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How to Register a Car in Alberta: Vehicle Registration Certificate Renewal

what do you need to register a car in alberta

Registering and renewing your vehicle in Canada can be overwhelming, especially with different rules in each province and territory. Whether you’re a new vehicle owner or just looking to renew your registration, understanding the process is key to staying compliant and avoiding fines.

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about registering and renewing your vehicle in Canada, including the requirements, documents and tips to make it smooth.

What Do You Need to Register a Vehicle in Alberta?

To register your vehicle, you need to visit a registry agent. These are the documents required for vehicle registration in Alberta:

Proof of ownership: Your vehicle’s bill of sale, lease agreement, probated will, or letters of administration.
Valid insurance proof, like a pink card containing the name of the person requesting the registration certificate.
An acceptable identification document.
Salvage or commercial or out-of-vehicle inspection if you’ve purchased the vehicle in another province in Canada.
New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) if the car is new.
Vehicle registration fees.

How Much Does It Cost to Register a Car in Alberta 2024?

Car Registration Fee in Alberta 2024

There are fixed fees for Alberta vehicle registration for each type of car. Here’s the cost to register a vehicle in Alberta:

Cars: $93.00 for 1 year, $173.00 for 2 years
Motor vehicles: $54.00 for 1 year and $99.00 for 2 years
Off-highway vehicles: $54.45
Trailers: $163.00
Antique vehicles: $39.45 (one-time fee)

How to Register a Used Vehicle in Alberta

The registration process for a used car is similar to a new car.

The documents you need to register a used vehicle are:

A proof of ownership, like a bill of sale or lease agreement.
Valid insurance proof
Acceptable ID
Registration fees

The registration process starts with both the buyer and seller signing a standard bill of sale. The template for the bill of sale is found on the Government of Alberta website here. Next, any car in Alberta is required to carry valid insurance coverage for protection.

When buying insurance, request a pink card as proof of insurance. After acquiring these documents, head to the registry agent’s office to register the vehicle and get the licence plate for the used car.

Can I register My Vehicle Online in Alberta?

In Alberta, you can renew your vehicle registration online but you can only register in person. When renewing your vehicle registration online, you can’t change any information, like your address or name. If you need to make any changes, you can only register your vehicle in person.

If you’re on a tight schedule or live far away from the registry agent in Alberta, vehicle registration online renewal is an excellent option. You can do that on the EServices website provided by the Alberta government, or through an online registry service, like Goldkey Registry.

These services allow you to conveniently renew your vehicle registration online.

How to register a car in Alberta online?

Online registration is only available for renewals. Online vehicle registration renewal is a straightforward process. First, sign up for the Alberta government website or your choice of online registry. Then, prepare your documents, including your current vehicle registration certificate, valid car insurance, vehicle identification number, and driver’s licence. These will help you fill out the online form and complete the registration process.

How Long Do You Have to Register a New Car in Alberta?

Whether it’s a new or used car, you have to register the car as soon as possible within 14 days from the purchase date. Driving without a registered vehicle is an offence and might subject the driver to a fine of at least $230. If you’re moving to Alberta from another province, you have up to 90 days to register your car in Alberta. Note that the grace period is for registering new vehicles. You should renew your vehicle registration before the expiration date because there’s no grace period for vehicle registration renewal in Alberta. In all cases, it helps to book the vehicle registration appointment in advance.

How Do You Register a Commercial Vehicle in Alberta?

Commercial vehicle registration is different from passenger vehicle registration as it requires extra steps. A commercial vehicle transports goods or people and cannot be used as a private passenger car. Commercial vehicles are divided into 3 classes, each operating on a different line of work.

Class 1: Is used to transfer goods, whether owned by the owner or someone else for compensation. Examples: Passenger transportation, school bus, taxi, and charter bus.

Class 2: Is used for transporting goods within a maximum distance of 10 km of the registered address. The purpose is to conduct specific industry services inside the province.

Class 3: Is registered and operated by governments, municipalities, hospitals, school boards or First Nations bands. Vehicles that have class 3 registration in Alberta cannot be used to transport goods for compensation.

Commercial vehicles have different rules and requirements. For example, their registration period is 3 to 12 months. To learn more about commercial vehicle requirements, click here.

Do You Need Insurance to Register a Vehicle in Alberta?

You can’t register a car in Alberta without valid proof of insurance. Remember that car insurance is mandatory in Canada, so, you must purchase car insurance coverage for your car and obtain a pink card or any proof of insurance. Then, you can use the proof of insurance to register the vehicle and get a registration certificate.

Do You Have to Register Your Trailer in Alberta?

In Alberta, it’s mandatory to register your trailer, whether it’s new, used, or homemade. The good news is that trailer vehicle registration is continuous. That means you have to register it once and not annually, like other types of vehicles.

Where Do I Find My Vehicle Registration Number in Alberta?

You can find your vehicle registration number on the vehicle registration certificate. The certificate is an important document that should be placed in a safe place that you can remember. If you’ve misplaced it or lost it, you could order a duplicate from the Alberta online portal to download and print. Or you could visit the registry agent if you prefer to do this in person.

