Transfer of Ukrainian Driver’s Licenses to Alberta Driver’s Licenses.
Ukrainian Driver’s Licence Exchange ProgramFrequently Asked Questions:The Government of Alberta has established a temporary one-year driver’s licence exchange program for all holders of a Ukrainian Category B (passenger vehicles) or BE (passenger vehicles with a trailer) driver’s licence. Starting April 18, 2023 Alberta residents from Ukraine can exchange their Category B (passenger vehicles) or BE (passenger vehicles with a trailer) driver’s licence for an Alberta Class 5 licence. |
| What changes are being made under the Ukrainian Driver’s Licence Exchange Program? | Starting April 18, 2023, Alberta residents from Ukraine who hold a physical Ukrainian Driver’s Licence, who are lawfully entitled to be or to remain in Canada, and have established residency in Alberta, can exchange their Ukrainian Category B (passenger vehicles) or BE (passenger vehicles with a trailer) driver’s licence for an Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence. | |
| Why is this program necessary? |
Alberta is making it easier for Ukrainian evacuees to exchange their Ukrainian driver’s licence for an Alberta Class 5. The Government of Alberta is committed to supporting Ukrainian evacuees fleeing the conflict and helping them resettle in Alberta while maintaining safety on our roads. Exchanging licences is an additional support for Ukrainian evacuees that demonstrates Alberta’s commitment and compassion to the longstanding relationship with the people of Ukraine. | |
| When will this program take effect? | April 18, 2023 is the effective date of implementation. | |
| How many Ukrainian evacuees will benefit from this program? | Alberta has welcomed 28,000 Ukrainians since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. In the 2022 calendar year, 2,590 Ukrainian evacuees obtained an Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence. About 2,300 Ukrainian evacuees have obtained an Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence so far this year. Given these numbers, the Government of Alberta is hopeful that many Ukrainian evacuees will benefit from this driver’s licensing exchange program. | |
| Who is eligible for this program? | Alberta residents who hold a physical Ukrainian Category B or BE driver’s licence that is valid or expired within the last three years are eligible for this program. | |
| If I am eligible, what do I do? |
Eligible persons should visit a registry office to confirm eligibility and begin the process. Like all new Alberta residents obtaining an Alberta Class 5 licence, holders of a Ukrainian Category B or BE driver’s licence must surrender their physical Ukrainian driver’s licence to a registry agent, along with any non-English documents translated into English. A knowledge and road test will not be required under this program, but other requirements, such as a vision test, remain in place. Ukrainian evacuees will be provided with a paper driver’s licence, which will allow them to drive while they await their driver’s card in the mail. | |
| What identification documents do I need to bring with me? | To get a driver’s licence for the first time, a registry agent will ask for documentation that proves who you are, proves you are an Alberta resident, and proves that you are lawfully entitled to be in and remain in Canada. All documentation presented must be in English or accompanied by a written translation from an approved translator. More information and examples of identification documents that are acceptable is available at: ID requirements for licences and identification cards | Alberta.ca | |
| Will I get my Ukrainian driver’s licence back after submitting it at the registry? | No. Section 13(1) of the Alberta Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation requires that persons surrender any and all out-of-Alberta issued driver’s licences prior to being issued an Alberta licence. | |
| I lost my Ukrainian Category B or BE licence. Am I eligible for this program? | If your Ukrainian Category B or BE licence is lost, you must provide an original official document from the Ukrainian consulate (not dated more than 90 days) detailing the content of the driver’s licence. This may be accepted in place of the lost driver’s licence. | |
| My Ukrainian Category B or BE driver’s licence has expired. Am I eligible for this program? | If the licence has been expired for less than three years, you may still exchange your Ukrainian licence for an Alberta licence. You will need to provide an original official document (dated within the last 90 days) from the Ukrainian consulate which confirms the details of your driver’s licence. If your Ukrainian licence has been expired for more than three years, you will need to complete a vision screening, knowledge, and road test. | |
| Will my Ukrainian driver’s licence be authenticated? | Yes, your Ukrainian driver’s licence will be authenticated by the Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction Special Investigations Unit. The use of forged documents or false information to obtain an Alberta driver’s licence is considered a criminal offence and may result in criminal charges. | |
| Will my mobile/digital driver’s licence be accepted? | No, a digital/mobile driver’s licence cannot be accepted. | |
| Do I have to exchange my Category B or BE licence? What if I am not a resident in Alberta? | Visitors from Ukraine can drive the same type or Class (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7) of motor vehicle in Alberta on a valid driver’s licence from their home jurisdiction for up to one year. To do so, it is recommended that you carry an International Driving Permit, which translates what your Ukrainian driver’s licence allows you to operate into English. Information on getting an International Driving Permit is available at: Exchange a licence from outside Alberta. If you take up residence in Alberta you must attend a registry office to exchange your current driver’s licence for an Alberta driver’s licence within 90 days of becoming a resident. | |
| How do I know if I will be issued a Class 5 GDL or Class 5 non-GDL licence? | The driver’s licence issued will depend on the driving experience reflected on the surrendered Category B or BE physical Ukrainian driver’s licence. A Class 5 GDL licence is issued to drivers with less than two years driving experience. A full Class 5 driver’s licence is issued to drivers with at least two years driving experience. | |
| I exchanged my Ukrainian Category B or BE driver’s licence for a Class 7 driver’s licence before April 18, 2023. Can I request to exchange my Class 7 for a Class 5 at the registry without additional testing under this program? | The Ukrainian Exchange Program was implemented on April 18, 2023, however the Government of Alberta wants to ensure those that have applied and not yet received a Class 5 licence are reassessed. Should you like to ensure your application is re-evaluated, please visit your local registry office. | |
| Can I exchange any other category of Ukrainian driver’s licence? |
Only category B or BE driver’s licences can be exchanged under this program. | |
| How long will this driver licence exchange program last? | This exchange program has been implemented for a one-year term, and may be extended if needed. |