5, 6, or 7 when the applicant is presenting a valid license of equivalent class. All other classes requested would require testing and must provide applicable medical and vision screening. All applicants must present immigration and residency documentation and acceptable identification.

Reciprocal Countries

A valid license from a country that has a reciprocal agreement with Alberta.
Countries include:

Austria, Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Japan, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, United States and the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Taiwan can be exchanged for a Class 5 when the applicant is presenting a valid license of equivalent class.

A Class 6 operator’s license shall be issued to valid Swiss Class A, A1 license and a Japanese International driver’s license which permits the holder to operate a motorcycle.

All other classes requested would require testing and must provide applicable medical and vision screening. All applicants must present immigration and residency documentation and acceptable identification.
Anyone coming from outside Canada and not from one of the reciprocal countries are required to meet the identification requirements, residency requirements and immigration qualifications. They must undergo complete testing for all classes of license requested and must provide applicable medical and vision screening as required. All licenses not in English must have a translation by an approved translator. All exchanged licenses will be forwarded to the government for verification.