How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Alberta
If you have ever bought a used car on a Saturday afternoon and realized you have no way to legally drive it home, you are not alone. It is one of those situations that catches people off guard, and it happens more often than you would think.
Knowing how to get a temporary licence plate in Alberta can save you a lot of stress in moments like that. The good news is that Alberta has a straightforward solution: the In-Transit Permit in Alberta, which is the province’s official version of a temporary license plate.
Whether you just purchased a vehicle, are importing one from another province, need to move one for repairs, or want to take it for a test drive across town, understanding how the temporary sticker system works in Alberta can save you time and keep you on the right side of the law.
How Do You Get a Temporary License Plate in Alberta?
To get a temporary license plate in Alberta, you need to obtain an In-Transit Permit, which costs $24 and is valid for up to seven days. You can apply either in person at a licensed Alberta registry agent or online through the Government of Alberta eServices portal. Before you apply, make sure you have your proof of insurance (your pink card), the original bill of sale, your driver’s licence, and the vehicle’s VIN. Once you provide your trip details, including the origin address, destination address, and travel dates, you pay the fee, and you are good to go. If you apply online, print the permit and keep it in the vehicle at all times.
What Is an In-Transit Permit in Alberta?
When people talk about a temporary plate or a temp sticker in Alberta, they are referring to the In-Transit Permit. This is not a physical plate you bolt onto the car. It is a document, either printed from a digital download or issued in person at a registry, that allows you to legally move an unregistered vehicle or trailer from one location to another within Canada.
The permit includes the vehicle’s identification number, the purpose of the trip, and the validity period. It is designed specifically for situations where a vehicle does not yet have a valid registration or licence plate. Think of it as a short-term legal pass that keeps you on the right side of the law while you sort out the registration details.
Alberta’s In-Transit Permit is valid for up to seven days. For salvage vehicles, that window drops to 24 hours. For most people buying or selling a standard vehicle, a seven-day permit gives you plenty of time to sort out your next steps.
Moving an Unregistered Vehicle in Alberta
An unregistered vehicle cannot legally be driven on Alberta roads without some form of authorization in place. The In-Transit Permit fills that gap. It does not replace registration, and it does not make the vehicle permanently road-legal. What it does is give you a defined, time-limited window to move that unregistered vehicle from where it is to where it needs to be, whether that is a new owner’s home, a repair shop, or a registry office to complete the registration process.
When Would You Actually Need One?
The In-Transit Permit is not just for new car buyers. Alberta issues this temporary vehicle permit for the following purposes:
- You just purchased a vehicle privately and need to drive it home before completing the registration transfer.
- You need to transport or arrange towing of a vehicle to a repair shop or mechanic.
- A dealer or private seller wants to offer a test drive on a vehicle that is not yet registered.
- You are relocating a vehicle between two provinces or cities within Canada.
- You need to move a trailer that does not have active registration
The permit is strictly point-to-point. It covers getting the vehicle from where it is to where it needs to go, and nothing more. You cannot use it to carry a load, run errands, or extend your daily commute. It is a legal authorization for a specific trip, not a general driving pass.
What Documents Do You Need to Get a Temporary Plate?
Getting organized before you walk into a registry or open the online portal saves you time and avoids a wasted trip. Here is what you need to bring or have on hand:
- Government-issued photo ID to confirm your identity, such as your Alberta driver’s licence
- Proof of insurance for the specific vehicle (your pink card, with the VIN matching the vehicle)
- Proof of ownership, which is your bill of sale or lease agreement
- The vehicle’s VIN
- Origin and destination addresses for the trip
- The date range you need the permit to cover
One thing worth noting is that insurance is required for motor vehicles but not for trailers.
How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Alberta?
The cost of an in-transit permit in Alberta is $24, and that figure includes service fees. There are no hidden charges beyond that. The fee is the same whether you apply in person at a registry office or online through the government portal.
It is a reasonable cost for the legal protection it gives you. Driving an unregistered vehicle without a permit exposes you to fines and liability, so the $24 is worth every cent. Before you finalize your application, double-check the current fee on the Government of Alberta eServices website, as fees can be updated periodically.
Where to Get an In-Transit Permit in Alberta
You have two options: in person or online. Both are straightforward, and which one works best for you depends on the time of day and your personal preference.
