How to register a car after purchase?

Registering a vehicle after purchase in Calgary is a mandatory step for legal use of the vehicle. The process includes gathering documents, paying fees, and complying with Alberta provincial regulations. Below is a step-by-step guide with the current requirements.

1. Prepare documents

Required documents:

1. Bill of Sale:

• Must include the VIN, price, date of transaction, and signatures of the seller and buyer.
• For private transactions, notarization is not required.

2. Insurance:

• The policy must include Third-Party Liability (from $200,000) and Accident Benefits.
• “Pink Card” – proof of insurance with the names of the owners.

3. ID:

• Alberta driver's license, passport, or PR card.

4. Inspection results (if applicable):

• Out-of-Province Inspection.
• Has “salvage” status.

For new vehicles:

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• New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) from the dealer.

2. Registration process

Step 1: Visit a registration center

List of centers: AMA, Registry Express.

Step 2: Submit documents

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• The registrar will check the VIN, the condition of the car, and the presence of any debts (through the Personal Property Registry).

Step 3: Pay the fees

• Passenger car: $93 CAD/year.
• Motorcycle: $54 CAD/year.
• Electric vehicle: +$200 CAD/year (from 2025).

Step 4: Obtain documents

• Registration certificate: Contains owner information, VIN, license plates.
• License plates: Issued on site.

3. Special cases

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Cars from other provinces

• Inspection: Performed by a certified mechanic (cost: $150–275 CAD).
• Deadline: Registration within 14 days after inspection.

Electric vehicles

• Additional fee: $200 CAD/year (from 2025) due to no fuel tax.

For minors

• Parental consent: Required if the owner is under 18 years of age.

4. Online registration renewal

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After the initial registration, you can renew online via Alberta.ca:

• Conditions:
• No change of address or owner.
• Insurance valid.
• Cost: $93 CAD/year + service fee.

Late fees

• Up to 3 months: $310 CAD.
• Over 3 months: Confiscation of license plates + additional fees.

Tips

1. Check the VIN: Use Carfax to check for accident history.
2. Beware of “salvage” cars: They require additional inspection and have a lower value.
3. Keep receipts: For future renewal or sale.