L-Pass Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Eligibility + Registration

  • Q: Can anyone register for the L-Pass? A: The L-Pass is exclusively available to most current University of Alberta students and staff.
  • Q: Is there a cost for the L-Pass? A: No, the L-Pass is provided at no cost to U of A students and staff.
  • Q: Is my ONEcard my L-pass? A: Starting in fall 2025, the L-pass is only being issued as a digital card and is accessed through the official EPL app. If you registered for an L-Pass prior to July 2025 with your ONEcard barcode, you can continue to use that account and your ONEcard.
  • Q: I am a Continuing & Professional Education student. Can I register for the L-Pass? A: In general, students registered only in Continuing & Professional Education courses are not eligible for the L-Pass. Regular EPL memberships are available at any Edmonton Public Library branch.
  • Q: Can I register for this L-Pass at the Edmonton Public Library? A: No. Registration for the L-Pass is only available through the University of Alberta Library's L-Pass registration website.
  • Q: I tried to register for the L-Pass but was unsuccessful. What should I do? A: Please contact the Edmonton Public Library (EPL) directly for assistance with registration and account issues: https://www.epl.ca/
    • Q: Why do I need to give my personal information to the Edmonton Public Library to obtain an L-Pass? A: EPL requires this information to establish your account in their system. Your personal information will not be used for any other purposes.

L-Pass vs. Other Cards

  • Q: I'm a current student but I already have an EPL library card. Can I still get the L-Pass? A: Yes. Existing EPL card holders must still register for the L-Pass through the U of A Library website. While you are a student, your L-Pass account will be the one used to access all EPL services—not your existing EPL card.
  • Q: I am a U of A student and I already have a TAL card (The Alberta Library). Can I still use the L-Pass? A: Yes. You can continue to use your TAL card at all participating library systems in Alberta. However, the L-Pass provides access to all available EPL services, while the TAL card does not.

Expiry, Renewal + Use

  • Q: Do I have to register for this service each year? A: Yes, the L-Pass must be renewed annually. Your account expires each year on September 30th. You can re-register up to 40 days before your expiry or anytime after, provided you are still a current U of A student or staff member.
  • Q: I am registered in the winter session and will continue my studies in the fall. Do I have access to EPL services during spring and summer sessions? A: Yes. L-Pass accounts for all current students are valid through the spring/summer and expire uniformly on September 30th.
  • Q: Do I have to pay late charges for overdue materials at EPL? A: No, EPL is fine free. You will only be charged a replacement fee for any lost or damaged items. (More information on replacement fees can be found here). Outstanding fees will not affect your University of Alberta Library account or privileges.

PIN + Account Access

  • Q: I am an existing EPL library card holder. Can I re-use my existing PIN with this service? A: Yes, existing EPL PINs can be re-used. If you do not have a PIN, you will be prompted to create one for access to online services during registration.
  • Q: I have forgotten my EPL PIN number. How can I find out what it is? A: Use EPL’s Reset your PIN/password, or you can call any EPL branch. Confirmation of your card number and other account details will be required to retrieve the PIN over the phone.