New Savings for Seniors: 25% Discount on Alberta Personal Registry Services Seniors can start worrying a little less about stretching their budgets when it comes to Alberta personal registry services. On April 1, 2024, the Alberta Government introduced discounts for seniors aged 65 and older, offering 25% off on personal registry services. Eligible Savings for Seniors The 25% discount is applicable to many key services often accessed by Alberta seniors. This includes but is not limited to: Driver’s licence renewals Knowledge and road tests Disability placards Driver’s abstracts Vehicle registrations Licence plates Land titles Legal name changes Marriage, birth, and death certificates It’s important to note that these discounts don’t apply to any corporate or business services, commercial vehicle registrations, or personal property services. Furthermore, any fees or fines resulting from traffic safety violations or other punitive measures do not qualify for senior discounts. How to Access Senior Discounts on Alberta Personal Registry Services Accessing discounts at registries in Edmonton or throughout Alberta is simple. Alberta residents aged 65 and older are eligible to receive the discount, which the registry agent automatically applies, at the point of sale. To access Alberta personal registry services in Edmonton, visit Registrations Are Us at 16658 109 Ave. NW or contact us for more information.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Conducting a Personal Property Lien Search When you’re conducting a large transaction involving personal property, such as a vehicle or high-value household items, it’s important to first conduct a personal property lien search to ensure the legal owner or debtor can legally sell or borrow funds against the property, as well assess any potential risks involved in purchasing or lending money with the property as collateral. However, navigating these searches demands precision, as any incorrect or missing information can deliver incorrect results and, ultimately, substantial repercussions. In this blog, we’ll discuss the most common mistakes people make when conducting personal property lien searches in Alberta and how you can avoid making these critical errors. Failing to Expand Search Parameters Conducting a search that focuses solely on the owner or debtor’s name may turn up incomplete or inaccurate results. Instead, expand your search parameters to include common nicknames, alternate spellings, abbreviations, and even typos to ensure you uncover any security interests or registered liens against the property in question. Neglecting Jurisdictional Differences Every jurisdiction has its own rules when it comes to lien filings, so it’s important to understand the unique requirements governing personal property liens in Alberta. There are many situations in which a lien can be registered against a property in Alberta, including: Unpaid child or spousal support Unpaid debts to creditors or the CRA Unpaid debts to a contractor who’s performed labour or service on a property Matrimonial interest appointed by the court To have a lien removed from the property, the debtor must clear all related debts. For example, if a contractor has placed a lien on the property for unpaid services, that bill must be paid in full to have the lien removed. Relying Only on Online Searches Online databases can be a helpful tool for conducting personal property lien searches in Alberta; however, they’re not the only option. For complete, accurate results, supplement online database searches with a personal property lien search provided by Registrations Are Us. Skipping Due Diligence on Debtor Information Having inaccurate information about the debtor you’re searching can make it difficult to retrieve complete results when conducting a lien search. Before ordering a personal property lien search, take time to conduct due diligence, verifying their legal name, address, and other identifying information. Get the Complete Picture with a Personal Property Lien Search from Registrations Are Us Conducting personal property lien searches requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of personal property liens in Alberta. It’s easy to make these common mistakes if you’re not careful, but with the right preparation and information in hand, you’ll be able to effectively conduct a personal property lien search that delivers accurate, comprehensive results. For help with personal property lien searches in Alberta, reach out to Registrations Are Us in Edmonton. Visit us in person at 16658 109 Ave NW or contact us for more information.
Why You Should Use a Car Rental for Your Road Test If you’re planning to take your Class 5 road test in the near future, it’s important to plan ahead—especially if you can’t or won’t be bringing your own vehicle and require a car rental for your road test. That means booking your test ahead of time, and if you’re using our road test rental car, confirming that it’s available to reserve at the time of your test. At Registrations Are Us, we’re happy to provide you with a clean, reliable vehicle that you can take your test with. Why You Should Use a Road Test Rental Car While taking a test in your own vehicle is never a bad idea, those who don’t have access to a vehicle, as well as those looking for the added convenience of testing in a rental car, can benefit from using our vehicle in several ways: Automatic transmission provides a comfortable, easy drive. Frequent inspections ensure the vehicle is safe. You’re covered by our insurance for the duration of your test. Reserve Your Road Test Rental Car from Registrations Are Us Are you in need of a road test rental car for your Class 5 road test? At Registrations Are Us, we can provide you with a 2026 Honda HRV at the most affordable rates. Our vehicle is clean, in good condition, and features an automatic transmission to ensure an easy and comfortable testing experience. To reserve our car rental for your road test, simply request a rental car when you book your road test. Need help? Contact us for more information.
How to Process a Corporate Name Change in Alberta If you’re a business owner, there may come a time when you need to process a corporate name change in Alberta. To do this, you’ll need to visit Registrations Are Us or another Alberta Registry location with several things in hand: One piece of government-issued photo identification A completed Articles of Amendment form for your corporation An Alberta NUANS report that’s been completed within the last 90 days (which we can provide) Why You May Need to Change Your Corporate Name There are several reasons you may want to change your corporate name. In some cases, you may need to process a change of corporate name request in Alberta to cancel an additional form of your corporate name or to designate an additional form of your corporate name. In addition to adding or canceling additional corporate names, you may change the name of your corporation as part of a rebranding campaign or after a merger or business acquisition. Regardless of the reason for changing your business name, you’ll need to follow the same process. Obtaining a NUANS Report A Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search (NUANS) report is a detailed report that compares your proposed corporation or non-profit name with a database of registered provincial and federal corporation names. This report helps you determine if the proposed name you’ve selected for your corporation is available and valid. It also reserves the name for you for 90 days. You can obtain a NUANS Report directly from Registrations Are Us. Requesting a Corporate Name Change in Alberta While the name change process has several steps, it’s quite simple overall. Once you’ve obtained your NUANS report and determined that your desired name is available, you’ll need to submit your Articles of Amendment and the appropriate fees to our office for filing and await your Certificate of Amendment, which indicates that your legal name has been changed. While the time it takes to complete this process varies depending on how busy our office is and the accuracy of your documentation, it is typically completed within two business days. For speedy and reliable corporate name changes in Alberta, visit or contact Registrations Are Us.
What You Need to Know About Online Vehicle Registration in Edmonton Online vehicle registration offers a convenient way for drivers to ensure their vehicle is compliant with Alberta law from the comfort of their homes. This process simplifies the traditional method of visiting a registry office in person, saving time and offering more flexibility in when and how you complete the registration process. Whether you’re registering a brand new vehicle or renewing registration on your current one, understanding the requirements of vehicle registration is important. This guide helps you understand everything you need to know about online vehicle registration in Edmonton. Requirements for Online Vehicle Registration When you’re registering a brand-new vehicle, there are several documents you’ll need to complete the process. Bill of sale or lease agreement: Ensure that the bill or sale or lease agreement contains detailed information about the vehicle and the transaction. Proof of insurance: Your insurance must be valid, and the coverage must meet Alberta regulations. Photo identification: You’ll need to provide a driver’s licence, passport, or government-issued photo ID. New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS): If the vehicle you’re registering is brand new, you’ll need the NVIS from the manufacturer or dealer. This should include information such as the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN). Additionally, if you’re registering a vehicle for yourself and are under 18 years of age, you’ll need to provide written consent from a parent or guardian. Steps for Online Vehicle Registration in Edmonton Registering your vehicle online is a simple, straightforward process that can be done using your alberta.ca account. Before you begin, make sure to gather the following: Your alberta.ca account login The required documents listed above Your debit or credit card for payment You’ll be asked to select a preferred registry when you log in. By choosing Registrations Are Us, you’ll ensure that you have our support in following up on your registration and ensuring it’s been completed successfully. After completing the transaction, you’ll receive proof of renewal via email. Retain this for your records.If you need more information about how to register your vehicle online, or you’d prefer to complete your vehicle registration in person, Registrations Are Us can help. Contact us today for more information.
