What Is Vehicle Registration In Alberta?
Vehicle registration in Alberta is a mandatory legal requirement for all vehicles operating on public roadways within the province. This process is governed by the Motor Vehicle Administration Act, RSA 2000, c M-23 and administered through authorized registry agents acting on behalf of the Government of Alberta.
A Vehicle Registration Certificate serves as official documentation that provides:
• The name of the registered owner
• A complete description of the vehicle
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Licence plate type and number
• Registration validity period
The registration system ensures that all vehicles on Alberta's public roads maintain valid insurance coverage and meet provincial safety standards as outlined in the Traffic Safety Act, RSA 2000, c T-6.
Who Needs Vehicle Registration In Alberta?
Residents and Long-term Visitors
All Alberta residents must register their vehicles within 90 days of establishing residency in the province. This requirement applies regardless of where the vehicle was originally purchased or previously registered.
Age Requirements
• Individuals aged 18 and older can independently register a vehicle
• Persons under 18 who are not self-supporting or married must obtain parental or guardian consent
• The consenting parent or guardian must sign the consent at the registry agent office
Temporary Visitors Exemption
Individuals temporarily staying in Alberta for less than 183 days with vehicles registered in another jurisdiction are exempt from Alberta registration requirements, provided their out-of-province registration remains valid.
New Residents
New Alberta residents must change their vehicle registration to Alberta registration within 90 days of moving to the province, as required under provincial legislation.
What Types of Vehicles Need Registration In Alberta
Motor Vehicles
• Passenger cars and light trucks
• Motorcycles and mopeds
• Sport utility vehicles (SUVs)
• Vans and minivans
• Recreational vehicles (RVs)
• Motor homes
Commercial Vehicles
Alberta recognizes three classes of commercial vehicle registration:
Class 1 Commercial Vehicles
Used for:
• Transporting goods owned by the owner or another person for compensation
• Passenger transportation services including school bus, charter bus, and taxi operations
Class 2 Commercial Vehicles
Used for:
• Transporting goods within 10 kilometers of the registered address
• Operating provincially while conducting specific industry services
Class 3 Commercial Vehicles
Used for:
• Commercial vehicles registered to and operated by governments, municipalities, hospitals, school boards, or First Nations bands
• Cannot be used to transport another person's goods for compensation
Non-Motor Vehicles
• Trailers of all sizes and types
• Semi-trailers
• Travel trailers and camping trailers
Off-Highway Vehicles
• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
• Snowmobiles
• Off-road motorcycles
Vehicles Exempt From Registration In Alberta
Follow vehicles don't have to be registered in Alberta:
Vehicles Prohibited on Public Roads
The following miniature vehicles cannot be issued registration certificates and are prohibited from public road use under provincial regulations:
• Electric scooters
• Mini-bikes
• Small mopeds under standard size
• Three or four-wheeled miniature all-terrain vehicles
• Segways
• Golf carts
• Vehicles purchased solely for parts
Vehicles Exempt but Permitted on Public Roads
Certain specialized vehicles can operate on public roads without registration requirements:
• Heavy industrial equipment (tractors, backhoes, graders, street sweepers)
• Trailers with permanently attached equipment (air compressors, welders, tar buckets, concrete mixers, converter dollies, crushing equipment)
• Jeeps and boosters when not carrying loads
• Farming equipment used for agricultural purposes or livestock transport
• Mobile homes during transport
Military and Emergency Vehicle Exemptions
Special exemptions apply to military vehicles and emergency response vehicles as defined in the Traffic Safety Act, subject to specific operational conditions and authorizations.
