What Is License Plate Replacement In Alberta?
License plate replacement in Alberta refers to obtaining new license plates when the current plates are lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use. In Alberta, license plates are issued by authorized registry agents on behalf of the provincial government.
When Do You Need To Replace Your Alberta License Plate?
You must replace your Alberta license plates if they are:
• Lost or stolen
• Damaged to the point of being illegible
• No longer reflective at night
• The license plate numbers or letters are peeling off
Under the Traffic Safety Act, operating a vehicle without clearly visible and legible license plates is illegal. Failure to replace a damaged or missing plate can result in fines if you are pulled over by law enforcement.
How Can You Get A Replacement License Plate In Alberta?
To get a replacement license plate in Alberta, visit any authorized registry agent's office. You will need to:
• Present a valid Alberta driver's license or identification card
• Provide proof of valid Alberta automobile insurance
• Surrender any remaining plate if requesting a replacement for a set
• Pay the applicable replacement fee
• Fill out a License Plate Cancellation Declaration form
If your plates were stolen, it is recommended that you file a police report and bring a copy when requesting replacements. This can help protect you if the stolen plates are used illegally.
Where Can You Replace A License Plate In Alberta?
You can replace a license plate at any authorized Alberta registry agent's office, which has over 200 locations across the province.
Contact your local registry agent to confirm hours of operation and payment methods accepted. Most accept cash, debit, and major credit cards.
Can You Replace An Alberta License Plate Online?
No, you cannot replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Alberta license plate online. You must obtain replacement plates in person from an authorized registry agent.
When Must You Replace Your License Plate In Alberta?
You must replace your Alberta license plates when they become lost, stolen, or damaged to the point of being illegible. The Traffic Safety Act requires all vehicles to display license plates that are visible, legible, and reflective.
Additionally, you should replace your plates if:
• The reflective coating has worn off, making them hard to read at night
• Any of the letters or numbers have peeled off
• The plate has been significantly bent or mutilated
Driving with damaged or obscured plates can result in fines if pulled over by police. The vehicle owner is responsible for ensuring their plates are always in good, readable condition.
Do You Need Insurance To Get Replacement Plates In Alberta?
Yes, you must present proof of valid Alberta automobile insurance when obtaining replacement license plates at a registry agent.
Your insurance card should display:
• The same name as the registered owner of the vehicle
• A policy expiration date that is after the current date
• The same vehicle make and model as the registration certificate
If you cannot provide valid proof of insurance, the registry agent cannot issue you replacement plates. Driving in Alberta without insurance is illegal and can result in significant fines.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A License Plate In Alberta?
The cost of replacing a license plate in Alberta depends on whether you are replacing a single plate or a set. As of 2023, the fees are:
• $28 for a single replacement plate
• $28 for a replacement set of plates
These fees are set by the Government of Alberta and are collected by registry agents on behalf of the province. Fees are subject to change, so it's best to contact your local registry agent for the most up-to-date pricing.
If you are replacing your plates due to theft, some registry agents may waive the replacement fee if you provide a copy of the police report. However, this is at the discretion of each registry agent.
How Long Does It Take To Get Replacement License Plates In Alberta?
You will usually receive your replacement license plates immediately when you visit an Alberta registry agent's office. The registry agent can issue your new plates on the spot after you have provided the required documentation and paid the replacement fee.
However, in some instances, the registry agent may need to order your plates. This can occur if they still need your specific plate type or configuration in stock. If your plates need to be ordered, the registry agent will provide a temporary permit allowing you to drive your vehicle in the interim legally.
Ordered replacement plates typically arrive at the registry agent within 3-5 business days. You will be notified when your plates are ready for pickup. Be sure to promptly affix your new plates to your vehicle and dispose of any old plates appropriately.