Getting a copy of your vehicle registration isn’t difficult. However, you usually do it for important reasons when you need it. Whether you are pulled over by police, changing your insurance policy, or leasing your car, a vehicle registration certificate in Alberta matters. You need to ensure your registration isn’t expired and get a replacement copy before this happens. So, how do you get your vehicle registration in Alberta? Follow BrokerLink’s guide, of course!
About vehicle registration certificates
So, what is a vehicle registration certificate? In Alberta, a vehicle registration certificate provides proof that your vehicle is registered. Let’s break down the steps you need to take to obtain a vehicle registration certificate in Alberta:
Get your documents together
Before heading to the registry office, make sure you have the following documents:
Proof of Ownership
You will require documentation that proves you own the vehicle, such as a Bill of Sale, transfer of ownership, or previous registration.
Personal Identification
As the registered vehicle owner, you will need proof of your identity, which could be your driver’s licence or passport.
Proof of Residency
Additionally, you will need to show proof that you live in Alberta. You could use a utility bill or lease agreement. If you are bringing a vehicle from another country into Alberta or from another province or territory in Canada, you will need a couple of extra documents. These include an out-of-province inspection, an import form, or a new vehicle information statement.
Get car insurance
Before registering your car in Alberta, you will need valid car insurance coverage. Find an insurance provider by asking a broker or shopping around alone. Look for a broker if you need car insurance for a new driver in Alberta. Remember that liability car insurance is also mandatory in this province.
Visit a registry office to fill out the vehicle registration application and pay registration fees
To register your car in Alberta, you will need to take the following steps:
- Find a registry agent office closest to you.
- Bring the previously mentioned documents.
- Fill out the vehicle registration application form provided by the registry agent. You will need to provide accurate information about your car, including the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Lastly, pay the registration fee of $93.00. It’s important to note that specialty or personalized license plates come with additional fees.
Get your registration documents and licence plates
After filling out the appropriate forms, you will have everything you need to register your vehicle in Alberta. These include the vehicle identification number (VIN), licence plate number, expiration date, and register owner. At this time, you will also receive your licence plate.
Put your licence plate on your car
The next step is installing your licence plate on your car. You should take the following steps:
- Secure your licence plate to your vehicle and ensure it will be visible at all times.
- Keep your vehicle registration certificate in your possession all the time.
By following these steps, you can ensure your vehicle is properly registered in Alberta. When you’re receiving service, you might hear something in passing about the title of the vehicle. Is there a difference between the two? Keep reading to learn more.
Vehicle registration vs. title
Vehicle registration vs. title ... is there a difference? We’re here to tell you what there is and what you need to know. Continue reading to uncover the differences between the two:
Vehicle Registration
Your vehicle registration is all about ensuring your car is acknowledged by a government agency. In Alberta, cars are regulated by the Alberta Motor Association. This document proves you can legally drive your car on the province’s roads.
Vehicle Title
Your vehicle title is a little different. This document shows that you are the legal owner of the vehicle. It tells you everything you need to know about your vehicle and covers details such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), date of sale, weight class, make, model, and sometimes mileage.
It’s important to know the difference between the two because both are essential to owning a vehicle in Alberta. Each contains important information that you should keep in your car at all times. Now that you know what makes each one special, it’s time to go over the ways to get your vehicle registration paperwork.
Getting your vehicle registration certificate in Alberta
A vehicle registration certificate is initially issued when you purchase your vehicle. However, if you misplace it, you will need a duplicate vehicle registration certificate. To register a vehicle in Alberta, you will need the Bill of Sale or lease documents, proof of car insurance and proof of identification. Those younger than 18 years old need parental consent to register a vehicle, and for joint registration, both names should be on the bill of sale, or an authorization letter must be provided. Being prepared will speed up the process. Keep reading to find out more about obtaining your car registration certificate in Alberta:
Registering a new vehicle
If you are registering a new vehicle in Alberta, you will need to provide the previously listed documents. An additional requirement for brand-new vehicles is showing the New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) document — it must be the original document, not a duplicate copy. However, if the bill of sale is in someone else’s name, you require an Alberta government authorization form. If this is the case, both people have to be there to come up with an authorization form for registration or plate transfer. However, only one signature is required. Following these steps will make the process easy.
