What Are Custom License Plates In Alberta?
Custom license plates, also known as personalized plates, are specialty plates that allow vehicle owners to choose a unique combination of letters, numbers, or symbols to display on their vehicles. The Alberta government issues these plates through authorized registry agents.
Custom plates allow individuals to express their personality, promote their business, or support a cause through vehicle registration. They are an alternative to the standard-issue plates provided by the province.
Are Custom License Plates Legal In Alberta?
Yes, custom license plates are legal in Alberta. The province allows vehicle owners to apply for and display personalized plates if they meet specific guidelines set forth by the Traffic Safety Act.
The Registrar must approve all custom plates of Motor Vehicle Services before being issued. The plate design and messaging must comply with provincial regulations and cannot contain offensive, discriminatory, or misleading content.
Are Personalized License Plates Available In Alberta?
Yes, personalized license plates are available to Alberta residents. These plates allow vehicle owners to create a unique combination of letters, numbers, and certain symbols to display on their registered vehicle.
The province offers several types of personalized plates, including:
• Regular personalized plates
• Calgary Flames plates
• Edmonton Oilers plates
• Support Our Troops plates
• Alberta Parks plates
Each plate type has specific formatting requirements and additional fees. Personalized plates can be ordered through any authorized Alberta registry agent.
How Can I Get A Personalized License Plate In Alberta?
To get a personalized license plate in Alberta, follow these steps:
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Choose your plate type and design a unique message
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Check the availability of your desired plate message using the Alberta Registries online search tool
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Visit an authorized Alberta registry agent to submit your application
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Provide proof of identity, vehicle registration, and insurance
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Pay the applicable fees for your chosen plate type
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If approved, your personalized plates will be ordered and mailed to you
It's important to note that all personalized plate applications are subject to approval by the Registrar of Motor Vehicle Services. The registrar may refuse any combination deemed offensive, misleading, or confusing.
Where Can I Order A Custom License Plate In Alberta?
Custom license plates can be ordered through any authorized Alberta registry agent. Over 200 registry agent offices are located throughout the province.
To start the process, visit the Service Alberta website and use their online tool to check the availability of your desired plate message. Then, visit your chosen registry agent with your application, identification, and payment.
How Much Does A Custom License Plate Cost In Alberta?
The cost of a custom license plate in Alberta varies depending on the plate type and the length of the personalised message. As of 2023, the fees are:
• Regular personalized plate: $245
• Calgary Flames plate: $75
• Edmonton Oilers plate: $75
• Support Our Troops plate: $75
• Alberta Parks plate: $70
Check the Service Alberta website for the most up-to-date pricing, or contact your local registry agent.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Custom Plate In Alberta?
The timeline for receiving a custom plate in Alberta can vary depending on several factors. After submitting your application to an authorized registry agent, the process typically takes 4-6 weeks.
This includes the time for the Registrar of Motor Vehicle Services to review and approve your application. If your plate message is denied, you will be notified and can submit a new application with a different message.
Once approved, your custom plates are ordered and manufactured. They are then mailed directly to the address on your vehicle registration. You will receive a notification when your plates have shipped.
If you have not received your plates within six weeks, contact the registry agent where you submitted your application for assistance.
What Is Required To Order A Custom License Plate In Alberta?
To order a custom license plate in Alberta, you will need to provide:
• A completed New Application for a Personalized License Plate form
• Proof of identity, such as an Alberta driver's license or ID card
• A copy of your current vehicle registration
• Proof of valid Alberta vehicle insurance
• Payment for the applicable personalized plate fees
You must visit an authorized Alberta registry agent to submit your application and supporting documents. The registry agent will verify your information and submit your request to the Registrar of Motor Vehicle Services for approval.
It's important to note that not all personalized plate messages will be approved. The message must comply with the province's regulations.
What Types Of Custom License Plates Are Available In Alberta?
Alberta offers several types of custom license plates from which residents can choose. These include:
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Regular personalized plates: These allow for a combination of up to seven letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens.
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Calgary Flames plates: Feature the Calgary Flames logo and allow for up to five characters.
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Edmonton Oilers plates: Display the Edmonton Oilers logo and allow for up to five characters.
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Support Our Troops plates: Include a yellow ribbon symbol and the text "Support Our Troops". Allows for up to five characters.
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Alberta Parks plates: Showcase the beauty of Alberta's provincial parks and support conservation efforts. Allows for up to five characters.
Each plate type has specific formatting requirements and additional fees.
What Is Prohibited From Being Displayed On Custom License Plates In Alberta?
Alberta has several restrictions on what can be displayed on custom license plates. The Traffic Safety Act prohibits any plate message that:
• Contains profane, obscene, or offensive language
• Promotes hatred, violence, or discrimination
• References illegal activity, substances, or paraphernalia
• Contains political slogans or messages
• Uses symbols or punctuation marks in a misleading way
• Closely resembles an existing plate format or identifier
The Registrar of Motor Vehicle Services reviews each personalized plate application and can deny any inappropriate or misleading message.
If a plate message is rejected, the applicant will be notified and can submit a new application with a different message.
Can I Sell My Personalized License Plate In Alberta?
No, personalized license plates cannot be sold or transferred between individuals in Alberta. The Traffic Safety Act specifies that custom plates are issued to a specific registered vehicle and owner.
If a vehicle with personalized plates is sold, the plates must be removed and returned to an Alberta registry agent. The original plate owner can then choose to either:
• Cancel the plates and receive a refund for any remaining full months of the registration period or
• Transfer the plates to another vehicle registered in their name
Personalized plates cannot be transferred to a new owner as part of a vehicle sale. If desired, the new owner would need to apply for their own set of custom plates.
Suppose the original owner no longer wishes to use the personalized message. In that case, the plates can be cancelled, and the message will become available for other Albertans to use after a holding period.