Commercial Fleet Registration in Alberta

Gold Key has its roots planted firmly in the province of Alberta and, with its full team of experts with all the knowhow you need for a full range of commercial vehicle registration services, is happy to provide clients in the province with the plating and registration services they need.  

Whether it’s your first time registering a commercial vehicle or fleet, or you’ve been around the block before, we’re always happy to lend a hand and update you on any critical information you need to know. We specialize in the “true small town customer service” so you know we have what it takes to consistently deliver when it comes to exceptional professionalism.

What is a commercial vehicle in Alberta?

A commercial vehicle is a truck with a registered gross vehicle weight (RGVW) of 4500 kilos or more, or a bus that has 10 seats or more- including the driver’s seats. Commercial vehicles are used for business purposes, like transporting vehicles or people, rather than personal use.

Commercial Plates & Vehicle Registration in Alberta 

Vehicles in the province of Alberta that are being utilized for commercial purposes must be registered as commercial vehicles and be installed with their respective commercial plates. Commercial vehicles may be classed as any vehicle, whether that’s a van, a truck, a bunch of cars, etc. – so long as they transport goods or passengers for compensation, they’re a commercial vehicle. If you aren’t sure whether your vehicle requires commercial plates or not, you can always phone up one of Gold Key’s experts and give us a call right at 403-934-2375. We will be happy to answer any inquiries you may have regarding commercial vehicle registration.

Classes of Commercial Vehicles 

It is necessary to obtain class 1 commercial plates for any vehicles that are transporting passengers and/or non-owned and owned goods in exchange for compensation. The table below defines the various subclasses for Class 1 commercial plates.

What is a class 2 commercial plate in Alberta?

For any company vehicles that will be utilized to transport goods within 10km of its registered address in the province of Alberta, or for conducting particular industry services, Class 2 commercial plates will be required. The sub-classes for Class 2 commercial vehicles are detailed below: 

What is a class 3 vehicle registration in Alberta?

Class 3 commercial plates are necessary for any commercial vehicles that are owned, registered to, and operated by the following entities: municipalities, governments, hospitals, school boards, etc.

Class 3 commercial plates cannot be used on vehicles transporting goods for compensation. If you are unsure what class your vehicle(s) or commercial van falls under, Gold Key Registry is more than happy to assist. Give us a call and we’ll find you the right registration and commercial plates for your fleet in Alberta.

How To Register A Commercial Vehicle In Alberta?

Want to register your commercial vehicle in Alberta? Visit our registry and our friendly Alberta registry experts can work with you personally to ensure you have all the correct information and you can get the right commercial plates for your vehicles. 

Is it mandatory to register a commercial vehicle in Alberta? 

Short answer: yes. You must register a vehicle in the province of Alberta that is being used for commercial purposes.

What do I need to register a commercial vehicle in Alberta?

You’ll be required to provide the following information about your commercial vehicles when registering: 

• Authority Certificate of Operating 
• Commercial Vehicle Inspection Certificate 
• Gross Vehicle Weight (kg) 
• Safety Fitness Certificate 
• Vehicle Identification Number 
• Further details about your operations, the type of goods being transported, whether or not you will travel outside of Alberta (and how often), etc. 

Your commercial vehicle registration needs may vary depending on the type of business you run/the types of commercial vehicle(s) you own. Give us a call ahead and chat with our expert team members about the info you’ll need to provide when you decide to come in and get registered. 

Cost Of Commercial Vehicle Registration In Alberta

What is the cost of Alberta commercial registration fees?

If you are not traveling outside of Alberta and solely using your company vehicles within the province, Alberta commercial vehicle registration fees can cost between $82-$3461/year for registering commercial vehicles in Alberta. If you cross provincial or even international borders in a vehicle that weighs 4500kg or more, your vehicle registration must be prorated. “Prorating a vehicle” is detailed further below. 

Prorated Commercial Vehicle Registration in Alberta 

Prorated commercial vehicle registration is, in essence, the process of calculating taxes and registration fees through a multitude of jurisdictions. Gold Key offers prorated commercial vehicle registration to multiple businesses through the province. 

To be named eligible for prorated registration, your company or commercial vehicles must travel regularly in and out of the province. The distance of total travel (calculated via percentage) is how prorated commercial vehicle registration fees are typically calculated. Alberta Transportation’s Prorate Services processes all applications for prorated registrations and will consequently offer the business what is called a “Fee Notice.” 

Finally, note that Gold Key may collect the amounts specified on the Fee Notices and can then issue all necessary cab cards, validation tabs, plates, and prorate registration. The cab card is mandated to indicate the states and/or provinces in which travel has not been approved and/or fees have been paid. 

