Free new-resident guide — AB
Moving to Alberta (2026)
What you need to do when you move to Alberta from another province — driver's licence, health card, vehicle re-registration, and address updates, with Alberta-specific deadlines.
Keep your old health coverage
Keep your old provincial health coverage active until your new coverage starts -- do not cancel it early.
Update address & notify agencies
Update your address with Canada Post (mail forwarding), CRA, Service Canada, Elections Canada, your bank, employer, and provincial agencies including your health card and driver's licence address.
Driver's licence
Exchange deadline: 90 days
Exchange your out-of-province licence within 90 days of establishing Alberta residency at any Alberta registry agent.
Testing is typically waived when exchanging a same-class Canadian licence.
Official source → https://www.alberta.ca/moving-to-alberta-from-within-canadaHealth card — AHCIP (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan)
Plan
AHCIP (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan)
When to apply
within 3 months of arriving (apply deadline -- there is no coverage waiting period)
How to apply
Online or at a registry agent
Waiting period / coverage start
No waiting period -- coverage is effective the date you establish Alberta residency. Your prior province covers you until the end of the month you moved.
Vehicle re-registration
Re-register your out-of-province vehicle in Alberta. The deadline and whether a safety inspection is required varies by province.
Alberta vehicle re-registration guide →Federal tasks
- •CRA: update your mailing address via My Account at canada.ca or by calling 1-800-959-8281. Direct deposit details stay the same.
- •Elections Canada: update your voter registration at elections.ca or at your nearest Elections Canada office.
Local setup
Utilities, waste/recycling, transit passes, and school registration are set by your municipality — rules and providers vary by city. Check your city or municipal website for local services. (Per-city details are outside the scope of this guide.)
Replace or obtain documents
If you need a replacement birth certificate, SIN confirmation letter, or passport, see the replace-documents guide for Alberta-specific steps and agencies.
Alberta replace-documents guide →Official sources
Last updated: June 2026
Download your free Alberta new-resident checklist
Printable PDF covering all 7 steps with Alberta-specific deadlines.
Free. General information only -- not legal or regulatory advice.
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