When Does Vehicle Registration in Alberta Expire?
Vehicle registrations in Alberta expire on an assigned month based on your surname or company name. Your vehicle registration will expire at midnight on the last day of the specified month according to the Registration Expiry Date Chart provided by the Government of Alberta.
Registration Expiry Schedule by Surname
The expiry schedule follows a systematic alphabetical distribution throughout the year:
- January: A, I, J, U, X, Ke (surnames beginning with "Ke"), and all numbered company names (0-9)
- February: M, Q
- March: B, Y
- April: D, G
- May: C, N
- June: Cl (surnames beginning with "Cl"), H, Sc (surnames beginning with "Sc")
- July: Av (surnames beginning with "Av"), Be (surnames beginning with "Be"), L, Sz (surnames beginning with "Sz"), V, Z
- August: E, Gr (surnames beginning with "Gr"), R
- September: F, Po (surnames beginning with "Po"), T
- October: S
- November: K, P
- December: Me (surnames beginning with "Me"), O, W
Important Registration Requirements
As of January 1, 2021, licence plate expiry stickers are no longer required on Alberta licence plates. However, maintaining valid registration remains mandatory under Alberta provincial legislation. The vehicle registration certificate serves as proof that your vehicle is currently registered.
Service Alberta
3B Commerce Place, 10155 102 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 4L4
780-427-7013 (Edmonton area) or 310-0000 + 780-427-7013 (toll-free within Alberta)
Official Website: Service Alberta
Vehicle owners can verify their exact expiry date by:
- Checking their current vehicle registration certificate
- Consulting the official registration expiry date chart
- Contacting any authorized Alberta Registry Agent
Registry Agent Services
To locate a registry agent in your area, use the official Find a Registry Agent search tool provided by the Government of Alberta.
How Do I Get a Reminder for Vehicle Registration Renewal in Alberta?
The Government of Alberta provides an electronic reminder system through Alberta eServices to help vehicle owners stay current with their registration renewals. This system replaced the previous mail-out reminder system for most Albertans.
eServices Renewal Reminder System
Albertans can sign up for electronic renewal reminders through the official Alberta eServices portal. The reminder system provides:
- First Reminder: Email notification sent 2 months before expiry date
- Second Reminder: Email notification sent 2 weeks before expiry date
- Coverage: Vehicle registration, driver's licence, and identification card renewals
To enroll in the reminder system:
- Visit the Alberta eServices Reminder Portal
- Create or log into your verified Alberta.ca Account
- Select the types of reminders you wish to receive
- Provide current contact information
- Confirm your enrollment
Special Reminder Categories
Certain groups continue to receive renewal reminders through traditional mail service:
- Parking Placard Holders: Albertans holding parking placards for persons with disabilities or disabled licence plates
- Senior Citizens: Residents over age 70 as of April 1, 2016
Alternative Reminder Options
Registry agents throughout Alberta also offer reminder services:
Alberta Renewal Reminders Service
Website: Alberta Renewal Reminders
Private registry offices may provide additional reminder services through:
- Text message notifications
- Email alerts
- Telephone reminders
- Mail notifications
What Is the Fine for Expired Registration in Alberta?
Driving with expired vehicle registration in Alberta constitutes a violation under the Traffic Safety Act, RSA 2000, c T-6 and carries significant financial penalties.
Penalty Structure Under Provincial Legislation
The penalty for operating a motor vehicle with expired registration is governed by Section 53(1)(c) of the Traffic Safety Act. Current penalty amounts include:
- Minimum Fine: $230.00
- Standard Fine Range: $310.00 - $324.00
- Court Surcharges: Additional fees may apply
- Victim Services Surcharge: Additional provincial surcharge
No Grace Period Policy
Alberta maintains a strict no-grace-period policy for vehicle registration renewal. Once registration expires at midnight on the last day of the assigned month, the vehicle is considered unregistered under provincial law.
Enforcement Authority
Law enforcement officers throughout Alberta have authority to:
- Issue violation tickets for expired registration
- Require proof of current registration during traffic stops
- Impound vehicles in certain circumstances
- Verify registration status through provincial databases
Additional Consequences
Beyond monetary penalties, driving with expired registration may result in:
- Insurance Complications: Insurance coverage may be affected
- Vehicle Impoundment: Possible in certain circumstances
- Court Appearances: Required for contested violations
- Criminal Record Impact: Traffic violations become part of driving record
Legal Framework References
The regulatory framework governing vehicle registration penalties includes:
- Traffic Safety Act, RSA 2000, c T-6: Primary legislation governing vehicle registration requirements
- Motor Vehicle Administration Act, RSA 2000, c M-23: Administrative provisions for vehicle registration
- Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation: Detailed regulatory requirements
Registry Agent Fee Schedule
Current vehicle registration renewal fees are outlined in the Registry Agent Product Catalogue available through Alberta's Open Government Program.
Outstanding Fine Implications
Albertans with outstanding fines face additional restrictions:
- Online renewal services become unavailable
- Registry agents cannot process renewals until fines are resolved
- Fine payment services must be utilized before renewal
- Processing delays of several business days apply after fine payment