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.
  1. 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.
  1. ID:
  • Alberta driver's license, passport, or PR card.
  1. Inspection results (if applicable):
  • Out-of-Province Inspection.
  • Has “salvage” status.

For new vehicles:

  • 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

  • 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

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

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.