How to Renew Your Driver’s Licence in Edmonton More than half a million driver’s licence renewals in Alberta are processed yearly. For drivers, renewing their licence on time is necessary to avoid suspension or fines, and those fines can cause insurance premiums to rise, making for a very expensive mistake. Thankfully, the renewal process is straightforward if you’re prepared. Alberta licences expire every one to five years and can be renewed up to one year in advance, giving drivers a buffer to maintain their legal driving status. There’s also a six-month grace period after the expiry date, allowing drivers to renew without retesting; however, driving isn’t permitted with an expired licence until the renewal has been completed. Drivers who wait longer than six months to renew are required to re-apply for their licence and take their driver’s test again. Driver’s Licence Renewal Eligibility Eligibility hinges on Alberta residency, age, and licence class specifics. For instance, commercial licences require in-person renewal, whereas classes 3, 5, 6, and 7 can be renewed online as long as the licence hasn’t expired yet and there aren’t any changes to the name, address, or medical conditions. Documents required to renew your licence include your current licence or passport, a secondary ID to corroborate your identity, and proof of Alberta residency. Renewal fees vary depending on the term length. Seniors who are aged 75 and older must renew every two years and submit a medical report to confirm that they’ll be safe on the road. The Renewal Process: Online vs. In Person The renewal process differs slightly between online and in-person options. Online renewal offers convenience and typically costs less, but as mentioned earlier, it’s limited to non-expired licences without changes. In-person renewal is necessary if you’ve moved, changed your name, or been diagnosed with a new medical condition that affects your driving. Efficient Driver’s Licence Renewals in Edmonton If your licence is expiring this year, renewing before the expiry date is in your best interest. Before you visit the registry for your renewal, ensure you’ve prepared your necessary documents, including a medical report if you’re aged 75 or older. For fast, efficient driver’s licence renewals in Edmonton, visit Registrations Are Us at 16658 109 Ave NW or contact us for more information.
How to Transfer Your Vehicle Registration in Alberta Transferring your vehicle registration in Alberta is a common process if you’re replacing an old vehicle with a new one or if you’ve got a vehicle you’re no longer using. This guide will help you understand how to transfer a vehicle registration. Understanding Vehicle Registration Transfer Transferring your vehicle’s registration means you’re moving the registration and licence plate from one vehicle to another. This is a necessary process if you’ve purchased a new car. While the process is streamlined and relatively simple, it does require you to have the right documentation. If your previous vehicle’s registration is valid, you have 14 days to transfer the plate to a new vehicle. Acting within this timeframe is important, or you may risk fines. Required Documents to Transfer a Vehicle Registration To transfer your registration to a new vehicle, you’ll need several documents in hand: Proof of ownership: This can be a bill of sale or a lease agreement. Proof of insurance: You must present a current and valid pink card in the same name as your vehicle registration. Photo ID: Valid photo ID such as a passport or a driver’s licence is required. New vehicle information statement (NVIS): If you’ve just purchased a new vehicle from a dealership, you’ll need to provide the original NVIS that came with the vehicle. If your previous vehicle was registered to more than one person, both signatures will be required to transfer the registration. Vehicle Registration Services at Registrations Are Us To transfer a vehicle registration, visit Registrations Are Us in person. Our agents will happily guide you through the process and help you ensure your transfer is completed efficiently. Whether you’ve purchased a brand-new car or are simply changing to a vehicle that better suits your needs, transferring your registration is vital. For more information on our vehicle registration services, contact Registrations Are Us.
How to Obtain Your Class 7 Learner’s Licence in Alberta The road to obtaining your learner’s licence can feel complex, but it can be a simple process with clear information and a little preparation. In this post, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about obtaining your learner’s licence in Alberta. Understanding the Class 7 Learner’s Licence Alberta’s class 7 learner’s licence gives new drivers the opportunity to learn how to drive and obtain real-world experience. Knowing the details of how the licensing process works is important for all new drivers in Alberta. Eligibility To apply for your Alberta class 7 learner’s licence, you must meet these requirements: At least 14 years of age Parental consent for drivers under 18 Provide proof of Canadian residency (legal presence) Provide proof of Alberta residency, such as a bank statement / utility bill or lease agreement Application Process When you’re ready to apply for your learner’s licence, here’s what to expect: Provide identification and consent: Visit Registrations Are Us and provide our agents with acceptable identification, such as a passport or government-issued identification card. If you’re under 18, ensure you have a parent or legal guardian with you to provide consent. Take the knowledge test: You’ll be required to pass a knowledge test on road rules and safety. Take a vision test: The registry agent will ask you to take a short vision test to ensure you’re able to meet driving standards. Pay the fee: You’ll be required to pay a fee for taking the test and an additional fee to have your learner’s licence issued if you pass. Preparing for the Knowledge Test The knowledge test will ask you a series of questions about road signs, traffic laws, vehicle operations, and safe driving. You can access study guides and practice tests on the Alberta Government website. After the Test Once you’ve passed the knowledge and vision test, a registry agent will issue you a paper copy of your class 7 learner’s licence—your licence card will arrive in the mail one to two weeks later. Your licence will be subject to several restrictions, such as having a licenced driver over 18 in the vehicle with you at all times and zero tolerance for alcohol. It’s important to practice often and ensure you’re always driving safely. At Registrations Are Us, we’re pleased to provide you with testing services for your class 7 learner’s licence. Visit us in person to take your test, or contact us for more information.
