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Security for your account

All students need to have a verified Alberta.ca Account to access the Alberta Student Aid system. This system will verify your identity and serve as a single point of entry to manage your student funding information along with other Alberta Government services.

If you already have a verified Alberta.ca Account, you're all set. You can securely access your student aid information in the Alberta Student Aid account. 

Don't have an Alberta.ca Account? Create a verified account now! 

  1. The first step ensures the personal information you provide belongs to you. You need a personal email (not shared with anyone) to create an account. You can also choose to use your Google or Microsoft account instead of a personal email. To verify the account, you will be asked to provide information from a current and valid government-issued ID (not expired):
       a) Alberta driver's licence, or
       b) Alberta identification card

  2. You can choose to have a verification code delivered to you through text message (data rates may apply), phone call, or mail. Once you receive the activation code, enter it on Alberta.ca Account and finish verifying the account.

What you need to know

Getting verified can take up to 10 business days if you choose to receive an activation code by mailed letter to the address on a government-issued ID. Ensure the address on your driver’s licence or identity card is up to date before verifying your Alberta.ca Account. You can visit a local registry agent to update the information on your driver's licence or ID card. 

See details on how to update your driving documents. You can also renew or replace a driver's licence online. The online site can only be used when you have a verified account, your driver’s licence is not expired, and you are renewing your driver’s licence without changes. 

The verified account must updated with new card information when the Alberta driver’s licence or identification card expires. You will receive an email with the subject: ‘Your verified account status is about to expire’ from Alberta.ca Account. Please action the email before your verified account status expires. If the verified account is not updated, you will need to go through the full verification process again. 

For details on getting a verified account, see Alberta.ca Account for personal use. 

Keep your personal information safe

The Government of Alberta has created an information sheet to answer questions on how to protect your personal data. Read more about: Internet Safety and Social Media Tips.

Alberta.ca Account (Verified Account) – FAQs

About Alberta.ca Account

1. What is Alberta.ca Account, and why do I need a verified account?

Alberta.ca Account provides you with a secure way to identify yourself to government online. An account provides you with a unique online identity, so you have secure access to multiple government programs and services.

The Government of Alberta must ensure sufficient information is obtained to properly identify you and differentiate you from others with the same or similar names. This will ensure the correct services are provided to the correct person.

Alberta Student Aid Account | Changes as of September 8, 2022

You are no longer able to confirm your identity using the following personal information or shared secrets:

   a) two Alberta High School Diploma level official marks, or
   b) Alberta Student Aid Agreement Number or Canada Master Student Financial Assistance Agreement (MSFAA) Number, or
   c) Alberta or Canada Cashed Loan Certificate Number

Instead, you need to follow the steps below and get a verified account. This will ensure the personal information you provide belongs to you.

Getting Verified

2. How do I create a verified account and how long does it take?

In order to create a verified account, you must first set up a basic (unverified) Alberta.ca Account.

Once you have a basic account/profile, you will be able to click on the 'Verify account' button and enter your personal information EXACTLY as it appears on your Alberta driver’s licence or identification card, so the system can verify this information against the government records for your Alberta driver’s licence or identification card.

You can choose to have a verification code delivered to you through text message (data rates may apply), phone call, or mail. When you receive the activation code, you will need to enter it on the Manage account page to finish verifying your account.

If you do not receive the letter with the activation code, you must contact Alberta.ca Account. It’s recommended you verify your account by requesting a SMS text activation code to your mobile phone and avoid delays in receiving a code by mail.

3. What if I do not reside in Alberta and cannot get an Alberta ID card?

If you do not meet requirements for an Alberta Identification Card, or cannot get to an Alberta Registry agent to update your Alberta ID card, you might still be able to apply online.

Call the Alberta Student Aid Service Centre
1-855-606-2096, Option 2

4. What if I do not have a permanent address or valid form of government-issued identification?

You will not be able to verify your account. In order to verify your account, you must have a valid Alberta driver’s licence or identification card. These documents require a permanent address as proof of residing in Alberta.

If your Alberta Driver’s Licence or ID card has expired within the past 6 months you can still use it to verify your account. If it has been longer than 6 months, you will need to renew it at an Alberta Registry.

If you have requested for a new card, you do not need to wait for your new card to arrive in the mail in order to verify your account. Instead, you can use the Interim Driver’s Licence or ID card transaction receipt provided to you at the Alberta Registry after 3 days from your visit.

Please contact your local registry agent to apply.

You can renew your Alberta Driver's licence online. The online site can only be used if your driver’s licence is not expired and you are renewing your driver’s licence without changes.

If you require a new driver’s licence and you are unable to attend a registry agent in person because you are either temporarily outside of Alberta or are medically homebound, you can apply for a new licence. Learn more at renew or replace a driver's licence.

You can also renew your Alberta ID Card online. Learn more at Alberta identification card. 

5. What if I have fines associated with my driver’s licence, and cannot pay these fines to make changes to my address on my ID card?

You will not be able to verify your account until you pay your fines. Once your Alberta driver’s licence is renewed, you can verify your account.

6. Can anyone have a verified account?

You must possess a valid Alberta driver’s licence or identification card to obtain a verified account. Possessing an Alberta identification means that you are a resident of Alberta. Verification against government records ensures the personal information provided belongs to you.

7. Do I have to be a Canadian citizen to verify my identity?

You do not have to be a Canadian citizen, but you must be a resident of Alberta. Your valid Alberta identification means that you are a resident of Alberta. Verification against government records ensures the personal information provided belongs to you.

8. What if the address on my identification is out of province?

You must possess a valid Alberta driver’s licence or identification card to obtain a verified account. Possessing an Alberta identification means that you are a resident of Alberta. Verification against government records ensures the personal information provided belongs to you.

9. What if the address on my identification is not where I reside?

You have to update your Alberta driver’s licence or identification card within 14 days of a change of address or any other personal information.

If you do not live at the address shown in your identification, you should go to a registry agent and change your address on your Alberta driver’s licence or identification card.

10. May I use a Canadian passport?

Your verified account confirms not only that you are who you claim to be, but also that you are a resident of the province of Alberta. In order to verify your account, you must have a valid Alberta driver’s licence or identification card.

A Canadian passport is considered a travel document, and not an identity document.

11. Does this Alberta.ca Account change affect my other accounts that I use to manage my student aid?

No, your other accounts to manage your student aid are used for separate systems.

For questions relating to repaying Alberta student loans:

For questions related to repaying Canada student loans: