Cancelling Vehicle Registration When Moving Out of Alberta

Moving out of Alberta can be an exciting adventure, filled with new opportunities and experiences! However, before you set off to your new destination, there are a few important tasks to take care of.

One of those key things is cancelling your vehicle registration. Whether you’re moving to another province or even another country, ensuring your Alberta vehicle registration is cancelled will prevent you from being financially responsible for any further registration fees. It might sound complicated, but don’t worry—Riverbend Registry is here to make the process as smooth as possible!

Here’s your guide to cancelling your vehicle registration when moving out of Alberta.

6 Steps to Cancelling Vehicle Registration When Moving Out of Alberta

#1. Prepare Your Vehicle Documentation

Before heading to the registry, gather all necessary documents. You will need:

Your Alberta vehicle registration certificate – This shows your current vehicle registration.
Proof of identity – Government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport.
Proof of new residency – If you’re moving to another province, you may need to provide documentation proving your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.

#2. Exchange Your Alberta License Plate

If you’re moving to another province, you will likely need to exchange your Alberta license plate for one from the new province. This process is often part of registering your vehicle in your new province of residence. Once you’ve done this, you can begin the process of cancelling your Alberta registration. Remember, you’ll need to send your Alberta plates back to the registry to finalize the cancellation.

#3. Request a Refund for Your Vehicle Registration

When you cancel your registration, you may be eligible for a refund of the unused portion of your registration fees. Alberta offers this refund if you are moving out of the province and exchanging your plates. To claim the refund, follow these steps:

1. Write a letter – Send a letter to your local registry agent requesting the cancellation of your vehicle registration and the refund of any unused fees. This letter should include:

Your vehicle’s license plate number
The date of registration cancellation
Proof that you’ve exchanged your Alberta license plates for a new province’s plates

2. Submit your request – Drop off your letter at a registry agent or mail it to them.

Once the request is processed, your refund will be mailed to you.

#4. Visit Riverbend Registry

To cancel your registration officially, you’ll need to visit a local registry office. Some registry offices allow you to handle the cancellation and refund request online, but it’s always best to check with your specific location. You can start by visiting your local registry office or the Alberta government website to confirm what’s required.

#5. Confirm Cancellation and Refund

Once the cancellation has been processed, make sure to confirm that it has been completed. If you’re entitled to a refund, ensure that the refund has been issued. Alberta typically processes refunds within a few weeks, but the timeframe may be longer depending on the volume of requests.

#6. Update Your Insurance and Other Documentation

Remember to update your car insurance company about your move. Provide them with your new address and let them know your registration status has been cancelled. Additionally, you may need to cancel or adjust your vehicle insurance to reflect your new location, depending on where you’re moving.

Let Us Simplify Your Move

Handling vehicle registration during a move can sound tricky, but with this guide, you’re well on your way to making sure everything is in order. If you need assistance with the process, our team at Riverbend Registry is here to help.

We hope this guide helps make your move a little easier. Good luck on your new chapter!