New combined ID and Health card. Supplied Image
EDMONTON — Alberta residents renewing their driver’s licences or identification cards will soon be able to carry their health-care information on the same card as the province moves toward a single identification system.
Beginning July 2, new and renewed Alberta driver’s licences and identification cards will include personal health numbers, while Canadian citizens will also have a citizenship marker added to their cards.
The Alberta government says the changes are intended to simplify access to government and health services while reducing the need for multiple pieces of identification.
Officials say the redesigned cards will eventually replace paper Alberta Health Care cards and feature updated security measures intended to reduce fraud.
“These redesigned cards are more than a visual update. They are a practical improvement that will make life easier for Albertans,” Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Minister Dale Nally said in a statement.
“The new features modernize Alberta’s driver’s licences and ID cards, making them more secure, more reliable and more useful for everyday service access.”
Under the new system, Albertans applying for or renewing a licence or identification card will be required to provide proof they are legally entitled to be in Canada.
Those who confirm Canadian citizenship will receive a “CAN” marker in the upper-right corner of their card.
Permanent residents and other eligible non-citizens will continue to be able to obtain driver’s licences and identification cards. The province says a one-time 60-day grace period may be available for individuals requiring additional time to obtain documentation.
To have a personal health number added to a card, eligible Albertans must present their Alberta Health Care card, valid identification and proof of legal entitlement when applying or renewing through a registry agent.
The province says registry staff will verify Alberta Health Care eligibility before adding the personal health number to the card.
Health Minister Justin Wright said integrating health information into existing identification cards is expected to simplify access to services.
“By integrating personal health numbers into driver’s licences and ID cards, we are streamlining access to health services and improving how information connects across the system, making care more efficient and responsive for Albertans,” Wright said.
The rollout will occur in two phases.
During the first phase, citizenship verification and health number integration will be introduced for eligible citizens and permanent residents obtaining or renewing cards.
The second phase will expand health number integration to remaining eligible Albertans and allow children under 14 to obtain free identification cards containing personal health numbers, with the option of including a photograph and signature.
The province says fees for driver’s licences and identification cards will remain unchanged.
Alberta says the new design reflects the province’s history and identity while creating a more secure and streamlined identification system for residents.
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