Who Is an In-Transit Permit in Alberta?
An in-transit permit in Alberta is a temporary authorization document issued to individuals who need to move unregistered vehicles or trailers within Canada. This permit serves as a legal substitute for standard vehicle registration and license plates during the transportation period.
The permit is designed for various categories of users, including:
• Private Vehicle Owners - Individuals purchasing new or used vehicles that require transportation to their registration location
• Automotive Dealers - Licensed dealers moving inventory between locations or delivering vehicles to customers
• Repair Service Providers - Businesses transporting vehicles to and from repair facilities
• Salvage Operations - Companies handling damaged or salvage vehicles requiring relocation
• Vehicle Transporters - Professional transport services moving multiple vehicles
Under the Traffic Safety Act, RSA 2000, c T-6, the Registrar has the authority to issue permits for the movement of unregistered vehicles, ensuring compliance with provincial transportation regulations. The permit system is administered through Alberta's Motor Vehicle Administration under the Motor Vehicle Administration Act, RSA 2000, c M-23.
Types of In-Transit Permits Available
Alberta issues several specific categories of in-transit permits to accommodate different transportation needs:
Point A to Point B Permits These permits authorize the movement of unregistered vehicles or trailers from one specific location to another within Canada, provided either the starting or ending point is within Alberta.
Demonstration/Test Drive Permits Designed for automotive dealers and private sellers who need to allow potential buyers to test drive unregistered vehicles for evaluation purposes.
Repair/Service Permits Issued for vehicles requiring transportation to repair facilities, service centers, or inspection stations when the vehicle cannot be legally driven under normal registration.
Salvage Vehicle Permits Special permits for damaged or salvage vehicles that require movement to storage facilities, auction sites, or dismantling locations.
When Do You Need an In-Transit Permit in Alberta?
An in-transit permit becomes mandatory in specific circumstances outlined under Alberta's transportation regulations.
Mandatory Permit Situations
Unregistered Vehicle Transportation Any vehicle or trailer lacking valid Alberta registration and license plates requires an in-transit permit for legal road use. This applies regardless of whether the vehicle is operational or being towed.
Interprovincial Vehicle Movement When transporting vehicles between Alberta and other provinces or territories, an in-transit permit is required if either the origin or destination point is within Alberta boundaries.
New Vehicle Purchases Newly purchased vehicles from dealerships or private sellers that have not yet been registered in the buyer's name require permits for transportation to registration locations.
Vehicle Import/Export Vehicles being imported into Alberta from other jurisdictions or being exported from Alberta to other locations must have appropriate in-transit authorization.
Specific Use Cases
Automotive Dealership Operations
Licensed dealers frequently require permits for:
• Moving inventory between dealership locations
• Delivering sold vehicles to customers before registration completion
• Transporting trade-in vehicles to auction facilities
• Moving vehicles for service or warranty work
Repair and Service Industry
Service providers need permits when:
• Transporting customer vehicles to specialized repair facilities
• Moving vehicles for safety inspections or emissions testing
• Relocating damaged vehicles from accident scenes
• Delivering repaired vehicles back to customers
Private Vehicle Transactions
Individual vehicle owners require permits for:
• Purchasing vehicles from private sellers in other locations
• Moving inherited vehicles to new ownership locations
• Relocating personal vehicles during interprovincial moves
• Transporting vehicles for specialized modifications or customization
Legal Requirements Under Alberta Law
The requirement for in-transit permits is established under the Traffic Safety Act and supporting regulations. According to the Operator Licensing and Vehicle Control Regulation, Alberta Regulation 320/2002, operating an unregistered vehicle without proper permit authorization constitutes a provincial offense.
Key legal obligations include:
• Carrying a printed copy of the permit during transportation
• Ensuring the permit covers the specific route and timeframe of travel
• Maintaining valid insurance coverage as required by the permit type
• Complying with all conditions and restrictions specified on the permit
Where To Get an In-Transit Permit in Alberta?
Alberta provides multiple channels for obtaining in-transit permits:
Government of Alberta Online Services
The primary method for obtaining in-transit permits is through the official Government of Alberta eServices portal. This platform offers 24/7 access to permit applications and immediate digital download capabilities.
