2 minutes - Article
Getting photo ID can be done years before you turn 18 and is one of the most important things you can do before you transition to adulthood.
Identification (ID) proves that you are who you say you are and can help you in a number of situations, including opening a bank account, for appointments, or starting a new job. There are many different types of ID that you can have:
- Alberta Health Card
- Alberta Drivers Licence
- Alberta ID Card
- Indian Status Card
Photocopy your ID
Ashlee Homewood is caseworker from Calgary. She says that if you don’t have a driver’s licence or Indian Status card then getting an Alberta ID card is the next best choice. And you can get it before you are 18.
“An Alberta ID card looks like a driver's licence. It doesn't mean that you can drive, but they look the same. The colors are the same. There's still your birth date on there, your eye color and all of those things. But in order to get one, you need to go into a registry and have an address.”
Wondering about gender on your ID?
For Alberta ID Cards or Driver’s licences, sexual and gender diverse youth who wish to keep their gender private can choose ‘X’ instead of “F” or “M” for the sex field on application forms. There are no medical exams required to update your gender on ID but there are some steps to take that your caseworker can help with.
If you are interested in updating your gender on your ID, talk to your caseworker. Children’s Services has a Gender Affirming policy and caseworkers have an obligation to make sure that your ID reflects your gender identity.
Avoid the headache of lost ID
Losing your ID can be a real hassle and cost of lot of money, that’s why Ashlee encourages youth to talk to their caseworkers about getting photocopies of important documents like ID.
“We really like to have a photocopy and give a photocopy and then keep the original because they cost money. And if you lose it, it's a headache because you have to start all over again.”
