Learn About Alberta's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) Classes And Common Questions
Getting a driver’s license in Alberta isn't too much different from other provinces. Much like in Ontario and other provinces, Alberta drivers must complete a graduated licensing system to become a fully licensed driver.
As long as you can safely operate a vehicle, you can renew your licence at any age. Alberta Transportation renews your licence based on your ability to drive safely, regardless of your age. Though rare, there are people older than 100 who still have licences. No More Renewal Notices in the Mail! The Government of Alberta no longer mails out renewal notifications. Just come into Registries Plus with your previous registration, valid insurance (digital or paper copy is fine) and valid. Licences must be renewed annually. A renewal notice/bill will be sent to the address on your licence one month before your licence expires. The renewal fee must be paid by the date listed on the notice otherwise your licence will expire and you will have to stop your business operations until you get a new licence.
How do you GET an alberta drivers licence renewal? Once you have presented your identification (see below) you will be required to surrender your old Alberta Licence. A temporary interim licence will be issued to you which is valid for 30 days. Your new drivers licence will arrive in the mail approximately 2 weeks later. Renew or replace a driver’s licence while outside of Alberta. If you require a new driver’s licence while temporarily outside of Alberta, you can apply for a new licence by completing the Renewal / Replacement Licence for Alberta Residents Temporarily Outside of Alberta form (REG11197) (PDF, 237 KB). Need to renew your Alberta Driver’s licence? Visit Registration Are US and learn how to get your new permit. Sign up for our renewal reminder service!
This involves passing a knowledge test, road test, and successfully completing learner’s and probationary periods. It is a process that the more than 3 million licensed drivers in Alberta have completed.
Whether you are a new driver just learning to drive, it’s time to renew your Alberta driver’s license, or you are new to the province, this Alberta driver’s license guide will answer your questions and provide you with the information you need.
What Is GDL Licensing In Alberta?
Alberta uses a graduated driver’s licensing (GDL) system. The GDL license system was designed to ensure all new drivers gain the necessary experience, knowledge, instruction and support to pass the required road tests and knowledge test. The GDL license is comprised of stage one learner and stage two probationary periods.
How Much Does An Alberta Driver’s License Cost?
The cost of an Alberta driver’s license depends on the number of years it’s valid. The maximum cost to renew your driver’s license is $84 for 5 years :
- 1 year : $21
- 2 years : $37
- 3 years : $53
- 4 years : $69
- 5 years : $84
How Do I Get My Driver’s License In Alberta?
All new drivers must complete the two-stage process to become a fully licensed driver. It takes a minimum of 3 years to complete both stages of the graduated driver’s licensing system in Alberta.
Stage One Learner
To qualify for your stage one learner’s license, you must :
- Be at least 14 years old.
- Pass a vision and knowledge test.
- Have valid identification.
- Have parental consent if you are under 18.
You must follow these conditions :
- You must have your learner’s for at least one year.
- You must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver at all times when driving.
- Have zero alcohol level.
- You are not allowed to drive from midnight to 5am.
- Your license will be suspended if you accumulate 8 demerit points (15 for fully licensed drivers).
Stage Two Probationary
To qualify for your probationary driver’s license, you must :
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Have a learner’s driver’s license for one year.
- Pass the basic Alberta Class 5 road test.
You must follow these conditions :
- You must have your probationary driver’s license for at least 2 years.
- Your license will be suspended at 8 demerit points (15 for fully licensed drivers).
- Have zero alcohol level.
- You cannot upgrade to a commercial driver’s license.
- You cannot act as an accompanying driver for learner drivers.
Becoming A Fully Licensed Driver In Alberta
To become a fully licensed driver in Alberta, you must :
- Pass the advanced Alberta Class 5 road test.
- Be suspension free for the last year of the probationary stage.
Common Questions About Getting A Graduated Driver’s License In Alberta
Here are some common questions about Alberta driver’s licenses and the GDL system :
How Long Do You Have To Wait To Get Your Driver’s License In Alberta?
