Vehicle Registration Transfer in Edmonton

A vehicle registration transfer is the process of officially moving a vehicle’s registration from one owner to another. This typically happens when you buy or sell a vehicle, receive one as a gift, or transfer ownership within a family. Until the registration is transferred, the vehicle legally still belongs to the previous owner — and yes, that can cause headaches no one wants!

In Alberta, transferring your vehicle registration ensures the new owner is legally recognized, properly insured, and fully compliant with provincial regulations.

When Do You Need to Transfer Your Vehicle Registration?

You’ll need to transfer the registration of a vehicle anytime ownership changes. Common situations include:

Buying or selling a used vehicle
Gifting a vehicle to a family member
Transferring ownership after a separation or divorce
Inheriting a vehicle

Basically, if the keys change hands, the registration should too.

What You’ll Need to Transfer Vehicle Registration in Alberta

To complete a vehicle registration transfer, you’ll need to bring a few key documents to the registry. Having everything ready ahead of time can save you an extra trip (and nobody enjoys registry errands more than necessary).

Here’s what’s typically required:

Bill of Sale (signed by both buyer and seller)
Valid government-issued photo ID
Proof of Alberta insurance in the new owner’s name
Completed Vehicle Registration Application
Odometer reading (for most vehicles)

If you’re unsure whether your situation requires additional paperwork, the team at Riverbend Registry is happy to help clarify before you arrive.

How Long Do You Have to Transfer Registration?

In Alberta, buyers must complete a vehicle registration transfer within 14 days of purchasing or receiving the vehicle. Driving with an untransferred registration can lead to fines — and that’s a souvenir no one wants to bring home from a road trip.

What About Licence Plates?

In most cases, licence plates stay with the seller rather than the vehicle. The buyer will need to register the vehicle with their own plates or purchase new ones. If you’re unsure which option applies to your situation, our team at Riverbend Registry can walk you through it quickly and clearly.

If you bought a vehicle from another province, there’s one extra step before registration: you’ll need to complete an out-of-province inspection to confirm the vehicle meets Alberta safety standards. Once the inspection is complete and passed, you can bring the paperwork to Riverbend Registry to complete the vehicle registration transfer without issue.

Can Someone Else Transfer the Registration for Me?

Yes! If you can’t make it in yourself, another person can complete the transfer registration of the vehicle on your behalf — as long as they bring the proper documents and authorization. Life gets busy; we get it.

When It’s Time to Transfer, Riverbend Makes It Easy

Vehicle paperwork can feel confusing, especially when every situation is slightly different. At Riverbend Registry, we make the vehicle registration transfer process straightforward, friendly, and efficient. Our knowledgeable staff will review your documents, answer your questions, and help you get back on the road without unnecessary stress.

We’re here to help — not judge how long those papers have been sitting in your glove box!

So stop by or contact us when you are ready!