Alberta's new combined ID cards launch July 2 with health number built in
Driver's licences and ID cards will now include personal health numbers and citizenship markers. Paper health cards will be phased out.
Starting July 2, Alberta will issue combined driver's licences and ID cards that merge three documents into one—identity, health number, and citizenship status.
Residents will no longer need to carry separate pieces of identification to access government programs and health services. The province says the redesigned cards feature stronger anti-fraud protections and a modern design.
To add a health number, Albertans must bring their existing health card, valid ID, and proof of legal residency in Canada. Registry agents will verify eligibility before the personal health number is added. Non-citizens can still obtain a provincial ID if they show proof of legal status.
Acceptable documents proving permanent residency include a Canadian birth certificate, passport, NEXUS card, Permanent Resident card, Secure Certificate of Indian Status, pre-2012 Citizenship Card with photo, or confirmation of resident status issued by the federal government for more than 90 days. Refugee claimants with a Refugee Protection Claimant Document are also eligible.
The province will gradually phase out paper Alberta Health Care cards as more people transition to the new format. The initiative, announced by Premier Danielle Smith last year, aims to streamline services and add citizenship markers to prevent election fraud.