In Alberta, all vehicles using a public roadway must have valid license plates and must also be registered at a Alberta registry office, such as Registry @ South Trail Crossing. Registering a vehicle is quick and easy, as is obtaining a custom license plate. Alberta's Personalized Plates Program, which was first implemented in 1985, allows you to order a unique, personalized plate for your vehicle. Let’s take a look at what is available and how you can order one.
Registering Your New Vehicle
To register a new vehicle in Alberta, simply visit a Calgary registry office. All you'll need is valid identification, proof that the vehicle is covered by insurance, and proof that the vehicle belongs to you (such as a lease agreement or a bill of sale). If the vehicle is brand new, make sure you have your Original New Vehicle Information Statement (NVIS) from the dealer as well. An Alberta Vehicle Registration Certificate contains important information about your vehicle. It shows the license plate and license plate type, the Vehicle Identification Number, the name of the registered owner, and a description of the vehicle. You must have it with you at all times when driving.
Ordering a Personalized License Plate
One of the easiest ways to make your vehicle really feel like your own is with a personalized licence plate. Alberta implemented the Personalized Plates Program in 1985 and has since issued more than 80,000 personalized plates. It's easy to spot personalized plates on Calgary roads, as the program continues to be as popular as ever at Calgary registries.
To order your own personalized plate for your vehicle, all you do is stop by a Calgary registry office. Personalized plates are available for every plate registration class except Antique, Dealer, and Disabled. Payment is made upon order, and the plate is typically received in your mailbox about four to six weeks later.
Most personalized license plates are allowed to have up to seven characters. Veterans, motorcycle, and off-highway vehicle plates, however, are limited to five. The characters must consist of either letters or numbers, or a combination of both. Special characters are not allowed. Alberta registries are allowed to reject personalized plates that may be considered inappropriate, such as vulgar language, discriminatory words, or promotion of criminal activity. Your proposed plate also cannot match a personalized plate which has already been issued. Don't worry – if you keep it clean and get a little creative, you'll have no trouble getting the plate you want.
Specialty Plates
Calgary Flames Licence Plate
Support your Calgary Flames! You can order a specialty Calgary Flames license plate that shows your support for the team and looks great as well. For a one-time fee of $75, plus a $9 registry charge, you can order a specialty license plate that features the Flames’ colours, logo, and team slogan. Whether you’re a new fan or have been cheering for them since the days of Kent Nilsson and Hakan Loob, this is the perfect way to show your support.
Plates are only available for passenger vehicles used for personal transportation and cannot be personalized. The letters and numbers are issued in sequential order.
Edmonton Oilers Licence Plate
You may live in Calgary, but you support the Edmonton Oilers instead and you want people to know. That’s dedication! No matter if you’re a fan of Connor McDavid, Wayne Gretzky, Ryan Smyth, or Doug Weight, all you need to do is pay a one-time fee of $75 plus a $9 registry fee and you can adorn your car with a specialty Edmonton Oilers license plate with the team’s colours, logo, and slogan.
Oilers plates cannot be personalized, with the letters and numbers being issued in sequential order. They are also only available for personal passenger vehicles.
Support Our Troops Licence Plate
Since 2014, Albertans have been able to order specialty plates that show your support and honour for the brave men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces. The plate’s design features artwork in honour of the first four Alberta-based Canadian soldiers whose lives were lost in Afghanistan in April 2002.
These plates are available for a one-time fee of $75 plus a $9 registry agent service charge.
It is only available for vehicles registered in the passenger class. Order them in person and show ID with an Alberta address at any registry office.
The plate cannot be personalized.
You cannot exchange veterans licence plate for a Support Our Troops plate
Money raised from these plates goes towards the Support Our Troops program that is managed by Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services to assist members of the military and their families.
HAM Radio Operator Plate
Alberta has specialty plates for amateur radio operators (HAM) who have a valid Amateur Radio Operator Certificate from Industry Canada. These plates have your callsign that’s shown on your certificate. The callsign includes the national prefix for Albertan radio operators (VA6 or VE6) and the 2 or 3 letter suffix of your callsign.
To request an Alberta Amateur Radio Operator Plate, you need valid identification and a valid Amateur Radio Operator Certificate.
Antique License Plate
Antique plates are available for vehicles that are 25 years old or older that is only used in one of the following ways:
In parades
In exhibitions as a collector’s item
In club activities
As transportation to and from these events
As transportation to vehicle service appointments
To request an antique plate, you need acceptable identification and the vehicle must be at least 25 years old. You must also provide proof of ownership if its your first time registering the vehicle under your name. If it is an import, you need an import form. If it’s from outside of Alberta, you need to have a vehicle inspection.
Custom License Plates and More from Registry @ South Trail Crossing in Calgary
Make your vehicle truly your own with a custom license plate, courtesy of the Alberta Personalized Plates Program. Whether you want a personalized plate with your own custom number, a specialty plate that shows your support for your favourite hockey team, or you want to support the troops, you can visit our registry office and we’ll get you going. Make sure you have your identification, proof of ownership, and insurance for your vehicle. If you want to purchase a personalized license plate and have some ideas in mind, please feel free to stop by Registry @ South Trail Crossing or contact us today.