Can a Vehicle Be Registered in Two Names in Alberta?

Yes, a car can be registered under two names to indicate joint ownership. Both owners don’t need to visit the registry office. One of them can go and bring the registration certificate, their driver’s licence and valid insurance that shows both owners’ names.

How Much is a 2-Year Vehicle Registration in Alberta?

The fee for registering your car for 2 years is $173. Note that you can’t use the online registration methods to renew for 2 years. Online renewal is only available for one year only.

Can I Register a Vehicle for Someone Else in Alberta?

Yes. If you can’t go to the registry agent’s office for any reason, another person can go on your behalf to register, renew, cancel, or transfer. The person requesting the service has to bring these documents:

Your proof of ownership
Your valid proof of insurance
Their ID

What Comes First After Buying a Vehicle: Registration or Insurance?

It’s important to get car insurance first, Before registering your vehicle, because in most cases, you will have to provide valid proof of insurance when registering the vehicle.

How Can I Obtain Proof of Car Registration?

When you register your car, you will receive the vehicle registration certificate, which is proof that your car is currently registered. You can also request a duplicate vehicle registration certificate online given that the current one isn’t expired or cancelled.

Does the Name on Vehicle Registration Certificate and Car Insurance Have to Match in Alberta?

Yes, the name on the car registration certificate and the car insurance must match. According to Alberta law, the registered owner of the vehicle must also be listed on the insurance policy. This requirement ensures that the person who is financially responsible for the vehicle is also the one covered by the insurance.

Do You Need an Inspection to Register a Vehicle in Alberta?

In some cases, an inspection is required to register your car. For example, if you’ve purchased your car outside Alberta but inside Canada, your car must pass an out-of-province inspection (OPI) before it can be registered. A new car may be exempted from undergoing an OPI, depending on its date of sale, mileage and where you purchased it.

What Do You Need to Renew Vehicle Registration?

To renew in person, you need these documents:

Verified Alberta.ca Account
Your ID
Driver’s Licence
Valid Proof of Insurance (Pink Card)
Current vehicle registration certificate

To renew online, you need:

Your pink card information
vehicle registration certificate
Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express)
An updated web browser (Internet Explorer 6 or higher, Firefox, Chrome, Safari)

You can Renew your vehicle registration hassle-free with GoldKey Registry. Online, quick, and easy. Click the button below to get started.

Renew Your Registration Online Now

Additional FAQs

How do I Check the Status of My Car Registration?

If you want to check the status of your car registration, you need to request a vehicle information report (VIR) online or in person at the registry agent. For online requests, you need a MyAlberta.Ca account. You will be asked to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) for the car you want to search for.

Can You Register a Car in Alberta Without a Bill of Sale?

In Alberta, you need a bill of sale or any other proof of ownership document to register your car. Documents like a lease agreement, a court order, or a probate document stating that the vehicle was inherited are acceptable if you can’t provide a bill of sale. Without proof of ownership, you can’t register the car.

Do You Get Your Vehicle Registration in Paper in Alberta?

Yes, when you register your vehicle via the MyAlberta registry, you receive the vehicle registration certificate in the form of a physical paper. You can also get a digital PDF download from the MyAlberta services website after clicking on My Account, then Digital Downloads.

How Long is the Vehicle Registration Period in Alberta?

A registration period can be one or two years for passenger cars, motorcycles, and off-highway vehicles. Based on your surname or company name, your registration expires on an assigned month. If that month is July, for example, your registration will expire at midnight on the 31st of July.

Where Can I Find my Vehicle Registration Renewal Date?

You can find the expiration date on your licence plate tags, registration certification, or on the registration expiry date chart, which you can find here.

Which Vehicles Don’t Require Registration in Alberta?

There are two types of cars that are exempt from having a vehicle registration.

The first is miniature cars are too small to drive on public roads. Examples:

electric scooters
mini-bikes
small mopeds
3 or 4-wheeled miniature all-terrain vehicles
segways
golf carts

The second is cars that can be driven on public roads. Examples:

Tractors, backhoes, graders or street sweepers.
Trailers with permanently attached equipment.
Farming equipment used for agricultural uses or livestock
Mobile homes

Can I Register my Vehicle If I Have Outstanding Fines?

No, you can’t register your vehicle if you have outstanding fines. You have to pay them first, allow a few days for the payment to be processed, and then, register your car at the registry office.

How Do I Get a New Vehicle Registration If I Lost My Old One?

If you lost your vehicle registration, you could get a new copy by visiting the registry office. You will need:

Government of Alberta photo Identification
$22.45 fee for printing a new copy

If your expiry date is near, you may have the option to renew and extend your registration.

Can I Cancel My Alberta Vehicle Registration?

Yes. You can cancel by visiting the registry agent and filling out the licence plate/parking placard cancellation form. You must bring your ID, your licence plate, and a $9 cancellation fee. Based on the time left on your registration, you may be eligible for a refund.

Can I Change My Address on My Vehicle Registration in Alberta?

Yes. After moving, you’re required to change your address on your vehicle registration within 14 days. To apply for an address change, you need to visit the registry in person. Changing your personal information on your registration costs a fee of $7.