Yes, you can renew your Alberta driver's license online if you meet the requirements
Alberta allows you to renew your driver's license through the Government of Alberta's online portal if your license is still valid or expired by no more than two years. You do not need to visit a registry office in person for a standard renewal. The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and you will receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks.
Not every renewal can be done online. If your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your name or address, if you have medical conditions to declare, or if you are renewing after a suspension, you must visit a registry office instead. The same applies if you want to change your license class or add an air brake restriction.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through the Government of Alberta website if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no changes to make.
- You will need your driver's license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to complete the online renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail in two to three weeks; you cannot pick it up at a registry office.
- If your license expired more than two years ago or you need to update your personal information, you must renew in person at a registry office.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Have your current driver's license in front of you. You will need your driver's license number and your date of birth to log into the renewal system. If you do not have your license number memorized, it appears on the front of your card.
You will also need a payment method. Alberta accepts Visa, Mastercard, and debit cards for online renewal. The cost of a standard five-year license renewal is $150. If you are renewing a Class 7 (learner's permit) or Class 5-DL (air brake restriction), the fees differ; check the Government of Alberta website for your specific license class.
Make sure your mailing address is current before you renew. Your new license will be sent to the address on file. If you have moved recently and have not updated your address with Alberta, you must do that in person at a registry office before renewing online.
The steps to renew online
Go to the Government of Alberta's driver's license renewal page. You will see a button to start your online renewal. Click it and you will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record.
Review the information on screen. Check that your name, date of birth, and address are correct. If anything is wrong, stop here and visit a registry office instead—you cannot change personal information online. If everything matches, confirm that you have no medical conditions to declare and that your license class is not changing.
Enter your payment information and complete the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number for your records. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
When you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than two years ago, the online system will not let you renew. You must visit a registry office and bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity. The in-person renewal takes longer and may require a new photo.
If you have changed your name since your license was issued—through marriage, divorce, or legal change—you cannot renew online. You will need to visit a registry office with your current license, a legal document showing your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), and proof of identity.
If you are renewing after a license suspension or if you have new medical conditions to declare, you must renew in person. The same applies if you want to add or remove an air brake restriction, change your license class, or add a condition code to your license.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
You will see a confirmation page with a reference number. This number is not your new license number—your new license will have a different number printed on it. Write down the reference number and keep your confirmation email. If you need to check the status of your renewal, you can use this number.
Your new license will arrive by regular mail. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact a registry office with your confirmation number. They can check whether your renewal was processed and reissue your license if needed.
Until your new license arrives, your current license remains valid. You can drive legally on your old license. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a registry office if you prefer.
Renewing before your license expires
You can renew your license up to 12 months before it expires. This is useful if you know you will be traveling or if you want to avoid the rush near your expiry date. The new license will have a new expiry date five years from the date you renew (or three years for Class 7 learner's permits).
Renewing early does not extend the time you have to renew next time. If your license expires on June 15, 2025, and you renew in March 2025, your new license will expire in March 2030, not June 2030.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?
No. The online system only works for licenses that are still valid or expired by less than two years. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must visit a registry office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency.
What if I moved and haven't updated my address yet?
You cannot renew online if your address is not current. Visit a registry office first to update your address, then you can renew online. Alternatively, you can renew in person at the registry office and update your address at the same time.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks in most cases. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact a registry office with your confirmation number. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Can I change my license class when I renew online?
No. Online renewal only works for standard renewals with no changes. If you want to change your license class, add an air brake restriction, or make any other change to your license type, you must visit a registry office in person.
What if I lose my confirmation number?
Check your email for the confirmation message sent after you completed your renewal. It contains your reference number. If you cannot find the email, contact a registry office with your driver's license number and date of birth, and they can look up your renewal status.