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Alberta Vehicle Registration
Registering a new or used vehicle in Alberta is a necessary step for anyone looking to drive on the province’s roads. Whether you’ve purchased a brand-new car or a used vehicle, the process for registration is relatively the same. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your vehicle is properly registered and legal to drive in Alberta.First things First: VIN Check Inspection
A VIN check background check must be done first on a car before registering it in Alberta to ensure that the vehicle has not been damaged or involved in criminal activity. This helps to protect the buyer from severe repercussions. Additionally, it helps to verify the accuracy of the vehicle history, including any previous damage or liens on the vehicle. So that when it is finally time to register, no issue is left unresolved and you are aware of the vital deets.
What are the requirements for registering a vehicle in Alberta?
Before you can legally operate a motor vehicle on the roads of Alberta, it is essential to register the vehicle with the provincial authorities. The process involves several steps and requirements to ensure the vehicle is compliant with the law.To register a vehicle, you need to go to a registry agent with the following:
- A proof of ownership document like a lease, bill of sale, probated will, or letters of administration
- Proof of valid insurance for the vehicle with the name(s) of the person(s) requesting the registration
- Acceptable identification
- An out-of-province, salvage, or commercial inspection if applicable
- If registering a used vehicle in Alberta for the first time, you may need an inspection if the vehicle was purchased outside of Alberta
- If registering a brand new car, bring the dealer-issued New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS)
You can register your passenger, motorcycle, or off-highway vehicle for a minimum of 1 to 2 years.
Eligibility in obtaining vehicle registration in Alberta
Individuals aged 18 or older can register a vehicle independently. Those under 18 who are not self-sufficient or married need parental or guardian consent for their first vehicle registration, which must be signed at the registry agent office.
If you are in Alberta for less than 183 days and your vehicle is registered elsewhere, you do not need to register it in Alberta.
New residents of Alberta must switch their vehicle registration to Alberta within 90 days of moving into the state.
Steps in obtaining vehicle registration in Alberta
- Complete the necessary forms that will be given to you by state agents. 2. Show the necessary documents, including proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and identification. 3. Pay the required registration fees. 4. Submit the completed forms, documents, and payment to the Alberta Motor Vehicle Registry. 5. Once the steps are completed, your vehicle will be registered. 6. You will receive a licence plate and registration papers for your vehicle.
Third-party Motor Vehicle Registration on Behalf of Owner
If you are unable to go to a registry office, someone else can apply for a vehicle registration, renewal, cancellation, or transfer for you. The person applying on your behalf needs to bring:- Your proof of ownership document and proof of valid insurance, as well as their ID
- A completed Authorization for Vehicle Services form, signed by you
Vehicles Exempted from Vehicle Registration
Miniature vehicles that are less than standard size cannot be issued a vehicle registration certificate. These vehicles cannot be driven on public roads and may only be used on privately owned land;- electric scooters
- mini-bikes
- small mope
- 3 or 4-wheeled miniature all-terrain vehicles
- segways
- golf carts
- Tractors
- Backhoes
- Graders
- Street sweepers
- Trailers with permanently attached equipment
- Farming equipment for agricultural or livestock use
- Mobile homes
What to do if the vehicle to be registered is from outside of Alberta but within Canada?
If the vehicle is registered outside of Alberta, a special inspection may be required to register it in the province.- Out-of-province inspection 2. Salvage inspection 3. Commercial inspection
Any vehicle bought outside of Alberta but within Canada must first pass an Alberta Out of Province Vehicle Inspection before it can be registered.
However, a new vehicle may be exempt from this requirement depending on the date of sale, mileage, and place of purchase.
It’s best to check with a registry agent to see if your new vehicle qualifies for an exemption. Off-highway vehicles like ATVs and snowmobiles, prorate commercial vehicles, and trailers are not required to undergo an out-of-province inspection.
What to do if the vehicle to be registered is from outside of Alberta and Canada?
If you bought the vehicle outside Canada, complete the proper inspection and provide import documentation to a registry agent- Proof of ownership
- Transport Canada Vehicle Import Form – Form 1 to a registry agent for an Inspection Request
- Proof of ownership for the vehicle
- Out of province, salvage, or commercial inspection
- For new vehicles: New Vehicle Information Statment (NVIS or E-NVIS) or Certificate of Origin
- Completed Transport Canada Vehicle Import form
- Proof of ownership or previous registration
- Proof of Alberta insurance
- Alberta address
- Personal identification
In Need of Vehicle Renewal? Three Ways to Do It
- In person: You can renew your vehicle registration in Alberta by visiting a registry agent office.
- driver’s licence
- proof of insurance (‘pink card’)
- vehicle registration certificate (optional)
- By mail: To renew your vehicle registration by mail, you can provide the necessary details and send it along with required documents and payment.
- insurance declaration
- signatures from all registrants
- payment (cheque or money order)
- Online: The most convenient way to renew your vehicle registration in Alberta is by using the government’s online registry system. You can log in with your assigned credentials and complete the renewal process by providing the necessary information and payment electronically.
- verified Alberta.ca Account
- vehicle registration certificate
- insurance details from your pink card
- credit card payment (VISA, MasterCard or American Express)
- payment for outstanding fines (if applicable)
- current web browser (Internet Explorer 6 or higher, Firefox, Chrome or Safari)
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