Exchange a Licence from Outside Alberta

Exchange a Licence from Outside Alberta

This guide explains how to exchange a driver's licence from outside Alberta (including China) for an Alberta licence. The Government of Alberta handles this process through registry agents.

Who Must Exchange

If you become a permanent resident of Alberta, you must exchange your current driver's licence within 90 days of becoming a resident, even if you travel outside Alberta during that time.

Who May Not Need to Exchange

• Temporary residents: Students, visitors, and temporary foreign workers (e.g., under SAWP) cannot get an Alberta licence because they don't live in Alberta permanently, but may use their home licence.
• Visitors: Can drive on a valid home licence for up to one year. If the licence is not in English, an International Driver's Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended.
• Canadians from other provinces: Can drive on their provincial licence if they live in their home province for more than 6 months each year.
• Students: Can use their home licence while studying or in a co-op program.
• Armed forces members: Have special provisions.

General Requirements

To exchange any licence, you must:

• Surrender your current valid licence (including professional classes).
• Surrender all other licences you hold, including expired ones.
• Provide proof of residence in Alberta.
• Provide proof of legal status in Canada.

Exchange Rules by Origin

From Another Canadian Province

• If you hold Class 3, 4, 5, or 6, you'll get an equivalent Alberta licence.
• If you've held Class 5 or 6 for less than 2 years, you may be placed in the GDL program.
• No knowledge or road test required.
• You can reduce probation by up to 6 months with an approved driver training course.
• Class 1 licences may not be exchangeable.

From an Alberta-Recognized Jurisdiction

Alberta has agreements with many countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, UK, etc. From these, you can exchange without tests, but must provide proof of 2+ years of experience for a full Class 5.

From the United States

US licence holders can exchange Class 5, 6, or 7 without additional testing. Other classes require all tests.

From Ukraine

Ukrainian Class B or BE licences can be exchanged without additional testing. Other classes require all tests.

From a Non-Reciprocal Jurisdiction (e.g., China)

If your licence is from a country without an agreement, you must:

1. Take a Class 7 knowledge test at a registry office.
2. Surrender all valid and expired licences.
3. Provide proof of residence and legal status.
4. After passing, you'll get a Class 7 licence.
5. The registry agent will check if you qualify for the GDL Exemption Program.
6. Your application will be sent to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for review.
7. While under review, you can drive with a Class 7 licence under supervision.
8. Visit a registry office after 10 business days to see if your application is accepted. If eligible, book a road test for Class 5.

If you pass the road test, you'll get a Class 5 licence. If you have 2+ years of driving experience, you'll get a full Class 5; otherwise, a Class 5 GDL. You can reduce probation by up to 6 months with an approved course.

GDL Exemption Program

This program allows drivers from non-reciprocal countries to skip waiting periods if they have driving experience. Read the GDL Exemption User Guide for details.

Official Source

• Exchange a licence from outside Alberta | Alberta.ca