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.


What you need to register your out-of-province vehicle and get Alberta licence plates

  • Vehicle Import Form 1 with 2 stamps (for vehicles imported into Canada only)
  • RIV inspection if required
  • Out of Province Vehicle Inspection Certificate
  • Alberta Auto Insurance
  • Proof of Ownership
  • Identification
  • AMA / CAA / AAA Membership Card


In order to complete these transactions, you must be a member in good standing with the AMA, CAA or AAA. Not a member? Join AMA now.


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 (for out of country vehicles only) 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. Make sure you select Out of Province inspection, not Commercial or Salvage.

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.


    You may not require an inspection for a passenger vehicle that meets the following criteria:


    New Vehicles (from within Canada)

    • Bill of Sale or Lease dated within 90 days
    • Mileage under 5000 km

    OR

    New Vehicles (from outside Canada)

    • Bill of Sale or Lease dated within 90 days
    • Original Certificate of Origin or State issued title
    • Form 1 import form
    • Mileage under 5000 km or 3107 miles

    Used Vehicles from within Canada

    • Government Inspection within 90 days from another Canadian jurisdiction (36 days for a vehicle from Ontario)

    Along with the information above, your vehicle must also be present at time of registration in order to have the serial number physically verified.

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

    • 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
    • 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) may require an approved motor vehicle inspection report within 14 days of the start of your policy.
    • A passing approved vehicle inspection report may be required before you are able to purchase physical damage coverage on the vehicle. If so, 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.