Dear Mr. Steve Stallard:

We are writing in response to your electronic mail inquiry regarding
driver's licences for new Alberta residents.

An Alberta driver's licence is only issued to an applicant who qualifies as
an Alberta resident. A resident is defined as a person lawfully entitled to
be in Alberta, who makes their home in Alberta, and is ordinarily present in
Alberta.

Valid licences from another country are recognized for the first 3 months
after permanent residence is established. Application must be made for an
Alberta licence and the licence from outside of Canada must be surrendered
before this time period is up. An applicant who holds a driver's licence
issued outside of Canada shall normally be required to undergo complete
testing (Road and Knowledge Testing). An Alberta licence may be issued
without completing a road test if an applicant can provide the following:

1. Proof that they had previously held a valid Canadian/US licence prior to
being licensed out of country and a current, valid licence, from the country
where they are moving from; AND

To obtain an Alberta licence, you will be required to personally attend any
one of the Registry Agent offices. A medical examination may be required if
your medical history indicates that such is warranted. As stated above,
dependent on your particular circumstances, testing may also be required.
To obtain a commercial licence, testing is mandatory (road and knowledge
testing). Applicants originating from outside Canada must present
immigration documents in addition to identification. Proof of Alberta
residency is required.

Three of the following examples of proof of residency are required to obtain
licensing in Alberta:
n a letter from an Alberta employer on letterhead
n confirmation from a reliable person in the community who is well known by
the Registry Agent who can provide verification that a particular individual
is currently residing in Alberta,
n Alberta Health Care,
n utility hook-ups or bills in the individuals name for the local address,
n rent receipts or lease agreement from an established property management
firm or an individual who is well known to the Registry Agent.

For information on Registry Agents, please contact:

Edmonton 427-7013
Other Areas (Alberta only) 310-0000 then enter 427-7013
Outside Alberta (780) 427-7013
Yellow Pages under Licensing and Registry Services
Website www.gov.ab.ca/gs