What Do You Need To Register a Vehicle In Alberta
Registering a vehicle in Alberta requires specific documentation, inspections where applicable, and fee payments that must be completed during the registration process:
Essential Documentation
Proof of Ownership
• Bill of sale (original signed document required)
• Lease agreement
• Probated will
• Letters of administration
• Previous registration certificate (for transfers)
Insurance Requirements
• Valid Alberta insurance certificate (pink card)
• Insurance must include the name(s) of the person(s) requesting registration
• Insurance must be valid on the registration date
Personal Identification
• Valid government-issued photo identification
• Alberta driver's licence (preferred)
• Alberta identification card
• Other acceptable government identification
Additional Requirements for Specific Situations
Out-of-Province Vehicles
• Out-of-province inspection certificate (if applicable)
• New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) for new vehicles
• Commercial inspection certificate (for commercial vehicles)
• Salvage inspection certificate (for rebuilt vehicles)
• Transport Canada Vehicle Import Form (Form 1)
• RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) documentation
• Import exemption letter (if applicable)
• Customs clearance documentation
Commercial Vehicle Registration
Additional documentation required for commercial vehicles includes:
• Safety fitness certificate
• Commercial vehicle inspection certificate
• Operating authority documentation
• Carrier profile information
Third-Party Registration
When registering on behalf of another person, the representative must provide:
• Completed Authorization for Vehicle Services form (REG0169)
• Valid Alberta driver's licence or identification card
• All standard registration documents belonging to the vehicle owner
Where To Register Your Vehicle In Alberta
Vehicle registration services in Alberta are provided exclusively through authorized registry agents located throughout the province. The Government of Alberta does not operate direct service centers for vehicle registration.
Primary Registry Service Providers
Alberta Motor Association (AMA)
Multiple locations across Alberta
Phone: (866) 989-6370
Official Website: Alberta Motor Association
AMA operates 17 centres across Alberta, providing comprehensive registry services including vehicle registration, licensing, and testing services.
Major Registry Agent Locations
Calgary Region
A Plus Registry Services
114-3604 52 Ave NW
Calgary, AB T2L 1V9
Phone: (403) 288-3333
Official Website: A Plus Registry
Richmond Road Registry
3902 Richmond Road SW
Calgary, AB T3E 4N1
Phone: (403) 246-0130
Official Website: Richmond Road Registry
AMA Calgary Crowfoot
220 Crowfoot Crescent NW
Calgary, AB T3G 3N5
Phone: (866) 989-6370
AMA Calgary Shawville
600-85 Shawville Boulevard SE
Calgary, AB T2Y 3W5
Phone: (866) 989-6370
Edmonton Region
Abbey Road Registries
13322-118 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5L 2L8
Phone: (780) 420-1234
Official Website: Abbey Road Registry
Accu-Search Registry
215 Edmonton City Centre, 10205-101 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 2Y9
Phone: (780) 990-0092
Official Website: Accu-Search Registry
AMA Edmonton Kingsway
11220 109 Street
Edmonton, AB T5G 2T6
Phone: (866) 989-6370
Capilano Registry
Unit 160, 5055-101 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T6A 0G7
Phone: (780) 465-8989
Official Website: Capilano Registry
Northern Alberta
AMA Grande Prairie
11401 99 Street
Grande Prairie, AB T8V 2H6
Phone: (866) 989-6370
AMA Fort McMurray
4 Hospital Street
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 5E4
Phone: (866) 989-6370
Southern Alberta
AMA Lethbridge
120 Scenic Drive South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4R4
Phone: (866) 989-6370
AMA Medicine Hat
2710 13 Avenue SE
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3P8
Phone: (866) 989-6370
AMA Red Deer
141, 2004 - 50 Avenue
Red Deer, AB T4R 3A2
Phone: (866) 989-6370
Finding Registry Agents
To locate the nearest registry agent, use the official Government of Alberta registry agent locator tool at Find a Registry Agent. This comprehensive database includes contact information, addresses, and services offered by all authorized registry agents across the province.
Government Contact Information
Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
Consumer Contact Centre
Phone: 780-427-4088 (Edmonton area)
Toll-free: 1-877-427-4088 (other Alberta areas)
Toll-free within Alberta: 310-0000 then 780-427-7013
Official Website: Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
Motor Vehicle Information Services
Phone: 780-427-7013
Hours: 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM (Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Official Website: Motor Vehicle Information
Registry agents provide essential government services including vehicle registration, driver licensing and testing, personal property searches, and various other administrative functions as authorized under Alberta's registry system legislation.
Related pages:
Renew Motor Vehicle Registration
2-Year Vehicle Registration Cost
Register an Out of Province Vehicle in Alberta
Non-Resident Vehicle Registration
Insurance for a Vehicle Registration
Drive a Car From Another Province
Penalty for Driving Without Registration
Vehicle Registration with Outstanding Fines
Sell a Car Without Registration
Registering a Vehicle With Two Names
Transfer Car Registration From Alberta to Another Province
Safety Inspection When Registering a Vehicle
Change Information on a Vehicle Permit
Difference Between a Car Title and Registration