Ultimate Guide on Alberta Vehicle Registration Renewal

In Alberta, all vehicles must be registered and have valid insurance before hitting the road. Otherwise, you will be fined for at least $230. All vehicles must be renewed regularly after first registration. It is illegal to drive an unregistered vehicle or a vehicle with expiry registration. In this passage, we are going to talk about what is vehicle registration, how to register a vehicle, when and how to renew Alberta vehicle registration, how must it costs, and other highly concerning issues.

What Is Vehicle Registration in Alberta?

It refers to getting a vehicle registration certificate for either a motor vehicle or a non-motor vehicle, such as cars, trucks, or trailers. The certificate carries the name of the registered owner, descriptions of the vehicle, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the type of licence plate, and licence plate number. It aims to prove that you legally own the vehicle and helps the authorities to track your vehicles on the road.

Eligibility for Alberta Vehicle Registration

It is required for Alberta residents. Any individuals aged 18 or above are allowed to register a vehicle on their own while those below 18 who are not financially independent or married must present the parent’s or guardian’s consent.

Supposing that you are a temporary resident in Alberta within 183 days and your vehicle has been registered in another jurisdiction, you are exempt from Alberta Vehicle registration.

Supposing that you moved to Alberta recently and have had your vehicle registered in another jurisdiction, you are supposed to change the previous registration to Alberta within 90 days.

How to Register a Vehicle in Alberta?

For the first-time registration, car owners or users should visit the registry office in person. If you can’t, you can ask someone else to request, renew, cancel, or transfer the register on your behalf as long as he/she takes all necessary documents. Here is an instruction on first-time Alberta vehicle registration

Gather Required Documents 

• Proof of ownership, such as a sold note, leasing agreement, probated will or letters of administration.
• Proof of valid insurance for the registered vehicle.
• Certified government-issued identity document of the requesting person (either your or your representative), such as a passport, driver’s licence, Alberta health card, etc.
• An out-of-province, salvage, or commercial inspection. It is required only when you are registering a used vehicle purchased outside of Alberta in Alberta for the first time.
• A duly accomplished Authorization for Vehicle Services Form signed by you on condition that someone else register the vehicle on your behalf.

🔎Read Also: Everything You Need to Know about Applying for Canada Passport

Visit a Registry Agent

There are more than 200 agents around Alberta. You can use an agent locator to find a nearby one and take all supporting documents there during office hours. It is also suggested to contact it to enquire whether a prior appointment is required. You will submit applications and pay the registration fees.

When to Renew Albert Vehicle Registration?

As of April 1, 2016, the Alberta government will no longer send reminder letters as the registration expires. Therefore, you are supposed to register free Alberta Renewal Reminder service which automatically reminds you of Alberta vehicle registration renewal, driver’s license renewal, or corporate returns, by email or text. Additionally, you can set a personal reminder in case the due date slips away.

Your vehicle registration remains valid until midnight on the last day of the specific month which is subject to your surname or company name. It is suggested to renew it about 30 days before expiration. Here is the expiry date chart.

How to Renew Alberta Vehicle Registration

After checking the expiry date on the expiry date chart or your registration certificate, you can complete the Alberta vehicle registration renewal online, by mail, or in person. No matter which way you choose, please prepare the following documents.

• Current vehicle registration certificate showing your licence plate number and registration number.
• Valid driver’s licence containing your driver’s licence number and your MVID.
• Valid insurance pink card proving insurance coverage. 

Renew Alberta Vehicle Registration Online

Online renewal is only available under the following conditions.

• You have a Class 3 passenger vehicle, Class 3 motorcycle, Class 3 off-highway vehicle, Class 1 or 3 commercial trailer, Class 2 farm vehicle, or Class 1 commercial car rental.
• Your vehicle is not registered as a fleet or company vehicle.
• There is no change to your name, address, or other registration information.
• Your registration expired in the last 12 months.
• Your vehicle insurance is valid.
• You want to renew your vehicle registration annually.
• You don’t have uncleared fines

If you satisfy the eligibilities above, please renew the registration through the following steps. It is recommended to use Internet Explorer 6 or higher web browser, Firefox, Chrome, or Safari. To renew Alberta vehicle registration online, please do as follows.

• Create an Alberta.ca Account and verify it with the activation code that will be sent to your e-mail in 10 business days after signing up.

• Visit MyAlberta eServices. Sign in with a verified Alberta.ca Account and choose the type of vehicle you are renewing.

• Upload supporting documents.
• Pay the renewal fees with a VISA, MasterCard, or American Express credit card.
• Receive a confirmation email and keep it as proof of purchase.
• Download the new vehicle registration certificate in PDF form through “MyAlberta eServices > My Account > My Digital Downloads”.

Renew Alberta Vehicle Registration by Mail

In-mail renewal service is available under the following conditions.

• You are renewing your passenger vehicle and motorcycle registration.
• You don’t have any uncleared fines.
• There is no change to your name, address, or other registration information.
• Your current registration will expire in more than 30 days.

Here is a specific guideline for Alberta vehicle registration renewal by post.

• Complete a General mail-in renewal form. Alberta Motor Association (AMA) members can request the service through AMA.
• Pay the renewal fees by cheque or money order.
• Send the completed form along with the required documents as well as the payment receipt to the address listed on the form.

Renew Alberta Vehicle Registration in Person

Compared with online or mail-in renewal, in-person service is less convenient because you might need to drive a long way to find an authorized Alberta Registry Agent or wait in line. However, it is required when your registration will expire within 30 days or you want to change some information. Just take your driver’s licence, pink card, and current vehicle registration certificate to a nearby agent during business hours and follow the employee’s instructions there. 

How Much Does It Cost to Renew Alberta Vehicle Registration

Alberta vehicle registration renewal fees are the same as initial registration based on the vehicle type.

FAQ

Q: Is there a grace period for vehicle registration in Alberta?

A: No. If you are still driving a vehicle in Alberta as soon as the vehicle registration expires, you will be fined for illegal driving.

Q: Can someone else renew my registration in Alberta?

A: Yes. He/she should present his/her valid ID and a Letter of Authorization signed by you.

Q: Can I cancel my vehicle registration in Alberta?

A: Yes. To cancel your vehicle registration, you should submit a completed Licence Plate/Parking Placard Cancellation form along with an acceptable ID, licence plate, and proof of payment in person or by mail. A cancellation fee of $10 will be deducted from the refund.

Q: Can I change the address on the Albert vehicle registration?

A: Yes. You should renew Alberta vehicle registration in person within 14 days of the change to your address.

Summary

Alberta vehicle registration is mandatory for all motor vehicles within the jurisdiction. Alberta residents should register their vehicles at the registry agents before driving on the road. First-time registration is valid for 1-2 years, after which it must be renewed regularly. It is suggested to apply for Alberta vehicle registration renewal at least one month before the expiry date which is decided by your surname or company name. You can get an updated Alberta vehicle registration online, by mail, or in person. The renewal requirements, process, and cost are generally the same as initial registrations.