Registering a Vehicle or Trailer
| Note: Effective January 14, 2009, registry agents will retain a copy of all vehicle ownership documents at the time of applicable vehicle services. This includes the vehicle Certificate of Origin. As well, the original New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) and the Transport Canada Vehicle Import Form (Form 1) must be surrendered at the time of registration. |
First Time Registration, Transferring Registration
To register all new or used vehicles and trailers or to obtain and inspection request, the following is required:- Proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or lease agreement
- Proof of valid Alberta insurance, (not required when registering a trailer)
- Acceptable Identification
- New vehicles require the original new vehicle information statement (NVIS) which the dealer must provide
- Vehicles imported into Canada require a Vehicle Import Form obtained from Transport Canada, please see the Registrar of Imported Vehicles website (external site) for more information
- An inspection certificate from Alberta Transportation is required for all first time Alberta registrations of used vehicles (and used vehicles returning to Alberta that were last registered in another jurisdiction)
- The vehicle must be physically in Alberta
- Letter of authorization if someone is acting on your behalf
Note: Please see the FAQ section for information regarding registration by non-Alberta Residents
If you currently have valid Alberta licence plates in your name, you may transfer them to the new vehicle.
For more information regarding operating authority, passenger hazard insurance, safety fitness certificates and other exemption certificates contact Alberta Transportation.
For information on over dimensional permits and over weight permits, contact Alberta Transportation.
Drivers who transport goods through more than one jurisdiction and who are interested in registering in the Prorate Program may call 403-297-2920 for more information.
Farmers wishing to register their vehicles in the farm category must also meet Alberta Agriculture, Food and Rural Development criteria. To obtain more information, call 1-800-232-7387. If calling from within the Edmonton area, you may dial 780-422-9167. For basic registration and plate costs, see Registry Agent's Product Catalogue.
Renewing Your Registration
In Person Renewals
All types of vehicle renewals, including Class 3 passenger registrations, can be processed at any registry agent office. If you do not have your renewal form, you may present your previous registration documents, plate number or proof of ownership, valid Alberta insurance and acceptable identification.
Please note that the following types of vehicle registrations must be renewed in person at a registry agent office:
- Commercial vehicles
- Off-highway vehicles
- Registrations that indicate outdated information on the renewal notice
- Registrations to clients that have outstanding fines or some type of restricted service
Online
If there has been no changes in your vehicle information and/or address, you can now renew your Class 3 passenger vehicle and motorcycle registrations (this includes cars, light trucks, vans, and motor homes exclusively used for personal transportation on a private, non-commercial basis) by simply filling out an online renewal application. Your renewal will be processed within 24 hours and a new vehicle registration certificate and tabs (validation stickers) for your licence plate will be mailed out within 10 business days. If you are 10 days or less away from your expiry date, you should renew your registration in person to avoid being charged for replacement validation stickers if they do not arrive in the mail prior to expiry. If you renewed your registration more than 10 days prior to expiry and have still not received your validation tabs, you have 30 days to request replacement tabs at no charge from a registry agent.
Registrations outside of the Class 3 passenger or motorcycle designation must be renewed in person. Please see In Person Renewals for more information.
To fill out the online form, you will need:
- The vehicle renewal notice that was mailed out to you (approximately six weeks prior to the expiry of your registration)
- A valid VISA or Mastercard to pay the renewal fee
- A valid pink insurance card
- A web browser that has 128-bit encryption capabilities (to ensure the security of your transaction)
The online form is available to all Albertans on the Alberta Registry Agent Association website. Simply click on Vehicle Renewal to access the form directly. The form is also available to Alberta Motor Association members only at AMA - Registries Online (external site).
Lost/Stolen Plate or Tabs (Year Stickers)
If you wish to declare your licence plate lost or stolen and require no replacement, you should report the loss to the police and visit a registry agent office to fill out a licence plate declaration form.
To replace your lost or stolen plate, year sticker or registration, you will be required to provide your operator’s (drivers) licence or two pieces of identification as well provide your licence plate number to a Registry Agent and pay the required fee.
Canceling a Registration
To cancel your licence plates and registration, you must visit a registry agent office. You will be required to surrender your registration and plates as well as provide identification verifying that you are the registrant. Any remaining credit will be refunded by mail after administrative fees have been deducted.
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