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All You Need to Know about Registering an Out-of-Province Vehicle in Alberta

registering an out of province vehicle in alberta

Registering an Out-of-Province Vehicle in Alberta

In Canada, each province has its own safety and vehicle equipment standards, and that applies to Alberta. If you’re moving to Alberta or recently bought a car from a different province, you need to follow specific processes to be able to register your vehicle. While for temporary visits, you don’t have to register your vehicle, new Alberta residents need to register their vehicles in the province. In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about out-of-province vehicle registration within the Alberta motor vehicle system.

What Is Considered an Out-of-Province Vehicle?

An out-of-province vehicle is any type of vehicle, like a car, motorcycle, truck, or RV, that was registered in a different province or a foreign country before the car’s registered owner moved to Alberta. That includes both personal and commercial vehicles. If your vehicle was registered in Ontario, you still need to register it in Alberta if you plan on staying in the province.

Can You Register a Vehicle in Alberta With an Out-of-province License?

Yes, you can register a vehicle with an out-of-province license in Alberta. However, you need to provide these documents:

Proof of Alberta Residency: Utility bills, or rental agreements.
Proof of Ownership: A bill of sale, lease agreement, or previous registration that proves that you own the vehicle.
Auto Insurance: Valid insurance coverage from a provider that is licensed in Alberta.
Out-of-Province Vehicle Inspection Certificate: If the vehicle was registered in another province, it needs to pass an out-of-province vehicle inspection before you can register it in Alberta.

Need to renew your vehicle registration online in Alberta? You can do that in a few steps with Goldkey Registry’s online vehicle renewal. All you have to do is visit our registration form, enter all the required information, and wait for your vehicle registration certificate to arrive to your address.

Renew Your Registration Online Now

How Do I Transfer an Out-of-Province Vehicle Registration in Alberta?

If you want to transfer an out-of-province vehicle registration, you should follow these steps:

Complete Alberta’s inspection for out-of-province vehicles with an authorized mechanic in Alberta. This inspection ensures that your vehicle meets the province’s safety and mechanical standards before it can be registered. If your car is brand new, it might qualify for an inspection exemption if it meets certain conditions.
After your vehicle passes inspection, obtain the out-of-province vehicle inspection certificate and make sure to submit it while it’s valid. This certificate is valid for two weeks and should be used during this period.
You’ll need to gather these documents to submit them to the registry agent along with the out-of-province vehicle inspection certificate: proof of ownership, active Alberta auto insurance proof, proof of Alberta address, and government-issued photo ID.
Go to a registry agent with all the documents needed to process your Alberta out-of-province registration. If your document meets the requirements, your car will be registered with Alberta Transportation.
Once you pay the required fees, the registry agent will process your application and issue your registration and Alberta licence plates.

How Long Can You Drive in Alberta with Out-of-Province Plates?

You can drive with out-of-province plates in Alberta for up to 90 days provided that both your registration and insurance are valid in your previous province. During this period, you should update your out-of-province vehicle registration to Alberta to comply with the law and avoid legal consequences.

Further Reading: How to Check Vehicle Registration Status in Alberta

How Much is Out-of-Province Vehicle Inspection in Alberta?

The cost of out-of-province inspection in Alberta ranges from $100 to $250, depending on the inspection facility and vehicle type. This inspection is mandatory and must be completed with a mechanic authorized to conduct out-of-province vehicle inspection. Make sure you book an appointment for out-of-province inspections, not commercial or salvage inspections. Before going to the inspection facility, you need to obtain an out-of-province inspection form from a registry agent in Alberta. After the inspection is complete, you’ll obtain a certificate that’s valid for 14 days.

How to Buy an Out-of-Province Car in Alberta?

Buying an out-of-province vehicle in Alberta can be a smooth process if you follow these steps from our experts:

Before you sign a deal, request a full vehicle history report. This step is very important, especially if you’re buying from a private seller.
Confirm out-of-province inspection requirements and ensure the car meets provincial requirements because you won’t be able to register it in Alberta if it doesn’t. If you’re buying a new car, it might be eligible for inspection exceptions depending on the manufacturer’s certification and whether it meets Alberta’s safety and emissions standards.
Once you confirm the out-of-province inspection requirements, you can negotiate the deal with the seller and ensure that all the necessary documents are in order, you can buy the car and proceed with the Alberta out-of-province registration.

If the car is imported from the US, you should obtain a vehicle import form from the Canadian Border Services office and pay the required RIV fee before proceeding with the registration process.

Can You Register a Car Without a Licence?

You can register a car without a licence as long as you show a valid government-issued ID, and provide proof of ownership, Alberta auto insurance proof, an address, and an Alberta inspection certificate. While you can register a vehicle without a licence, you legally can’t drive in Alberta without a valid driver’s licence.

Can You Register a Car Without Insurance in Alberta?

A valid Alberta insurance is one of the mandatory requirements when registering a vehicle in Alberta, you can’t register a vehicle without it. When you go to a registry office to register your vehicle, you must have these documents with you:

Proof of ownership
Proof of valid insurance
Valid government-issued ID
Active insurance coverage

If it’s an out-of-province vehicle, then you should also obtain an out-of-province inspection license in Alberta by passing the Canadian government inspection with an authorized facility.

Can You Register a Vehicle in Another Province?

If you’ve moved to Alberta recently and you’re planning to stay more than 183 days, then you’re required to register your car within 90 days of becoming a resident. Before being able to register your vehicle in Alberta, you should first pass an out-of-province vehicle inspection at a federal inspection location.

However, if your vehicle is registered in another province and you’re staying in Alberta for less than 183 days, then you don’t have to register your car in Alberta.

Can I Use Out-of-Province Car Insurance While Travelling?

You can use out-of-province car insurance while travelling in Canada, but you must notify your insurance provider before your trip to ensure you have the necessary coverage. If you want your auto insurance coverage to be extended to the US, you may need to buy an endorsement because some insurers won’t automatically include U.S. coverage.

Can I Register Out-of-Province Commercial Vehicles in Alberta?

You can register an out-of-province commercial vehicle in Alberta if it passes an out-of-province inspection to ensure it meets provincial safety standards. After passing the inspection and obtaining the inspection certificate, go to a registry agent and submit the required documents. You’ll need proof of ownership, commercial auto insurance, and an inspection certificate.

Visit a registry office to learn more about registering a commercial vehicle in Alberta.

FAQs

What is the process for moving a vehicle from one province to another in Canada?

The process goes as follows:

Get an out-of-province inspection.
Get auto insurance in the new province.
Register your vehicle in the new province.
Get a local driver’s licence within 60 to 90 days.
Cancel your previous auto insurance and vehicle registration.

Can I register a vehicle in Alberta with a B.C driver’s licence?

In Alberta, you’re required to carry an Alberta driver’s license to be able to register your car in Alberta. Moreover, you need an Alberta driver’s license to get auto insurance in the province. So, we advise getting a driver’s license in Alberta as soon as possible to comply with provincial regulations.

What should I do if my vehicle is imported from the US?

If it’s an imported vehicle from the US, you must comply with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) inspection requirements. Before registering your imported vehicle in Alberta, you should first:

Get the vehicle import form from the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Pay the required RIV fee online.
Ensure the vehicle meets Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS).

If I travel out of the province, is my car insurance valid?

Yes, your car insurance is valid during your road trips in the US and Canada. If you’re just passing through, you don’t have to change your car insurance policy.