How to Renew Your Driver's License in Alberta: A Complete Guide
Renewing your driver’s license is necessary to ensure that you continue to drive legally and safely. It is also important to renew the license to avoid fines and penalties. Like the Canada learners license test have different road rules for each state, the license renewal procedures are also different in each state.
In Alberta, the driving license journey starts with the Alberta learner’s test. This test is made easy with our Alberta learners practice test. However, to renew the license in Alberta, the task might fee daunting as you must follow the guidelines, submit the necessary documentation, and complete certain procedures. But when you understand the procedure, it is easier than you think. In this blog, we will walk you through the step-by-step procedure to renew a license in Alberta.
How long do I get to renew my license after it expires in Alberta?
You can renew your Alberta driver’s license up to one year before its expiry date. Renewing your license early ensures you have a valid license and allows you to drive without interruption. If you miss the renewal deadline, you have a 6-month grace period to renew your license. However, the license will not be valid, and you cannot drive until the renewal is complete.
Ways to Renew the Driver’s License
Renew Online
Online renewal is convenient and quick for applicants. You can visit the online renewal portal and renew your license if it has not expired or if no changes to your license are required.
Renew In-person
In-person renewal is done at a registry agent office if your license has expired or you need to make changes to your license, such as updating your photo, address, or license class.
Renew or replace a driver’s license remotely
In cases where the applicant is unable to attend a registry agent in person due to medical reasons or they are temporarily outside the state, they can apply for a new license by completing the remote driver’s license/ID card application.
Steps to Renew Your License
Submit the Documents
Gather all the necessary documents mentioned by the state government and submit them.
Choose the Renewal Methods
You can choose whether to renew online or in-person based on your eligibility and needs.
Renewal Application
If you are choosing the online option, visit the Alberta government’s online renewal portal and complete the application. For people choosing in person, visit the registry agent office, fill out the application, submit the documents, and pay the fee. Sumit your old license and have a new photo taken.
Receive the Renewed License
For applicants who applied online, the renewed license will be mailed to them. People who finished the process in person will receive the new license immediately or be given a temporary license until receiving the new license.
Documents Required to Renew a Driver’s License in Alberta
Applicants must provide several documents to prove their identity, legal residency, and current address.
Primary ID
Provide government-issued photo ID such as your current driver’s license, passport, Canadian citizenship card, or permanent resident card.
Secondary ID
Submit any additional ID with your primary ID, such as a birth certificate, social insurance number card, band/credit card, recent utility bill, or vehicle registration documents.
Proof of Residency
Documents proving your current Alberta residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last three months, must be submitted.
Cost to Renew a Driver’s License in Alberta
The renewal fee depends on the number of years you want to renew the license for. The maximum renewal period is 5 years. The current renewal fees are:
1 Year Renewal: $21
2 Year Renewal: $42
3 Year Renewal: $63
4 Year Renewal: $84
5 Year Renewal: $93
Renew an Expired License
If your license has expired, you must renew your license within the 6-month grace period by visiting an Alberta registry agent office. Submit your expired license and the required documents and pay the fee to renew your license. If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you must apply for a new license by retaking the knowledge and road tests. Do not worry if you have to retake the test. We will help you easily navigate it by brushing up your memory with our Alberta learners license practice test.
Renew After Name or Address Change
If you have changed your name or address, provide documentation mentioning the change, such as a marriage certificate or utility bill. Update this information at a registry agent office.
Renew a Lost or Stolen License
If your driver’s license has been lost or stolen, you must apply for a replacement before you can renew your license. The replacement process involves applying either online or in person at a registry agent office. Provide details about the loss or theft of your license, and the registry agent will issue a temporary license valid for 90 days, during which you can renew your permanent license.
Alberta Driver’s License Renewal for Seniors
Drivers above the age of 75 must renew their license every 2 years and provide a medical report for Motor Vehicle Operator’s License completed and signed by a physician. This report verifies that you are medically fit to drive. The medical report is valid for up to 5 years, so you may not need a new one each time you renew. A road test is not automatically required but can be requested by your physician based on your health. The renewal fee for a 2-year senior’s license is $50.
Do I need to take a vision test when renewing my Alberta driver’s license?
People whose license has been expired for over 6 months must apply for a new license. This involves following all the initial procedures, such as the vision test, knowledge test, and road test, to get the license. If you happen to retake the knowledge test, start preparing with our Alberta drivers learners practice test that will guide you through all the road rules.
Renewing your Alberta driver’s license is an easy process if you follow the steps and meet the requirements. Renew your license on time to continue to drive legally and avoid any unnecessary penalties or complications to be a safe driver.
