How To Register an Out of Province Vehicle In Alberta?
Vehicle registration in Alberta is regulated under the Motor Vehicle Administration Act, RSA 2000, c M-23, which establishes the legal requirements for all motor vehicle registrations in the province.
If you are temporarily staying in Alberta for less than 183 days with a vehicle registered in another jurisdiction, registration is not required. However, new Alberta residents must change their registration to an Alberta registration within 90 days of moving to Alberta.
Essential Documentation Requirements
To register an out-of-province vehicle in Alberta, you must provide the following documentation to an authorized registry agent:
• Proof of ownership document - bill of sale, lease agreement, probated will, letters of administration, or previous provincial registration
• Valid Alberta automobile insurance - proof must include the name(s) of the person(s) requesting registration
• Out-of-Province Vehicle Inspection Certificate - completed by an authorized Alberta inspection facility
• Acceptable government-issued identification - Alberta driver's licence or Alberta identification card
• Proof of Alberta residency - utility bills, rental agreements, or similar documentation
Out-of-Province Vehicle Inspection Process
The out-of-province inspection is a critical component of the registration process, designed to ensure vehicles meet Alberta's safety and equipment standards. This inspection must be conducted by a journeyperson technician licensed by the Vehicle Inspection Program.
Step-by-Step Inspection Process
Step 1: Request Inspection Form Visit any authorized Alberta Registry agent to purchase a 'Request for Vehicle Inspection Form'. This form verifies the vehicle's status and does not expire, though it must be presented to the inspection facility.
Step 2: Vehicle Inspection Present your vehicle and the Request for Vehicle Inspection Form to an authorized inspection facility. The inspection typically takes up to 2 hours but may vary based on vehicle type. Inspection facilities determine their own costs and must post these fees visibly.
Step 3: Complete Repairs (if necessary) If your vehicle fails inspection, repairs must be completed within 10 days of the original inspection date. After this timeframe, a full re-inspection is required. Repairs can be completed at any facility of your choosing.
Step 4: Present Certificate to Registry Agent Upon passing inspection, you will receive an Out-of-Province Vehicle Inspection Certificate and Record of Inspection. This certificate must be presented to an Alberta Registry agent within 14 days of completion. Certificates presented after the 14-day limit will not be accepted, requiring a new inspection.
Inspection Exemptions
Certain vehicles may be exempt from out-of-province inspection requirements:
• New vehicles - may qualify for exemption based on sale date, mileage, and purchase location
• Off-highway vehicles - ATVs and snowmobiles
• Prorate commercial vehicles - specific commercial transport vehicles
• Trailers - under certain circumstances
Required Forms and Documentation
Authorization for Vehicle Services Form (REG0169) When registering a vehicle on behalf of another person, complete the Authorization for Vehicle Services form. This form must be signed by the vehicle owner and presented along with the authorized person's valid Alberta identification.
Request for Vehicle Inspection Form Available at any Alberta Registry agent, this form initiates the out-of-province inspection process. The form is required for all inspection facilities and can be downloaded from Alberta Transportation or obtained directly from registry agents.
Motor Vehicle Inspection Reports
Various inspection forms are available depending on vehicle type:
• Motor Vehicle Record of Inspection
• Truck Record of Inspection
• Motorcycle Record of Inspection