Canadian Pilot License format changing

Currently, my Canadian Pilot License is a piece of paper. There are 2 parts to it as well. The physical license itself, which depicts my type of license with endorsements and any specialized aircraft I'm certified to fly. Also required is another piece of paper which is my Medical certificate which specifies what class of medical I have completed, and the latest date of which it was done with a stamp signed off by the physician.

This has been quite an archaic system that I'm surprised has taken this long to be changed. The United States have a card much like a drivers license with all the pertinent information on it, including a photo. Currently the piece of paper is not photo ID for Canadian Pilots.

Current US License format:

Current Canadian Format:


What Transport Canada has decided on for the new Canadian license format is that they'll be similar to a Canadian Passport. So similar in fact, that it is made by the same people that make the Passports. It will combine both the license and medical certificates into the same document and will also have photo ID. Of course with everyone getting their passports now with the increased travel restrictions and requirements, it still might be some time before the project even begins. Eventually however I will be carrying around 2 of these little books!