It will take a minimum of 3 years to become a fully licensed driver in Alberta. It takes 4 years if you get your learner’s license at age 14. You must have your stage one learner’s license for 1 year and spend 2 years as a stage two probationary driver.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Get A Learner’s License?
You must be 14 years of age to get a learner’s license in Alberta. You are required to pass a vision and knowledge test.
Which Alberta Driver’s License Tests Do I Have To Pass?
As part of the graduated driver’s license system, you are required to pass three Alberta driving tests to get your full license :
- Class 7 Knowledge Test
- Class 5 Basic GDL Road Test
- Class 5 Advanced GDL Exit Road Test
Where Can I Get The Alberta Driver’s License Handbook?
You can download a copy of the Alberta Driver’s License Handbook for free from Alberta Transportation. Get it here. You can also go online and take practice exams to test your knowledge.
What Are The Alberta Driver’s License Classes?
There are 7 different classes or types of driver’s licenses in Alberta. These driver’s license classes allow you to drive cars, trucks, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. Alberta driver’s license classes are :
- Class 1 : Professional license to drive any vehicle
- Class 2 : Professional license for buses
- Class 3 : Vehicles with 3 axles plus - trucks
- Class 4 : Professional license for taxi, ambulance, small bus
- Class 5 : Standard driver’s license for cars, light trucks, motorhomes
- Class 6 : Motorcycles and mopeds
- Class 7 : Learner’s license for cars and motorcycles
To qualify for certain driver license classes, additional driver’s training may be required.
What Is The Alberta Driver’s License Renewal Process?
It’s important to renew your driver’s license prior to expiry. Alberta licenses have a 1 to 5 year expiry date based on your license class and other factors. Your expiration date will be on the back of your driver’s license.
Here’s what you need to know about the driver’s license renewal process in Alberta :
What Do I Need To Renew My Driver’s License?
To renew your Alberta driver’s license, you will need to present the following :
- Your current driver’s license. Copies are not accepted.
- A completed renewal form.
- You may also be required to provide a medical form if you are over 75 years old, or have a class 1, 2, or 4 driver’s license.
Can I Renew My Alberta Driver’s License Online?
No. Driver’s licenses in Alberta must be renewed in person. You cannot renew your driver’s license online.
How Much Does It Cost To Renew Your License In Alberta?
It costs $84.45 to renew an Alberta driver’s license. If you have an out of province driver’s license, an additional $7.35 will be applied.
I Have An Expired Driver’s License In Alberta. Can You Renew A Driver’s License After It Expires?
Yes. You have up to six months once your driver’s license expires to renew it. Once your license expires, you are no longer legally allowed to drive.
If it has been more than 6 months, you will be required to provide a birth certificate, passport, and other documentation, such as proof of residency in Alberta to renew.
If your Alberta driver’s license expired more than 3 years ago, you will need to pass the written knowledge test and road tests before you can get a new driver’s license.
Is There A Fine For Driving With An Expired Alberta Driver’s License?
Yes. It is an offense to drive without a valid driver’s license. If caught, you could receive a fine of $200 or more.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Lost Driver’s License In Alberta?
I lost my Alberta driver’s license, now what? Visit a registry agent in person if your driver’s license has been lost, stolen, or damaged. You will be charged a $22.45 replacement fee. If your license has been stolen, it’s recommended you file a police report.
Is There A Fee For An Alberta Driver’s License Address Change?
Yes. There is a $22.45 fee to update your personal information on your driver’s license. You are required to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration within 14 days of an address change or other changes to your personal information.
Visit a registry agent in person to complete the address change. You will be issued a temporary license until your newly updated license arrives in the mail.
How To Exchange A License From Outside Alberta
If you are new to the province of Alberta, you have 90 days to exchange your current driver’s license for an Alberta driver’s license. You will be given a license that is equivalent to the class of license you are exchanging.
You do not need to exchange your driver’s license if you are visiting from another Canadian province to study or work temporarily.
Learn more about how to exchange a license from outside Alberta.
How Do I Upgrade To A Professional License In Alberta?
There are 4 types of professional driver’s licenses in Alberta (class 1, 2, 3, 4). To upgrade, you will be required to :
- Have a full class 5 driver’s license and be at least 18 years of age.
