How to Register a Car in Alberta

If you are purchasing a new or used vehicle from a dealership the dealership will usually take care of the registration details for you. If you are purchasing a used car privately you will be responsible for handling the registration process yourself.

Why motor vehicle registration is necessary:

Legal Compliance: Registering your car ensures that you comply with Alberta's laws and regulations regarding vehicle ownership and operation. It is illegal to operate an unregistered vehicle on Alberta roads.

Identification: Vehicle registration provides a means of identifying the owner of a vehicle. This is important for law enforcement purposes, such as in the event of a traffic violation or an accident.

Taxation: Vehicle registration fees contribute to the funding of various government services and infrastructure, including road maintenance, transportation projects, and public safety initiatives.

Safety and Security: Registered vehicles can be traced back to their owners, which helps in cases of theft or unauthorized use. Additionally, registered vehicles are subject to safety and emissions standards, contributing to road safety and environmental protection.

Proof of Ownership: Vehicle registration serves as official documentation of ownership, providing legal proof that you are the rightful owner of the vehicle.

How to register a vehicle in Alberta:

Before registering your car, it is recommended that you obtain a Vehicle Information Report (VIR) from an Alberta Registries office. This report provides important details about the vehicle's history, such as any outstanding fines or liens.

Note: if you have any outstanding fines, such as an unpaid speeding ticket, you will need to pay your fines first, before you are able to register your new vehicle. 

Step 1. Gather Required Documents:

• Proof of Ownership: You'll need to provide documentation proving your ownership of the vehicle, such as a bill of sale, transfer of ownership, or previous registration.
• Personal Identification: Bring valid personal identification for the registered owner, such as a driver's licence or passport, to verify your identity.
• Proof of Residency: You may be required to show proof of residency in Alberta, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
• If you are importing a vehicle from outside of Canada, or from another province or territory within Canada, you will need to obtain additional documents such as an out of province inspection, import form, or new vehicle information statement. For more information about registering a vehicle purchased outside of Alberta visit the alberta.ca website here.  

Step 2. Obtain Valid Insurance:

• Before the vehicle can be registered, you must have valid insurance coverage from an authorized insurer in Alberta.

Step 3: Visit a Registry Agent Office to Complete the Vehicle Registration Application and Pay Registration Fees:

• Locate a registry agent office in Alberta. These offices are authorized by the provincial government to handle vehicle registrations. 
• Bring all required documents.
• Fill out the vehicle registration application form provided by the registry agent. Provide accurate information about the vehicle, including its make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN).
• Pay the registration fees. Additional fees may apply for specialty or personalized licence plates.

Step 4. Receive Registration Documents and License Plates:

• You will receive a Vehicle Registration Certificate that includes details such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, expiration date, and registered owner.
• You will also receive your license plate.

Step 5. Install Licence Plate:

• Securely install your licence plate to your vehicle, making sure it is always visible. 
• Keep your vehicle registration certificate in the vehicle at all times. 

By following these steps, you can successfully register your car in Alberta and legally operate it on the province's roads. Remember to keep your registration documents and insurance up to date to avoid any penalties or fines. If you have any questions or need assistance during the registration process, don't hesitate to contact a registry agent office for guidance.

How much does it cost to register a vehicle in Alberta? 

The standard registration fee in Alberta is $93. There are additional fees for personalized plates, and the price varies for other types of vehicles such as motorcycles, trailers, or off road vehicles. 

Renew your car registration online.

If you already have your vehicle registered and simply need to renew the registration you can do that online , by mail, or in person at a registry agent office. 

Unsure when your registration expires? You can look up your expiry date here, or refer to your registration certificate. 

You may only renew your registration online if you do not need to make any changes to it. If you need to update any details such as your name or address you will need to renew your vehicle registration in person at a registry agent office.

Similar to obtaining new registration, if you have any outstanding fines you will need to pay them before being able to renew your registration.