Permanent Fleet Program in Alberta 

In Alberta, Gold Key is happy to provide its permanent fleet program. You can qualify if you have 10 or more commercial vehicles registered in a single fleet. Should you qualify, you may repeat the following benefits from the program: 

You can select an expiry date from the following, so long as you have at least $500 or more registration fees per year: 

• March 31, 
• June 30, 
• September 30, 
• December 30 
• You can renew your commercial vehicles every quarter, semi-annually, or annually 
• You may group your commercial vehicles into separate fleets and have each fleet expire at a different date (so long as there are still 10 commercial vehicles per fleet.) 

Registration may not be released if it is less than one full quarter (3 months.) A portion of the month, i.e. 15 calendar days or more, is considered a full month. 

Contact GoldKey Registry for additional information. 

Permanent Commercial Fleet Inventory in the “Alberta Permanent Fleet Program” 

Commercial vehicles registered under the permanent fleet program in Alberta may receive a fleet table, which will then replace the year tab on your existing commercial license plate. The tab will be labeled in black with the words “FLEET PR.” You are not permitted to change this tab and month tabs will not be issued for any vehicles considered permanent fleet vehicles. 

You do not have to surrender vehicles if they have existing commercial plates. Simply place the permanent fleet tab over the year tab and remove the monthly sticker. 

You will be issued a registration paper which refers to your expiry date as “continuous.” You must keep this as it will not be reissued annually. Permanent commercial fleet registration certificates may only be issued under the following circumstances: 

• Vehicle usage changes 
• Colour of vehicle changes 
• Weight of vehicle changes 
• If the first vehicle registration was under the permanent commercial fleet program 

For further inquiries, give us a call to discuss. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Vehicle Registration in Alberta 

If you have questions about the specifics of your company vehicles and/or the operations you specialize in and how that may impact your registration, discuss with Gold Key. Otherwise, read on for some of our more frequently asked questions about commercial vehicle registration in Alberta. 

What factors impact the cost of my commercial vehicle registration in Alberta? 

There are a few factors that impact the overall cost of your Alberta commercial vehicle registration. Those are as follows: 

• The usage of the commercial vehicles 
• Nature of goods 
• If the goods belong to other parties 
• If you are leaving the province and/or country 
• The weight of your vehicle 
• If you transport passengers and how many 

Vehicles that have been modified with permanently mounted equipment or vehicles that are transporting specific goods may be eligible/exempt for certain discounts. Chat with our representatives for more information based on your circumstances.  

What is 1-55 vehicle registration?

A 1-55 plate, also known as a commercial plate class 1, or the livery class, is a vehicle used to transport passenger.s for hire. Class 1 commercial vehicles include taxis, ride-sharing cars, limousines, or any car that a passenger pays to hire temporarily.

What is the cost of class 1-55 vehicle registration in Alberta?

Class 1-55 vehicle registration cost is determined based on factors including the vehicle’s weight, seating capacity, and intended use. For an updated price, please consult a registry agent.

How do I renew my Alberta commercial fleet? 

To renew your permanent commercial vehicle fleet in the province of Alberta, you will be required to follow a relatively simple process with Gold Key. To begin, you will be sent two copies of your fleet commercial vehicle registration renewal – one of which is intended for your records, the second of which you will need for the renewal process. You must do the following after receiving your paperwork: 

• Update your address 
• Confirm that all commercial vehicle info is up-to-date 
• Indicate any additions, modifications, or deletions to your fleet 
• Bring in any necessary paperwork to Gold Key Registry (and pay applicable fees) 

If you have further questions about renewing your vehicle registration in Alberta, feel free to give us a call at 403-934-2375, or stop by the office in-person to discuss. 

Is it required to have commercial license plates in Alberta? 

If your vehicle is a commercial (i.e. used for commercial purposes) vehicle/van/truck in Alberta, then it is mandated that it have a commercial license plate. Have questions about commercial vehicle registration in the province of Alberta? Give us a call at 403-934-2375. Our team are happy to discuss any concerns or questions that you may have. 

Can I renew my commercial rental car registration in Alberta?

Yes. You can renew your commercial car rental registration and license plates in Alberta. The Alberta government and our Goldkey registry offer a car rental renewal service for class 1 commercial vehicles. To renew your rental car, you must ensure that:

• Your vehicle is not registered as a fleet or company vehicle.
• Your address has not changed.
• Your registration has not been expired for more than 12 months.
• Your vehicle has valid insurance.
• You intend to renew your vehicle registration for one year.
• You have no outstanding fines

• Strathmore 
• Chestermere 
• Langdon 
• Hussar 
• Indus 
• Gleichen 

• Rockyford 
• Standard 
• Beiseker 
• Indus 
• Drumheller 

• Bassano 
• Vulcan 
• Brooks 
• Airdrie 
• Irricana 

• Arrowwood 
• Acme 
• Linden 
• Three Hills 

• Trochu