- In person: You can walk into any licensed Alberta registry agent, including GoldKey Registry and local registry offices across the province. The staff will process your permit on the spot and hand you a printed copy before you leave. This is the easiest option if you are not comfortable with online applications or if you need the permit immediately, and it is outside online processing hours.
- Online: The Government of Alberta eServices portal lets you apply from home, but there is an important timing detail to be aware of. Once you download it, print it.
Alberta residents should keep in mind that the initial digital download is only available during specific hours, and permit eligibility may vary depending on the following situations, including the vehicle type, its weight, and the purpose of the trip.
GoldKey Registry can have your In-Transit Permit ready in minutes. Our staff handles these requests regularly and treats every client with the same care.
How to Get an In-Transit Permit Online
Applying for an in-transit permit online is simple if you have your documents ready and a verified Alberta.ca account. Through the Government of Alberta eServices portal, you can complete the entire application from home. Note that the digital permit is only available for download between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm; outside those hours, it will be ready tomorrow at 6:00 am. If you are in Quebec, note that the permit must be printed on standard 8½ x 11-inch white paper when acquired online.
Do You Need Insurance to Get Temporary Plates in Alberta?
Yes, and this is non-negotiable. Valid insurance is a legal requirement for any motor vehicle In-Transit Permit in Alberta, and operating a vehicle without it is illegal, even with a temporary permit. Your pink card must reflect the specific vehicle you are moving, with the VIN matching your application. If the seller’s insurance is no longer valid, contact your insurance provider for a liability slip before picking up the vehicle. The only exception is trailers, which do not require proof of insurance.
What Is a 10-Day Temporary Permit?
If you have come across references to a 10-day temporary permit while searching online, that refers to Ontario’s system, not Alberta’s. Ontario issues a 10-day special permit for unregistered or unfit vehicles through ServiceOntario, often paired with a safety standards certificate, and displays it as a T sticker rather than a physical plate. In Quebec, the SAAQ issues temporary registration certificates for similar needs, including vehicle inspections.
Alberta’s system is different. The In-Transit Permit is valid for a maximum of seven days, and while some people informally call it a 10-day permit, that term is not accurate for this province. The purpose is the same: short-term legal operation of an unregistered vehicle while you sort out your paperwork. If you are in Alberta, plan your trip and registration process around the seven-day limit.
What Are the Alberta In-Transit Permit Rules You Should Know
Understanding the regulations around the In-Transit Permit helps you avoid problems on the road. The key rules are straightforward, but they are worth reading carefully before you drive off.
The permit is valid within Canadian jurisdiction only and does not authorize travel beyond Canadian borders; it is intended for point-to-point trips for passenger vehicles and trailers, meaning you are getting the vehicle from A to B, not using it for general driving.
A few additional rules to keep in mind:
- You cannot carry a load on or in the vehicle while it is under an In-Transit Permit; if you need to transport goods on an unregistered vehicle, contact Alberta Transportation directly for guidance on load licensing requirements.
- The printed permit must be in the vehicle and available for inspection during the entire trip.
- The vehicle must have valid insurance in place before the permit is issued (trailers excluded)
- You must provide accurate addresses for either the starting point or the ending point of your trip, as the permit only covers movement between those two points.
- The permit is non-renewable. If the first permit expires before your situation is resolved, you must apply for a second permit to remain legal on the road. It is also worth knowing that many provinces limit the number of temporary permits you can obtain for a vehicle; Ontario, for example, allows a maximum of two within 12 months.
How to Drive a New Car Home Without Plates in Alberta
This is one of the most common reasons people need an In-Transit Permit, and it is important to be clear on this point: you cannot legally drive a newly purchased car in Alberta without plates, even if you have the bill of sale in hand. The bill of sale proves ownership, but it does not authorize you to operate the vehicle on public roads, which is why you must display a valid In-Transit Permit in the vehicle during the trip. For comparison, in Ontario, a temporary paper license plate or a T sticker must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle, while Alberta requires the printed permit to be carried inside the vehicle.
You have two legitimate options:
- Obtain an In-Transit Permit before you drive. Visit a registry agent with your bill of sale and proof of insurance, pay the $24 fee, and you are legal to drive the car home. You can also apply online, but remember the 6:00 am to 10:00 pm download window.
