To sell your car privately in Alberta, you need two things: a Bill of Sale and your vehicle registration certificate. You both sign the Bill of Sale, you hand over the registration, you keep your licence plates. No tax. Done.

The Two Documents

Bill of Sale — this is the record of the sale. It includes both your names and addresses, the vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN, odometer), the sale price, the date, and both signatures. The Alberta Government has a free standard form at alberta.ca, or the recycler will bring one. Keep a copy for yourself.

Vehicle Registration Certificate — this is the document that proves the car is registered in your name. You hand it to the buyer along with the Bill of Sale. They take both to an Alberta Registry Agent to put the vehicle in their name.

That's it. No broker visit required on your end.

Licence Plates

Plates belong to you in Alberta, not the car. Remove them before the vehicle is picked up. You can transfer them to another vehicle you own, or cancel them at any registry agent for $9 (with a partial refund for unused registration time).

Do You Pay Tax?

No. Alberta has no provincial sales tax, and private vehicle sales are exempt from GST. The amount you agree on is the amount you get — nothing extra.

What to Have Ready When the Recycler Arrives

• Your vehicle registration certificate
• Government-issued photo ID
• Plates already removed
• All sets of keys

The recycler will bring the Bill of Sale and walk you through it. The whole thing takes about 15 minutes.

After the Sale

Hold onto your copy of the Bill of Sale. If a ticket or incident comes up tied to that vehicle after the sale date, your signed copy is your proof you no longer owned it. Contact your insurance provider to remove the vehicle from your policy, and cancel or transfer your plates at a registry agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay tax when selling my car privately in Alberta?
No. There is no PST in Alberta and private sales are GST-exempt. No tax for buyer or seller.

What documents do I need to sell my car in Alberta?
A signed Bill of Sale and your vehicle registration certificate.

Do plates stay with the car in Alberta?
No. Plates belong to you. Remove them before the vehicle leaves.

What if I lost my registration certificate?
Visit any Alberta Registry Agent with your ID and VIN. They can issue a replacement for a small fee.

Where does the buyer go to complete the transfer?
Any Alberta Registry Agent. There are 200+ locations across the province.

Selling to EcoRecycle in Calgary

We bring the Bill of Sale — you just need your registration, your ID, and your plates off the car. Free pickup, usually within 24–48 hours.

Get a free quote →

Selling in BC? Read our BC guide: What Paperwork Do You Need to Sell Your Car in BC?