Alberta adding citizenship markers, health number to drivers’ licences, ID cards starting in July

The province will begin to roll out its three-in-one identification cards on July 2. The cards will replace photo ID, driver's licences and health cards.

Alberta is adding more personal markers to provincial identification cards starting next month.

The province said in a media release on Wednesday that it will put a person’s health number and citizenship onto drivers’ licences and ID cards it issues starting July 2.

With the health number on the ID cards, the province will begin phasing out the paper ones it now issues for health identification.

The new cards will feature security features to help reduce fraud.

“These redesigned cards are more than a visual update. They are a practical improvement that will make life easier for Albertans,” Dale Nally, the minister of Service Alberta and red tape reduction, 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.”

Critics have voiced concerns about the citizenship markers – those who confirm their Canadian citizenship will have one added to the card – saying it could lead to discrimination and privacy breaches.