- The second option applies if you already own a registered vehicle in Alberta. You can transfer your existing plate to the newly purchased vehicle for up to 14 days, provided you carry the new bill of sale and new proof of insurance during that period.
Can You Buy a Licence Plate Without a Car in Alberta?
In most cases, no. In Alberta, obtaining a licence plate and registering a vehicle happen simultaneously, so you cannot purchase a plate without registering an insured vehicle at the same time.
That said, there are a few exceptions. Personalized and specialty plates can be ordered without a vehicle, but must be linked to a registered, insured vehicle through a registry agent before road use. You are also welcome to keep old or expired plates as keepsakes, though they are no longer valid on the road.
How to Get a Trailer Plate in Alberta
If you need a temporary trailer plate while moving an unregistered trailer between locations, your local registry agent can process the permit quickly. The cost is the same $24, and the same seven-day validity applies.
The In-Transit Permit system in Alberta applies to trailers as well as motor vehicles, and both are eligible for the permit as long as you meet the documentation requirements. The process is similar, but with one notable difference: insurance is not required for trailers. You still need to provide proof of ownership (your bill of sale) and a valid government-issued photo ID, along with the origin and destination addresses and the date range.
Ready to get your In-Transit Permit today? GoldKey Registry makes the process fast and simple. Walk in with your documents and drive away in minutes. Visit GoldKey Registry online or stop by in person to get started.
How Much Does a Trailer Plate Cost in Alberta?
In Alberta, you can expect to pay a one-time fee of roughly $150 to $163, depending on the registry office and any service charges.
You don’t have to renew a trailer plate every year. Once it’s registered, it stays valid for as long as you own the trailer, which makes it a good long-term value.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Light utility trailers: usually around $150
- Most standard trailer plates: about $160+ with registry fees
- Commercial trailers: pricing can vary depending on weight and use
So while the upfront cost might feel a bit higher than a temporary permit, it often saves you money over time since there’s no annual renewal to worry about.
Final Thoughts: How to Get a Temporary Licence Plate in Alberta
Getting a temporary license plate in Alberta is simpler than it seems. With the right documents and a quick visit to a registry like GoldKey Registry, you can be on the road legally in minutes. It’s a small step that helps you avoid fines and keeps everything running smoothly.
Temporary Licence Plates, Alberta – FAQs
Can I drive a newly purchased car home in Alberta without an In-Transit Permit?
No. You need either an In-Transit Permit or a valid plate transferred from another vehicle you own. Driving an unregistered vehicle without one is illegal in Alberta, regardless of whether you have the bill of sale.
How long is an In-Transit Permit valid in Alberta?
It is valid for up to seven days from the date of issue. Salvage vehicles are limited to 24 hours. In-province trips are commonly issued for three days.
What happens if my In-Transit Permit expires before I complete the trip?
You cannot renew a permit. You would need to apply for a new one. Make sure your travel dates and timeline are accurate when you apply.
Can I use an In-Transit Permit to carry a load?
No. The permit prohibits carrying a load in or on the vehicle. If you are transporting goods on an unregistered vehicle or trailer, you will need a separate load licensing permit from Alberta Transportation.
Can I get a temporary licence plate in Alberta?
Yes. Known as an In-Transit Permit, it costs $24, is valid for up to seven days, and is available online or at any licensed Alberta registry agent, including GoldKey Registry.
Is an In-Transit Permit the same thing as a temporary licence plate sticker?
In Alberta, yes. The In-Transit Permit serves the same function as what other provinces may call a temporary licence plate sticker or temp sticker. It is a document, not a physical plate, and it must be printed and kept in the vehicle.
Is there a limit to the number of temporary licence plate stickers a driver can obtain in Alberta?
Yes. Alberta limits drivers to two In-Transit Permits within 365 days for the same VIN.
Can temporary licence plates be renewed online in Alberta?
No. In-Transit Permits cannot be renewed. If you need more time, you must apply for a new permit through the Alberta eServices portal or at a registry agent.
Can I get a temporary licence plate for commercial vehicles in Alberta?
Yes. Commercial vehicles are eligible for an In-Transit Permit in Alberta, though additional requirements may apply depending on the vehicle type and weight. Contact Alberta Transportation for details.
Do I need to remove my current plates when I have a temporary one on my car?
Yes. Do not display any other plate on your vehicle while an In-Transit Permit is in effect, as it must be the only authorization visible during the trip.