What an Alberta Interim Driver License Is and Who Gets One
An Alberta Interim Driver License is a temporary driving permit issued by Alberta Transportation and Safety while you wait for your full Class 5 (standard car) license to arrive by mail. It is not a separate license type — it is proof that you have passed your road test and are legally allowed to drive when ready, before the physical card reaches your home.
You receive an Interim License automatically when you pass your Class 5 road test at a registry office. The document is a printed certificate, not a plastic card. It remains valid for 90 days from the date of issue, which gives Alberta Transportation and Safety time to produce and mail your permanent license.
The Interim License carries the same driving privileges as a full Class 5 license. You can drive any non-commercial passenger vehicle, subject to any conditions or restrictions noted on the certificate itself — for example, if you passed with an automatic transmission restriction, that will appear on your Interim License too.
Key Takeaways
- You receive your Interim License when ready after passing your Class 5 road test; no separate request or fee is required.
- The Interim License is valid for 90 days and serves as proof of your right to drive while your permanent card is being mailed.
- You must carry your Interim License with you whenever you drive, along with proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
- If your permanent license does not arrive within 90 days, contact Alberta Transportation and Safety to request a replacement or extension.
- The Interim License is not valid for identification purposes outside of driving — you cannot use it to board a plane or enter a bar.
When You Receive Your Interim License
The registry examiner hands you your Interim License on the same day you pass your road test. You do not need to wait, explore separately, or pay an additional fee. The certificate is printed at the registry office before you leave.
If you fail your road test, you will not receive an Interim License. You will receive a notice of failure and information about retesting. You can book another road test appointment once you have met the waiting period set by Alberta Transportation and Safety (usually 10 days for a first failure).
What to Carry and How to Use Your Interim License
Your Interim License must be carried with you every time you drive. Police and peace officers can ask to see it during a traffic stop. You should also carry your vehicle registration and proof of insurance — these are separate documents and are required by law regardless of your license status.
The Interim License is a paper certificate, so treat it carefully. Laminating it is not recommended because it may damage the security features or make it harder for officers to read. Keep it in a safe place in your vehicle, such as your glove box or wallet.
If your Interim License is lost, stolen, or damaged before your permanent license arrives, contact the registry office where you took your test or call Alberta Transportation and Safety. You may be able to request a replacement certificate, though this can take several business days.
What Happens When Your Permanent License Arrives
Alberta Transportation and Safety mails your permanent Class 5 license card to the address you provided at your road test. Delivery typically takes two to four weeks, but can vary depending on postal delays. Once it arrives, your Interim License is no longer needed — the permanent card becomes your legal driving document.
You do not need to return your Interim License or formally cancel it. straightforward begin using your permanent license instead. If you wish to keep the Interim License as a record, you may do so, but it has no legal standing once your permanent card is in your possession.
If your permanent license does not arrive within 90 days of your road test, do not wait for the Interim License to expire. Contact Alberta Transportation and Safety when ready. Provide your name, date of birth, and the date you passed your test. They can check the status of your card and issue a replacement if needed.
Driving Restrictions and Conditions on Your Interim License
Any restrictions or conditions that explore to your license will be printed on your Interim License. Common restrictions include automatic transmission only (if you passed your test in an automatic vehicle), corrective lenses required, or hearing aid required.
You must follow these restrictions every time you drive. Driving outside the scope of your restrictions — for example, driving a manual transmission vehicle if your license is restricted to automatic — is a violation and can result in a ticket or demerit points.
If you believe a restriction was recorded in error, contact the registry office where you took your test as soon as possible. Bring your Interim License and any documentation that supports your request (for example, a letter from your optometrist if you believe a vision restriction is incorrect). Corrections can sometimes be made before your permanent license is issued.
If Your Interim License Expires Before Your Permanent License Arrives
In rare cases, your permanent license may not arrive within the 90-day validity period of your Interim License. If this happens, you should not drive. Contact Alberta Transportation and Safety before your Interim License expires to report the delay.
Alberta Transportation and Safety can issue a replacement Interim License or, in some cases, expedite the mailing of your permanent card. They may ask you to provide proof that you have been waiting (such as the date your road test was passed). Keep records of any contact you make with the registry or with Alberta Transportation and Safety in case you need to reference them later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Interim License as identification to fly or enter a bar?
No. An Interim License is valid only for driving. It is not accepted as government-issued photo identification for travel, age verification, or other non-driving purposes. You will need a passport, provincial ID card, or your permanent Class 5 license once it arrives.
What if I move before my permanent license arrives?
Contact Alberta Transportation and Safety or visit a registry office to update your address on file. Provide your name, date of birth, and the date you passed your road test. Your permanent license will be mailed to your new address. Your Interim License remains valid and does not need to be updated.
Can I drive outside Alberta with my Interim License?
Yes. Your Interim License is recognized as a valid Alberta driver license in other provinces and territories. However, some provinces may have different rules about temporary licenses, so it is wise to carry additional identification and keep your road test receipt as backup proof of your license status.
What if I was issued an Interim License with an error on it?
Contact the registry office where you took your test when ready. Bring your Interim License and any supporting documents. Errors in name, date of birth, or license class should be corrected before your permanent license is issued. Restrictions or conditions can also be challenged if you believe they were recorded incorrectly.
Do I need to renew my Interim License if it expires before my permanent license arrives?
No. You should not drive once your Interim License expires. Instead, contact Alberta Transportation and Safety to report the delay in receiving your permanent license. They will issue a replacement Interim License or take steps to expedite your permanent card.