- Take a knowledge test – cost is $17.
- Pass a vision test.
- Pass a road test – cost varies by registry agent and location.
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Alberta Vehicle Registration Information
Vehicle registration in Alberta is important. You can’t drive without having a vehicle registered. You need to know when it’s time to renew. You need to understand the process to ensure you are compliant with all car registration laws.
There are more than 5 million total vehicles registered in Alberta. There are more than 1 million passenger cars, over 1 million trucks, and close to 1.5 million trailers.
When you need to renew, registration costs, and how to update your information varies based on the type of vehicle you drive.
Here we provide you with all the information you need for Alberta vehicle registration. Learn about how to register a car, renewals, costs, and frequently asked questions by Alberta drivers.
How To Register A Car In Alberta
All vehicles on public roads are required to have a vehicle registration certificate. Steps to complete the car registration process in Alberta are :
- Visit : Visit a registry agent in person
- Ownership : Provide proof of vehicle ownership
- Insurance : Provide proof of valid Alberta car insurance
- ID : Personal identification
- Fees : Pay the vehicle registration fee
- Registration : Receive your vehicle registration certificate
How Long Is The Alberta Motor Vehicle Registration Period?
Passenger car registration can be issued for a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 2 years.
Can I Do Alberta Vehicle Registration Online?
No. You are required to register all vehicles in person at a registry agent. You can renew your registration online.
Registering A Used Car In Alberta
The car registration process for used cars follows the same steps as new cars. If you are buying a used car from a car dealership, they will usually handle the registration process for you. If it’s a private sale, you will need to visit a registry agent to complete the transfer of ownership and registration.
The Alberta Vehicle Registration Renewal Process
In Alberta, vehicle registration renewals expire on assigned months based on your surname. You have three options to renew car registration in Alberta:
Vehicle Registration Renewal Online
You can renew online if there are no changes to your registration. To renew, you will need your vehicle registration certificate, insurance pink slip, and a credit card for payment. You can renew online here.
You CANNOT renew online if :
- You have unpaid fines
- You have less than 10 business days until your registration expiry date
- You have a name or address change
Renew Registration In Person
You can renew your registration in person at any Alberta Registry Agent. Bring your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration certificate.
Renew By Mail
You can renew your passenger vehicle registration by mail. Simply complete the general mail-in renewal form and mail it to the address listed on the form.
It’s recommended you only use the postal option if your registration expires in 30 days or more. You cannot renew by mail if you have outstanding fines or want to make changes to your registration.
Will I Get An Vehicle Registration Renewal Notice?
No, you will not receive an Alberta car registration reminder unless you sign up for the Renewal Reminder Service. This service will send you an email or text message reminder prior to your next renewal date. You can sign up for the service here.
Where Can I Find My Car Registration Renewal Date?
You can find your Alberta car registration expiration date on your license plate tags, registration certification, or on the registration expiry date chart.
How Much Does It Cost To Register A Car In Alberta?
Cost of Alberta vehicle registration for passenger vehicles is $84.45 for one year and $159.45 for two years. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time, your rate will be prorated based on your expiry month. The same fees apply to renewals.
Alberta Vehicle Registration Fees Are Based On The Type Of Vehicle
Vehicle registration fees in Alberta vary based on the type of vehicle :
- Cars : $84.45 (1 year)
- Motorcycles : $54.45
- Off road vehicle : $54.45
- Trailer : $109.45
- Antique vehicles : $39.45 (one-time fee)
Which Vehicles Don’t Require Registration?
Vehicles that are not permitted to drive on public roads do not require vehicle registration. They include :
- Electric scooters and mini bikes
- Small mopeds
- Miniature all-terrain vehicles
- Golf carts
Some vehicles exempt from registration that can be driven on roads include farm equipment, heavy industrial equipment, some trailers, and mobile homes.
