How To Cancel Car Registration In Alberta
Vehicle registration cancellation in Alberta is governed by the Traffic Safety Act, RSA 2000, c T-6 and the Motor Vehicle Administration Act, RSA 2000, c M-23. Vehicle owners must follow specific procedures through authorized registry agents to properly cancel their registration and potentially receive refunds for unused registration periods.
Registry Agent Services
To cancel your vehicle registration in Alberta, you must visit an authorized registry agent or submit your cancellation request by mail. Registry agents provide government services on behalf of the provincial government and are authorized to process vehicle registration cancellations under provincial legislation.
Required Documentation and Procedures
In-Person Cancellation Process
To cancel your vehicle registration in person, you must visit a registry agent with the following required documents:
• Acceptable identification as specified by Service Alberta
• Your current licence plate(s)
• Completed Licence Plate / Parking Placard Cancellation form (REG3106)
• Payment for the registry agent service fee
Mail-In Cancellation Process
You may also cancel your registration by mail by sending the following items to any authorized registry agent:
• A written request signed by all registrants shown on the registration certificate
• A photocopy of your driver's licence
• Your current mailing address for refund processing
• Written verification from the jurisdiction where you are surrendering your plates (if applicable)
• Your licence plates (if required by the receiving jurisdiction)
• Payment for the registry agent service fee
Service Fees and Government Charges
According to the Registry Agent Product Catalogue (June 2024), the following fees apply to vehicle registration cancellation services:
• Cancel vehicle registration (partial refund): Government Fee: $0.00, Registry Agent Service Fee: $9.00
• Cancel personalized plate (no refund): Government Fee: $0.00, Registry Agent Service Fee: $9.00
• Declare plates lost/stolen/returned: Government Fee: $0.00, Registry Agent Service Fee: $9.00
• Full refund with administration fee: Government Fee: $0.00, Registry Agent Service Fee: $13.00
Special Circumstances and Authorizations
Multiple Registrants
When a vehicle has multiple registrants listed on the registration certificate, all registrants must sign the cancellation request. This requirement ensures proper authorization for the cancellation process.
Authorization for Vehicle Services
If you are not the registered owner or if someone else is handling the cancellation on your behalf, you must complete an Authorization for Vehicle Services form. This form grants permission for a third party to conduct registry transactions on your behalf.
Out-of-Province Moves
When moving to another province, you may exchange your Alberta licence plates with the new jurisdiction. In such cases, you must provide written verification from the receiving jurisdiction as part of your cancellation request.
Can You Get a Refund on Vehicle Registration in Alberta?
Yes, vehicle owners in Alberta are eligible for partial refunds when cancelling their vehicle registration before the expiry date.
Refund Calculation and Processing
Government Cancellation Fee
A mandatory $10.00 (plus GST) cancellation fee is deducted from all registration refunds. This fee is set by the provincial government and cannot be waived or reduced.
Refund Eligibility Criteria
Refunds are calculated based on the remaining time left on your vehicle registration. The refund amount is prorated according to the unused portion of your registration period. To be eligible for a refund, you must:
• Return your licence plates to the registry agent
• Complete the proper cancellation documentation
• Have a valid registration certificate
• Pay the required service fees
Refund Processing Timeline
Standard Processing Period
Eligible refund cheques are mailed within approximately 4 to 6 weeks from the date of cancellation. The processing time may vary depending on government workload and verification requirements.
Refund Inquiry Process
If you have not received your refund after 6 weeks, contact:
Service Alberta Financial Reporting and Policy, Motor Vehicles Refund
780-422-1761 extension 6
Email: Service Alberta Refund Inquiries
Common Refund Issues and Resolutions
Address Updates
Refund delays often occur when the address on file with the motor vehicle system is outdated. Ensure your address is current before submitting your cancellation request to avoid processing delays.
Outstanding Fines and Penalties
Refunds may be applied to outstanding fines or penalties associated with your vehicle registration. If you have unpaid fines, your refund will be reduced by the outstanding balance before the cheque is issued.
Service Fee Regulations
If you experience issues with registry agent services or refund processing, you may contact the Consumer Contact Centre:
Service Alberta Consumer Contact Centre
780-427-4088 (Edmonton area)
1-877-427-4088 (toll-free within Alberta)