Register an out-of-province vehicle

When bringing a vehicle from out of province, it must be registered within 90 days of the date the owner took up residence in Alberta.

When you enter Canada, the Canadian Border Services Agency will provide you with a Vehicle Import Form - Form 1. Keep this form in your vehicle until it is licensed.

Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) inspection

• The RIV will forward you an inspection form by e-mail, fax, or postal mail - depending on the communication method you have requested.
• The inspection form contains all the information you will need to determine exactly what modifications are needed to pass the RIV inspection. 
• If modifications are required, you will need to have them done and inspected at a
  federal inspection location.

Once your vehicle has passed the federal inspection, the inspection centre will stamp your Vehicle Import Form - Form 1.

The Form 1 document must have 2 stamps:

•  At the top from the Canadian Border Services Office
• In either section 16 or 17

Approximately 1 week after successfully passing the federal inspection, the Registrar of Imported Vehicles will send you a Canadian certification label with instructions on where to attach it to your vehicle.

For additional information about this process, visit the Registrar of Imported Vehicles.

An Out of Province Vehicle Inspection is needed before you register your vehicle in Alberta.

Step 1:

• Purchase your Out of Province Vehicle Inspection Request form from any AMA Registries office. You require proof of ownership of the vehicle - Bill of sale or Certificate of Title, and the Import Form 1 when requesting the inspection form.

Step 2:

• Contact a mechanic for an appointment and provide the out of province inspection form at time of inspection. Find a vehicle inspection centre near you.

Step 3:

• Once completed, the technician will give you the Out of Province Vehicle Inspection Certificate. The certificate is valid for 14 days from the date shown under Date of Completion.

Inspection exceptions

You do not require an Out of Province inspection for a trailer or off-highway vehicle.

If you have questions about your new-to-Alberta vehicle, call us 1-866-989-6370.

 

Inspection tips

• Ensure that the vehicle is inspected at a facility that is licensed to do the Out of Province inspection.
• The Alberta Transportation website has 3 types of vehicle inspections. Make sure you select Out of Province inspection, not Commercial or Salvage.
• Phone ahead to make an appointment.

• Auto insurance is available through AMA Insurance and private insurance companies.
• Alberta does not have a government auto insurance plan.

Switching to Alberta auto insurance

Provide the following:

• Your prior auto insurance policy information, including:
• Insurance company name 
• Policy number and date of expiry 
• Name of insured 
• Proof of valid drivers licence to operate a private passenger vehicle in Canada. 
• Driver's abstract from the Motor Vehicle Division of your previous Canadian or U.S.A. jurisdiction and a letter of experience from your insurance company / companies for all drivers who will be listed as operators of your vehicle. 
• Driver training certification, if a driver education course was taken. 
• Vehicle bill of sale / previous registration. 
• Name, address and postal code of your lien holder or leasing company, if applicable. 
• Proof of payment if you owe money to another automobile insurer.

Older vehicle required documentation

• If you are insuring a vehicle that is 12 years of age or older, the AMA (and most other insurance companies) require an approved motor vehicle inspection report within 14 days of the start of your policy.
• A passing approved vehicle inspection report is required before you are able to purchase physical damage coverage on the vehicle. We will accept a photocopy of the passing Alberta vehicle inspection certificate.
• If you are required to have an out-of-province inspection for registration purposes this is generally accepted for insurance as well.

Providing this information could mean substantial savings in your auto insurance premiums.

Moving to Alberta from overseas

• You do not require a driver's abstract and letter of experience, as they are not recognized by AMA Insurance due to differences in driving laws and conditions in other countries.
• You will still need your driver's licence and/or international driving permit if you intend to insure a vehicle before obtaining an Alberta driver's licence.

For more information on auto insurance, contact AMA Insurance at 1-800-615-5897, visit us in Centre, or request an online quote.