In Alberta all vehicles being operated or parked on public roads or property must be registered and insured. The law even includes off-road vehicles such as snowmobiles and dirt bikes.
Registration Renewal
If your car was previously registered in Alberta you will receive a renewal reminder by text or e-mail prior to the expiry date. If you haven’t signed up for reminders, please click here.
When you come in to renew your registration you will be asked for proof of insurance. If your car is currently insured your “pink slip” will do. If you do not have your pink slip with you your insurance agent can fax over a copy to (780) 675-3041, or alternatively, you can display the pink card on your mobile device.
If a vehicle is being registered jointly all parties should be named on the Bill of Sale and all parties should be present. If this is not possible the absent parties must fill out a Vehicle Registration Letter of Authorization that gives their consent to be included on the registration.
You can register a vehicle for another person. This requires that the person named on the Bill of Sale must sign a Vehicle Registration Letter of Authorization stating that you can register the vehicle on their behalf. Authorization letters can be faxed to (780) 675-3041.
First-time Registration of your Car
If you buy a car that was previously registered in Alberta, (not a brand new car), you must register it under your name. The cost will be pro-rated to correspond with your expiry date. You will be asked for 3 documents: the Bill of Sale (we can supply with a Bill of Sale form $1.00ea) or lease documents, your proof of insurance (pink slip) and your identification. Generally your Driver’s Licence will be sufficient identification to prove that you are the person on the Bill of Sale.
If we find that the vehicle was previously “written-off” by an insurance company and has that status on the system you’ll need to have it inspected by an authorized mechanic before registration can be completed.
A person under 18 years old must have parental consent to register a vehicle in their name.
If a vehicle is being registered jointly all parties should be named on the Bill of Sale and all parties should be present. If this is not possible the absent parties must sign an authorization letter that gives their consent to be included on the registration. You can register a vehicle for another person. This requires that the person named on the Bill of Sale must sign an authorization letter stating that you can register the vehicle on their behalf. Authorization letters can be faxed to (780) 675-3041.
New Vehicle Registration
If you are registering a brand new vehicle that has never been registered before you will be asked for the 3 documents described above plus the New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS). The auto dealership will provide you with the NVIS when you buy a new car. In this case a fax is not acceptable. You must bring in the original document and it will be retained by us.
In-Transit Permit
This permit allows you 3 days to drive an insured vehicle from one location to another. If you are moving the vehicle within Alberta you must present your pink slip. If you are taking the vehicle in or out of Alberta you must also provide a Bill of Sale.
Registration of Out-of-Province Vehicles
Since January 1, 1997 all vehicles that were last registered outside of Alberta must be inspected by an authorized mechanic before being registered within our province. First bring us your Bill of Sale. We’ll do a search on the vehicle to find out its previous status. Depending on that status you will be required to either have an Out of Province Inspection or a Salvage Vehicle Inspection done. We can provide you with a Request for Inspection form. We also have a list of some of the authorized mechanics available. After the inspection is completed you must return the form to us within 14 days. Then the vehicle will be registered and the record from the previous province closed out.
Antique Car/Truck or Motorcycle Registration
If your vehicle is 25 years old or more you can register it as an antique. With this registration you can use your antique in exhibitions and club meets and also going to and from those events. You can also drive it to and from a service station for maintenance. You may only drive it in daylight hours unless the vehicle has been upgraded with lights that meet current safety requirements. You cannot use it for general transportation unless it is also registered as a regular vehicle (dual registration). To register your antique vehicle you will also be asked for the documents required in registering a regular vehicle.
For more information, click here.