Government of Alberta eServices
Online Platform Available 24/7
No Physical Address - Digital Service Only
Technical Support: 310-0000 then 780-427-2711
Government of Alberta eServices
Requirements for online applications:
• Verified Alberta.ca account registration
• Valid credit card for payment processing
• Vehicle identification information (VIN, make, model, year)
• Proof of insurance documentation
• Driver's license verification
Motor Vehicle Administration Offices
For assistance with complex permit requirements or in-person service preferences, contact the Motor Vehicle Administration directly.
Alberta Motor Vehicle Administration
10155 102 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4L4
780-427-7013
Hours: 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM (Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays)
Alberta Motor Vehicle Information
Service Alberta Registry Services
Service Alberta Registry Services
10155 102 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4L4
310-0000 then 780-427-7013
Hours: 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM (Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays)
Service Alberta Registry
Transportation and Economic Corridors
For specialized transportation permits and commercial vehicle requirements, contact Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors.
Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors
4999 98 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2X3
403-755-6111
Hours: 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM (Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays)
Email: safetysystemssupport@gov.ab.ca
Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors
This department handles:
• Commercial vehicle permits
• Oversize/overweight transportation permits
• Specialized transportation authorization
• Carrier profile management
Regional Transportation Offices
Alberta maintains regional transportation offices for area-specific services and specialized permit requirements.
Alberta Transportation Calgary District Office
803 Manning Road NE, 2nd Floor, Willowglen Business Park
Calgary, Alberta T2E 7M8
403-382-4052
Hours: 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM (Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays)
Email: transdevelopmentcalgary@gov.ab.ca
Alberta Transportation Calgary
Authorized Registry Agents
Alberta operates an extensive network of authorized registry agents throughout the province, providing in-person permit services at convenient local locations.
Alberta Motor Association (AMA)
Alberta Motor Association
Calgary Head Office: 4700 17 Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T3E 0E4
1-866-989-6370
Hours: Vary by location (typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday)
Alberta Motor Association
Alberta Motor Association
Edmonton Head Office: 11230 110 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta T5G 0E1
1-866-989-6370
Hours: Vary by location (typically 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday)
Alberta Motor Association
AMA operates numerous registry locations offering comprehensive vehicle services including in-transit permits. Contact the toll-free number to locate the nearest AMA registry office.
Private Registry Agents
The province authorizes numerous private registry agents to provide government services. Use the official registry agent locator to find nearby services.
Registry Agent Locator Service
Available through Alberta.ca
310-0000 then 780-427-7013
Find a Registry Agent
How Much Does an In-Transit Permit Cost in Alberta?
Alberta maintains standardized pricing for in-transit permits across all authorized issuers, ensuring consistent costs regardless of the application method chosen.
Standard Permit Fees
Point A to Point B Permits
Cost: $24.00 (inclusive of all service charges and taxes)
• Valid for up to 7 days after the effective date
• Covers transportation within Canada
• Requires either starting or ending location within Alberta
Demonstration/Test Drive Permits
Cost: $15.00 (inclusive of all service charges and taxes)
• Valid for up to 7 days after the effective date
• Specifically designed for vehicle demonstration purposes
• Allows multiple test drives within the permit period
Repair/Service Permits
Cost: $15.00 (inclusive of all service charges and taxes)
• Valid for up to 7 days after the effective date
• Covers transportation to and from repair facilities
• Includes return journey authorization
Salvage Vehicle Permits
Cost: $15.00 (inclusive of all service charges and taxes)
• Limited to 24 hours after the effective date
• Designed for damaged or non-operational vehicles
• Restricted to specific transportation routes
Permit Validity and Extensions
Standard Validity Periods
• Point A to Point B permits: Maximum 7 days
• Demonstration permits: Maximum 7 days
• Repair/service permits: Maximum 7 days
• Salvage permits: Maximum 24 hours
Extension Requirements Permits cannot be extended beyond their maximum validity period. New permits must be purchased for continued authorization.
Refund and Cancellation Policy
Non-Refundable Fees
All permit fees are non-refundable once issued, regardless of:
• Permit usage status
• Changes in transportation plans
• Vehicle sale or disposal
• Weather or road conditions
Permit Modifications Issued permits cannot be modified for different vehicles, routes, or dates. New permits must be purchased for any changes to original authorization.