New to Alberta? Here’s How to Register an Out-of-Province Vehicle December 12th, 2025 • 4 min read Moving to Alberta from another province is a big decision that comes with a number of considerations, particularly if you’re planning to bring your vehicle with you. To ensure your out-of-province vehicle complies with provincial standards and is properly registered, you’ll want to know the necessary steps and requirements. In this blog, we’ll look at important steps and measures to take when registering an out-of-province vehicle: Required Documents for Registration To register an out-of-province vehicle in Alberta, you’ll need: Out-of-Province Vehicle Inspection Certificate: Have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic authorized to perform Alberta’s out-of-province inspections. Alberta Auto Insurance: Secure valid auto insurance from an Alberta-licensed provider. Proof of Ownership: Provide documents such as a bill of sale, lease agreement, or previous registration that verify your ownership. Alberta Photo Identification: Present a valid Alberta driver’s license or another form of government-issued photo ID. Inspection Requirements When bringing a vehicle into Alberta, it must undergo an out-of-province vehicle inspection prior to registration to ensure it meets provincial safety and equipment standards. That said, newer vehicles last registered in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba be exempt if: They are less than four years old Have fewer than 5,000 km Are accompanied by a bill of sale or lease agreement dated within the last 90 days Are not commercially registered Are currently registered in your own name You do not require an out-of-province inspection for a trailer or off-highway vehicle. For detailed information on other exemptions, refer to the Government of Alberta’s guidelines. Obtaining a License Plate Once your out-of-province vehicle has passed the necessary inspection, if required, and you have gathered your documentation, visit Registrations Are Us for your license plate. Submit your documents, pay the applicable fees, and you’ll be issued an Alberta license plate and registration certificate. Out-of-Province Vehicle Registration: Why is it Important? Registering your out-of-province vehicle is required by law. Beyond that, it also ensures your vehicle meets Alberta’s safety standards. After registering your vehicle, you’ll qualify for Alberta license plates, which are necessary for all motor vehicles operating on public roads in Alberta. Simplify the Process: Call Registrations Are Us Registering an out-of-province vehicle in Alberta can be complex, particularly with varying regulations across Canada. To simplify the process, visit Registrations Are Us. We’ll ensure you take the necessary steps to register your vehicle so you can get back on the road. Contact Registrations Are Us for more information, or visit us in person to register your out-of-province vehicle.
