Sanyukta SrivastavaDigital identification has been possible for Alberta consumers and business owners for the past years. Chiefly, we do it by using the MyAlberta Digital ID.
If you’re not sure what this is, don’t worry. We’ll go through its uses, how to obtain it, and all the frequently asked questions about it.
What is MyAlberta Digital ID?
The MyAlberta Digital ID is an online collection of information that connects the account owner’s digital identity to their actual identity. This digital identity is issued for free by the Alberta Government.
Through this, Albertans can access and verify their identity on a range of government sites and services without compromising their privacy and personal information.
Where can I use MyAlberta Digital ID?
You can use the MyAlberta Digital ID to access various online government services. This includes MyAlberta eServices, My Service Canada Account, Apply Alberta, MyHealth Records, and other government sites and services.
What can I do with a MyAlberta Digital ID account?
You can use MyAlberta Digital ID to interact with and avail of public services in a variety of ways, including filing an application for inflation relief payments and checking your personal income tax.
The table below shows some of the key participating online government services in Alberta and the ways you can use your MyAlberta Digital ID.
How to get a MyAlberta Digital ID?
Listed below is the step-by-step process on how to obtain a MyAlberta Digital ID.
- Go to https://account.alberta.ca/signup.
- Next, fill in the information requested on the page. For a basic account, you need to provide your first name, last name, and email address.
You’ll also need to set your username and password. On the other hand, a verified account requires a valid Alberta driver’s license or identification card in addition to the required information stated for the basic account.
- After filling in the information required, click submit. Wait for the registration confirmation that will be sent to the email address you provided.
- When you receive the registration confirmation, click on the “Confirm and continue” link to complete the registration process. Note that the link is only valid for 96 hours upon receiving it, so make sure to click it before it expires.
- Activate your ID. If you opt for a verified MyAlberta Digital ID, a letter with the activation code will be mailed to your address. Once you receive it, you need to enter the activation code on the “Manage Account” page to complete the verification process.
How can I manage a MyAlberta Digital ID account?
Having trouble signing in or managing your account? We listed the ways you can troubleshoot some of the most common issues with MyAlberta Digital ID.
FAQs About MyAlberta Digital ID
Image Source: Government of Alberta
A basic account differs from a verified MyAlberta Digital ID account in that the basic account can only access limited online services. Meanwhile, a verified MyAlberta Digital ID account can let you access a range of online government sites and services.
This is because a basic account is made through a self-service model that is not verified against an authoritative identity source.
On the flip side, a verified MyAlberta Digital ID is verified against an authoritative record. It aligns with the standards and processes of the Pan-Canadian Trust Framework, so it’s a more secure and safe way to access various online sites and services.
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There is no minimum age required to sign up for a MyAlberta Digital ID account.
However, only people of legal age can lawfully enter and form contracts under Alberta law. That’s why people below 18 years old need the permission of a parent or guardian to create an account.
Besides that, the parent or guardian must also read and accept the Terms of Use on behalf of the applicant, who is not yet of legal age.
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Providing information is required when you sign up for MyAlberta Digital ID. The government of Alberta allows the required information to be obtained to ensure that the account holder can be properly identified.
The information is also used to differentiate you from others if the people with the same or similar names.
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You don’t have to be a Canadian citizen to get a verified MyAlberta Digital ID. However, you need to be a resident of Alberta with a valid driver’s license or identification card.
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Using one email to create multiple MyAlberta Digital ID Accounts is not allowed.
A personal email address is required to sign up for one digital ID account. This is to ensure that the account will be secure, private, and safe.
Moreover, if you forget your username or password, you can change and retrieve it through your email address.
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You don’t have to pay any amount to get a verified MyAlberta Digital ID because the registration and verification process is free.
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If the permanent address on your driver’s license or identification card does not match your current address, you’ll need to update it within 14 days.
Visit a registry agent and change the address on your Alberta driver’s license or identification card to verify your MyAlberta Digital ID account.
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Here are the security measures done by the Alberta government to ensure your personal information remains private and secure.
• The required information you provide when signing up is sent over secured and encrypted networks. Your personal information is protected both by server authentication and data encryption.
• Your personal information is not shared with any third-party organization without your consent.
• The website is hosted in secure data centers that use firewalls to prevent interference or access from outside intruders.
• Only your partial identity information is passed if you initiated enrollment or application to an online program or service that requires a verified MyAlberta Digital ID.
Partial identity information pertains to the identity information that the online program or service can collect. This data collection policy is under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP).
• MyAlberta Digital ID only issues a session “cookie.” This is used to record encrypted authentication information for the duration of a specific session.
However, the session “cookie” does not include your personal information, session information, username, or password.
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You can cancel your verified MyAlberta Digital ID by logging in to your account and clicking the “Deactivate Account” button at the bottom part of the Manage Account Page.
After that, you’ll receive a notification email to confirm that your account has been deactivated.
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A verified MyAlberta Digital expires after one year, so you need to get it verified annually. It expires at the same time your Alberta driver’s license or identification card expires.
