Policy

An Alberta Identification (ID) card is issued to Alberta residents who require a primary identification document, but do not drive.

An ID card does not display condition codes or endorsements, with the exception of the Code Z.

A person cannot be issued both a valid driver’s licence and a valid ID card in MOVES at the same time. If a client who previously held a driver’s licence requests an ID card, they may retain their driver’s licence until the ID card is received (unless the driver’s licence is suspended).

When a suspension (regardless of type) has been placed against a client's driving privileges and/or vehicle registration under the Traffic Safety Act (TSA), a client may obtain an ID card.

Clients are allowed to keep their out of province identification cards. CCMTA interprovincial record exchange (IRE) searches for the issuance of identification cards are prohibited.

Clients are allowed to possess:

• An Alberta ID card and ID cards from other jurisdictions.
• An Alberta ID card and driver’s licences from other jurisdictions.

Requirements

A client must:

• Provide acceptable identification; see 2.05.02 Acceptable Identification / Enrolment.
• Be 12 years of age or older.
  • When the client is less than 18 years of age, consent for a minor or proof of self-sufficiency or marriage, as is applicable, is required; see 2.00.02 Minor – Consent / Self Sufficiency.

A registry agent must:

• Ask the client (provided they are 18 years of age, or older) “Will you register consent to the donation of your organs, tissue and/or body?” in the Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation Registry (AOTDR) and provide the adult with the AOTDR Brochure.
  • If the client participates, they must be advised that a heart symbol will display on the front of their ID card.
• Capture an image of the client.
  • When the client has a previous image on MOVES that is an acceptable image, a new photo is not required, however it is best practice to capture a new image if the client agrees; see 3.05.02 Driver Licence / Identification Card Photo and Signature Requirement.
• Capture the client’s signature.
• Issue an Identification Card Receipt.

Overdue Fines/Restriction on Client Files

Overdue Fines

If a client has a fine restriction a registry agent is authorized to complete a fine override in order to issue the client an ID card.

Restrictions on Client Files

If an alert on a client's file states:

“Client can obtain photo identification, driver’s abstracts, and parking placards only. All other motor vehicle services are restricted by Alberta Justice. For more information call 422-5555 or 310-0000-422-5555, Mon-Fri, 8:15am-4:00pm.”

Agents may issue an ID card to a client without calling Maintenance Enforcement.

If the above alert is not present, and the client requires a Maintenance Enforcement or Reinstatement Condition or Abandoned Motor Vehicle charge to be temporarily lifted to issue an ID card, a registry agent must contact the following departments during regular business hours. Upon approval, a registry agent may issue the client an ID card.

Restriction Type	Lifted By	Telephone
ABAND.MVAC Abandoned Motor Vehicle Charge	Treasury Board and Finance	(780) 415-1961 (780) 427-8255
MAINT-ENFR Maintenance Enforcement Program	Justice	(780) 644-3663 (780) 401-7653
REIN or NSF reinstatement fee or non-negotiable cheque	Revenue	(780) 644-3587 (780) 422-9651
FINES	Registry Agent using Restriction Override with Reason: CI 8 or ID Card

Expiry Date

A registry agent may issue an ID card for less than a full term when requested by the client.

Returned / Surrendered ID Cards by Third Party

ID card's returned by a third party, are not entered on MOVES.  Destroy the surrendered ID card; see 3.15.10 Destruction of Returned Alberta Driver’s Licences & Identification Cards.

Imaging

The signed application form and all supporting documents must be sent for imaging; see the appropriate sub-section in 1.15 Imaging.

Date Originally Issued: Nov 14, 1989
Date Last Revised: Mar 30, 2023