Different Types of Personal Property Lien Searches in Alberta A lien search can help you determine if someone has a legal claim against a property in Alberta. You may want to search your own property if you’re suspicious that someone’s placed a personal property lien against it, or you may want to search someone else’s property that you’re considering purchasing to ensure they’re legally entitled to complete the sale. In Alberta, you can conduct several types of personal property lien searches. Search for Business Name A business name search helps you locate securities filed against the business name, including personal property liens. When conducting a business name search, the full legal business name must be used, or the search may return inaccurate information. Search for Individual Name A search for an individual name returns details on any securities charged against a person, including personal property liens. This type of personal property lien search is most successful when using the person’s full legal name and date of birth; however, the date of birth is not required to conduct the search. Serial Number Search If you’re interested in uncovering any liens against a vehicle or another piece of personal property, a serial number search can return that information. To conduct this search, you’ll need the serial number and a detailed description of the item you’re searching. Why Are Liens Placed on Personal Property? In Alberta, liens can be placed on a property when the owner has an outstanding debt on funds owed in relation to the property. That might include money owed on a vehicle or repairs/modifications conducted on it, or money owed to a contractor who’s completed work on a home and not received full payment. The property acts as collateral for the debt, ensuring the creditor is able to recoup their funds. What Happens if There’s a Lien on Personal Property? If there’s a lien placed on personal property, the person or business that’s filed the lien is granted possession or partial ownership of that property until the lien is removed. In the event money owed is not paid to the creditor, they have the right to seize and sell the property to cover any outstanding debt. Conduct a Personal Property Lien Search If you need to conduct a personal property lien search, Registrations Are Us can help. The Alberta Personal Property System is available to conduct searches during designated business hours, Monday through Sunday. Conduct your search online or contact us for help.
How to Incorporate Your Business in Alberta Incorporating your business is an important step that protects your personal assets and can help legitimize your business. As the head of an incorporated business, creditors who’ve loaned money to your business can’t go after your home, vehicle, or other personal property to cover business debts, even if your business defaults on its obligations. At Registrations Are Us, we can walk you through how to incorporate a business in Alberta and help you complete and submit documentation to finalize the process. Determine Your Business Entity Type The type of entity you choose determines how your company is structured and how it operates. In Alberta, the types of business entities you can incorporate include: Sole proprietorship: A business owned by a single person. Partnership: A business where two or more people share the business equally, including ownership, profit, loss, and work responsibilities. Limited liability partnership: A partnership in which one partner is not responsible for the negligence, wrongdoing, or misconduct of another. Corporation: A business that’s registered as an independent entity/its own person, giving it the power to buy, sell, and own assets. Choose Your Business Name Your business needs to be unique, which means it can’t be shared with any other names in Alberta. To ensure your name is available, you’ll need to purchase a Newly Upgraded Automated Name Search (NUANS) report from Registrations Are Us, which will provide you with a list of registered business names and trademarks with similar names. Your business name will need to include an appropriate description and legal designation. For example, if your business is incorporated as a limited liability partnership, you’ll want to include the abbreviation LLP at the end of the name. File Your Articles of Incorporation Your Articles of Incorporation is a document that outlines the rules governing your business. It should include any relevant regulations, the business’s purpose, and vital information such as: The registered business address Names of directors The nationality of your board of directors Registrations Are Us can help you complete and file your Articles of Incorporation once you’ve selected and verified the eligibility of your business name. Incorporate Your Business in Edmonton You can apply for incorporation in Edmonton at Registrations Are Us. Our helpful agents will give you the information and assistance you need to complete the process with ease. Visit Registrations Are Us at 16658 109 Ave NW or contact us for more information.