Alberta will become the first province to add a Canadian citizenship marker to licences and ID cards.
This fall, legislation will be introduced to implement the addition of Canadian citizenship status to Albertans’ drivers licences or ID cards.
The change is part of a broader initiative to give Albertans a single, secure document that confirms both identity and Canadian citizenship.
“This is about making life easier for Albertans. By including citizenship information on these cards, we’re streamlining access to services and reducing the need to carry multiple documents,” said Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction.
The Alberta government said that by combining identity and citizenship on one document, Albertans will no longer need to carry multiple pieces of ID to access services.
“This is about more than convenience, it’s about trust. With a single, secure card proving both identity and citizenship, Albertans will face fewer hurdles when applying for government services. This will also strengthen the integrity of elections and other systems that rely on proof of citizenship,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in a statement.
The announcement also builds on recently announced changes to incorporate Alberta health care numbers onto drivers licenses in late 2026.
Currently, there are more than half a million more health care numbers registered than there are people living in Alberta, based on second quarter 2025 population estimates.
Through this process, Alberta’s government will be able to identify which health care cards continue to be actively in use and better understand why there is such a large discrepancy.
The citizenship marker will be added to all new and renewed drivers licences and ID cards starting in fall 2026 and there will be no additional cost to Albertans to add citizenship, beyond the existing cost of obtaining a drivers license.
Beginning in 2026, individuals will be required to bring proof of citizenship or immigration status to obtain or renew a drivers license.
Only Canadian citizenship will be displayed on drivers licenses or ID cards.
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