Getting an in-transit permit
If you are moving a vehicle into Alberta for a short amount of time, an In-Transit is your best option. It allows you to move the vehicle for up to seven days but can also be used for periods as short as three days. In order to get your permit, you will need a liability card (also known as a pink slip) for the vehicle if you are moving it within Alberta. However, if you are taking it in or out of the province, you need to show a bill of sale. Remember that this is only a temporary measure, and you need to insure your vehicle during this time.
Renewing your vehicle registration
There are multiple ways to renew your registration certificate. However, it would be best if you kept the following in mind:
- Certain conditions have to be met to renew online.
- Your renewal request may be denied for fleet or company vehicles, recently changing registration information, leaving your registration expired for more than a year, ownership or lease information alterations and overdue fines or debts.
- In these cases, you have to visit a registration office.
- You can pick up your registration at a local office or have it mailed to you. The other option is to have a printable digital vehicle registration certificate or show it on your mobile device.
Replacing your vehicle registration
If you lose your vehicle registration certificate, replacing it isn’t too hard. All you need to do is visit the Government of Alberta’s website or a local registration office and pay a small $28.00 fee. The duplicate vehicle registration certificate will be an exact copy of your old one. However, if you need to change information on your certificate, you will need to go to an office in person. To receive a duplicate copy online, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- Have an active vehicle registration (e.g. not expired or cancelled).
- A vehicle that is not registered as a company vehicle.
- Have the same address.
- Not registered through the International Registration Plan (IRP).
Whether you recently bought a new car, require a replacement copy of your registration or are temporarily visiting the province, having a proper vehicle registration certificate is essential. Why? We’re going to find out.
Ready to register your car in Alberta and need reliable insurance? Contact BrokerLink today for expert assistance with your registration process and to secure comprehensive coverage for your vehicle. Don't wait—get the protection you need with BrokerLink!
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Why a vehicle registration certificate is essential in Alberta
No matter what vehicle you have, you will need to register it in Alberta. Did you know that you need to register any car or boat you own in Alberta? Why is this step so important, though? Let’s talk about why you need a registration certificate, including everything you need. Here’s what having a vehicle registration certificate does for you in Alberta:
Legality
It is illegal to drive a car without these documents. You have to register your car in Alberta with a registry agent for legal reasons. If you get pulled over by police, you will face a hefty fine for not having these documents. It’s also a quick way to get in trouble if you end up in a car accident.
Proof of ownership
When you obtain your vehicle registration, it shows that you are the owner of the vehicle. These papers contain important information like your name, address, and licence plate number. They also assist law enforcement by allowing them to return your vehicle if it ever gets stolen or if there’s an incident involving the car.
Taxes
When you pay to register your car in Alberta, the taxes on top of the charge are given back to the government. In other words, it provides funding for road maintenance, transportation projects and other public safety initiatives.
Peace of mind
Registering your car is also something you should do for your personal safety. It shows that you own the vehicle and keep others safe on the road. After all, your car should meet road safety and environmental protection standards.
By understanding why you need a vehicle registration certificate in Alberta, you will have more incentive to get it early. After all, it’s part of the law. When you drive with an expired vehicle registration certificate, there are serious consequences. We will talk about more of them in the next section.
Driving with expired registration in Alberta
If your vehicle registration is expired, there are serious consequences, including hefty fines that start at $230.00. There is a specific fine for driving with an unregistered car in Alberta. It’s often called a “no registration ticket.” The cost can vary depending on:
- How long your registration has been expired.
- Situation around the violation.
- Existing offences on your driving record.
This is a severe offence that can lead to legal repercussions and issues with law enforcement. That’s why you should get a duplicate vehicle registration as soon as possible.
How much you pay will often vary, but no matter when you run into this situation, you will be paying a high amount of money. These fines are designed to encourage drivers to renew their vehicle registration certificates on time and follow Alberta’s motor vehicle laws. Always keep your documents up-to-date to avoid paying for them later.
Ways to remember to renew your vehicle registration certificate
Alongside valid insurance, you will need up-to-date registration documents. Not renewing your certificate on time can lead to frustration and expensive fines. Luckily, we have to come up with some tips to keep you on the right track. These tips are:
Remind yourself
Today, technology is better than ever — why not embrace it? Digital calendar apps and smartphone reminders can tell you when you’re close to that expiration date. It will allow you to renew your registration number without issue and get it on time.
Use a calendar
Sometimes, doing things the old-fashioned way is the wisest route. Whether you have a calendar hanging in your home or office, marking the expiration date can help. Some people are visual thinkers and prefer calendars.