How To Register A Vehicle From Another Province
Vehicle standards and registration processes vary. To register your vehicle in Alberta, you will have to get it inspected and provide the following information :
- Out of Province Vehicle Inspection Certificate
- Proof of ownership
- Proof of residency in Alberta
- Proof of Alberta auto insurance
If you are importing a vehicle from the United States, you will also be required to provide a Certificate of Origin and Transport Canada Form 1.
What Is The Fine For Driving Without Vehicle Registration In Alberta?
It is an offense to drive any vehicle without valid registration. If you are stopped by the police, you could be fined a minimum of $230 for no registration.
How To Register A Commercial Vehicle
There are specific registration requirements for commercial vehicles in Alberta. Commercial registration applies to Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 plates. Owners must register for the proper class of plate or they could face charges. Commercial vehicle registration costs vary based on class and weight category.
You may need to obtain a Safety Fitness Certificate and/or an Operating Authority Certificate. Commercial vehicle registration can be a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 1 year.
Get more commercial registration information here.
Alberta Vehicle Registration Locations
Alberta vehicle registration locations are found in cities across the province. Currently there are more than 200 locations across Alberta. Visit your local registry agent to register your vehicle. Click here to find a registry agent near you.
Car Registration In Edmonton
Edmonton vehicle registration can be completed at 28 locations across the city. You can register and renew your vehicle, take driving road tests, and access many other services.
Car Registration In Calgary
Car registration in Calgary follows the same steps as other areas of the province. There are about 30 locations across the city where you can register your vehicle.
Alberta Vehicle Registration FAQs
Here are some of the common questions asked about Alberta vehicle registration:
Is There An Alberta Registration Renewal Grace Period?
Alberta License Renewal Month
No. There is not a grace period. If you drive with an expired license plate, you could face fines and late penalties.
Is Classic Car Registration In Alberta Different?
Yes. Classic car registration is permanent. There is a one-time cost of $39.45. You do not need to renew your registration each year.
Can I Register A Vehicle For Someone Else In Alberta?
Yes, you can register a vehicle for someone who cannot make it to a registry office. To complete the registration, you will need to bring the person’s proof of ownership, proof of car insurance, and their ID. You will also need to bring a signed and completed Authorization for Vehicle Services form.
What Is The Alberta Vehicle Registration Authorization Form?
This form allows you to give someone else the ability to register, renew, or transfer vehicle registration on your behalf. This form is used if you are not physically able to be present in a registry office to complete the transaction. Fill out the official form provided by Service Alberta.
Can I Register A Vehicle If I Have Outstanding Fines?
No. You will not be able to register or renew vehicle registration if you have outstanding fines. You must pay fines in full before registering or renewing.
When Does A Vehicle Registration Expire?
Car registration expiration dates vary. Your car registration expires at the end of the month that corresponds with the first letter of your last name.
I Lost My Vehicle Registration Certification In Alberta. How Do I Get A New One?
You can get a duplicate Alberta vehicle registration copy by visiting a registry office. You will need Government of Alberta photo identification. A $22.45 fee applies for the new registration to be printed.
Depending on your expiry date, you may have the option to renew and extend the term of your registration.
Can I Cancel My Vehicle Registration In Alberta?
Yes. Visit a registry agent and fill out the License Plate/Parking Placard Cancellation form. You will need to bring ID, your license plate, and pay a $9 cancellation fee. You are eligible for a refund based on the amount of time left on your registration.
How Do I Change My Address On Vehicle Registration?
You have 14 days to change your address on your vehicle registration. You must visit a registry agent in person to apply for an address change. A $7 fee applies to change personal information on your registration.
Tips To Renew Car Registration In Alberta
Alberta no longer provides postal reminders for expiring vehicle registration. Here are some tips to ensure you renew your registration correctly and on time :
- Renew early (at least 10 business days in advance) so you have access to online renewal
- Pay fines well in advance of renewal (if applicable)
- Sign up for electronic reminders for registration renewal
- Write down the month of your renewal in a planner or somewhere you check frequently
- Keep all vehicle registration renewal documents filed together
- Know the documents you need to successfully complete the renewal process
Alberta vehicle registration doesn’t have to be complicated. Use the information above to successfully complete registrations and renewals with ease.
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