Is Vehicle Registration the Same as a Vehicle Permit in Alberta?
Vehicle registration and vehicle permits serve distinctly different purposes under Alberta's traffic safety legislation. While both are motor vehicle documents issued by the Government of Alberta through the Registrar of Motor Vehicle Services, they have separate legal definitions, requirements, and applications under the Traffic Safety Act and its associated regulations.
Legal Definitions Under Alberta Law
Vehicle Registration Certificate
Under Section 1(1)(g) of the Traffic Safety Act, a "certificate of registration" is defined as a certificate of registration issued under the Act, including electronic forms recognized under the legislation. Section 52(1) of the Traffic Safety Act establishes the mandatory requirement that motor vehicles and trailers operated on highways must have a subsisting certificate of registration.
A Vehicle Registration Certificate contains the following information:
• Name of the registered owner
• Description of the vehicle
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Licence plate type
• Licence plate number
Vehicle Permits
Section 1(1)(hh) of the Traffic Safety Act defines a "permit" as a permit issued under the Act. Section 62(1) of the Traffic Safety Act grants the Registrar authority to issue permits for specific purposes, including temporary authorization for vehicles that do not meet standard registration requirements.
Regulatory Framework and Issuing Agencies
Primary Legislation
• Traffic Safety Act, RSA 2000, Chapter T-6
• Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation, Alberta Regulation 320/2002
Administering Authority The Registrar of Motor Vehicle Services, operating under Alberta Transportation, administers both vehicle registration and permit issuance. Services are delivered through authorized registry agents throughout the province.
Key Differences Between Registration and Permits
Purpose and Duration
Vehicle Registration:
• Provides permanent legal authorization for highway operation
• Valid for 1-2 years for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and off-highway vehicles
• Valid for 3-12 months for commercial vehicles
• Required for all motor vehicles operated on public roadways
Vehicle Permits:
• Provides temporary authorization for specific circumstances
• Valid for maximum of 7 days for most permit types
• Addresses exceptional situations not covered by standard registration
Types of Vehicle Permits
In-Transit Permits
Available through Alberta eServices, in-transit permits authorize movement of unregistered vehicles between two points in Canada for the following purposes:
• Moving unregistered vehicles from point A to point B
• Towing operations
• Demonstration or test drive purposes
• Repairs and servicing
• Salvage vehicle transport (maximum 24 hours)
Special Authorization Permits
Under Section 62(1) of the Traffic Safety Act, the Registrar may issue permits for:
• Operating unregistered vehicles on Alberta highways
• Exceeding dimensional requirements
• Operating vehicles not meeting equipment standards
• Commercial vehicle weight exemptions
• Operations not permitted under standard motor vehicle documents