Draw up a list
Put together a checklist that includes everything you need to keep your vehicle up-to-date. This can include your car insurance, licence plate expiry stickers, and vehicle registration. Having everything in one place makes things simpler.
Renew beforehand
You don’t have to wait until the last minute to get your duplicate vehicle registration certificate. You can always renew early. This will prevent delays and allow you to receive your new certificate on time, especially if the initial digital download doesn’t work out.
Organize your documents
All your vehicle-related documents, including your registration certificates and insurance papers, should be in one place. Find a file folder and put all of your documents into it. You will thank yourself later when you don’t have any deadlines.
Get emails
Not everyone can visit the registry office every time they need to renew their vehicle registration. Emails make this so much more convenient. Ask your registry office to send you email reminders to renew your vehicle registration certificate.
Download some apps
Everyone carries their cell phones around, which is why apps are so useful for keeping track of important dates and times. Many apps are available specifically to track the due dates for vehicle registration in Alberta.
Implementing these strategies into your routine will keep you from forgetting about your vehicle registration certificate and letting it expire. By being proactive, you can plan ahead to keep it up-to-date. Then, you can visit Service Alberta to get a replacement copy when necessary. Paperwork is important, but you should also know about how licence plates work because they’re directly connected to your registration documents.
What you need to know about Alberta licence plates
Like in any province, you need a licence plate for any motor vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, and boats. Here’s where you need licence plates on Alberta vehicles:
- On the back fender or mudguard of motorcycles.
- On the front of tractor-trailers.
- On the back of all other types of vehicles.
When you first register your vehicle in Alberta, you will receive a licence plate. When you arrive in Alberta, you can continue driving with out-of-province licence plates for up to 90 days. These act as temporary licence plates. However, you don’t have to get new plates if you're visiting. Below, we will provide detailed information on everything you need to know about Alberta license plates.
Specialty licence plates
You also have the option of getting a custom licence plate in Alberta. However, these come with an additional service charge. If you’re a new driver in Alberta, you can choose from the following:
Custom licence Plates
Whether you have a nickname or business you want to promote, these plates can help. You can add a unique message to your licence plate of your choosing.
Military licence Plates
The men and women in Canada’s Armed Forces fight for our freedom daily. Current or past military members can be honoured with unique licence plates.
Sports licence Plates
Are you a hockey fan? Well, you’re in luck because the province also offers Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers licence plates with team colours, logos, and slogans.
Having a unique licence plate is a great way to inject some of your personality into your vehicle. Any licence plate can tell a story with the right look. In addition to making your licence plate your own, you should also know about laws around them in the province.
Licence plate stickers
Previously, you would have to have a sticker on your licence plate that would display your vehicle expiration date. However, even if you use old licence plates, this is no longer the case. In 2021, the provincial government decided that licence plate expiry stickers are no longer required. Now, law enforcement can scan the plates to determine if your vehicle registration is up-to-date. You don’t have to get new licence plates when your vehicle registration expires. All you need are the proper papers because this change means stickers are no longer required.
Understanding licence plates in Alberta is essential. They are integral parts of the vehicle registration system because you need one to drive legally on the roads. You don’t have to get new stickers anymore, but you still need to have the proper paperwork. But what if we told you there was a way for you to renew your registration without thinking about it? How? You’ll find out soon.
Renew your vehicle registration with auto-renew
Let’s face it — keeping track of a bunch of paperwork can be such a hassle. However, when you choose Vehicle Registration Auto-Renew, you can renew your vehicle registration from the comfort of your own home. The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) implemented this to let your vehicle registration renew automatically before it expires. As long as all the information is up-to-date, they will mail you your new registration paperwork without you having to lift a finger.
Find affordable car insurance with BrokerLink!
Driving without insurance in Alberta is illegal. It’s essential to follow Alberta car insurance laws, and registering your vehicle is part of them. That’s why you should ensure yours isn’t expired. Like insurance, not having a valid registration comes with serious consequences.
However, finding the right car insurance policy at an affordable price can be difficult. After all, you have to register and insure your car in Alberta. Luckily, BrokerLink is here to help and offers the following policies:
Are you looking for an insurance broker who advocates for you? Maybe you are new to Alberta and need to find the policies that suit your needs. Contact BrokerLink to learn more about car insurance in Alberta and the vehicle registration process.
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