Lost Your Vehicle Registration in Alberta? Here's How to Get a Replacement

If you've lost your vehicle registration certificate in Alberta, you can get a replacement the same day. Visit any Alberta Registry Agent with your government-issued ID and your vehicle details. The agent prints a duplicate on the spot. The fee is $28, which includes the government fee and the registry service charge. You can also order a duplicate online through your Alberta.ca account for the same price.

Why You Need It Before You Sell

In Alberta, the vehicle registration certificate is what proves the car is registered in your name. When you sell a vehicle — including to a recycler — the buyer needs your original registration to transfer ownership at a registry agent. Without it, the sale cannot be completed. If you've lost yours, get the replacement sorted before the recycler arrives. It's a same-day fix.

Option 1: Replace In Person at a Registry Agent

This is the fastest and most flexible option, especially if any of your registration details need updating at the same time.

What to bring:

• Your Alberta driver's licence or government-issued photo ID
• Your licence plate number
• Your VIN (found on the dashboard through the driver's side windshield, or on any previous registration or insurance documents)

What happens: The registry agent looks up your vehicle record, verifies your identity as the registered owner, and prints a duplicate certificate on the spot.

Cost: $28 (inclusive of government fee and service charge)

There are over 200 registry agent locations across Alberta, including approximately 30 in Calgary. You do not need to go to a specific location — any authorized agent can process the replacement.

Can't go yourself? You can send an authorized representative on your behalf. They will need a signed authorization letter from you, their own valid photo ID, and your vehicle details.

Option 2: Replace Online Through Alberta.ca

If your registration is currently active and your information is up to date, you can order a duplicate certificate online.

Order at: eservices.alberta.ca

Requirements to use the online option:

• Your registration must be currently active (not expired or cancelled)
• The vehicle must be registered personally in your name (not as a company vehicle)
• Your address on file must be current
• You must have no outstanding fines or traffic violations on your record

If any of these conditions are not met, the online system will reject the request and you will need to visit a registry agent in person.

Cost: $28

Important: Even when ordering online, a printed copy of the downloaded certificate is required. The digital download is available in your Alberta.ca account for 365 days after purchase, and downloads are only available between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

What If the Online Option Doesn't Work?

If the online system won't process your request — due to expired registration, outstanding fines, an address mismatch, or a company-registered vehicle — visit a registry agent in person. The agent can resolve most issues and process the replacement during the same visit.

Outstanding fines or fees on your vehicle record must be cleared before a replacement registration can be issued through either channel.

Selling Your Car After Getting the Replacement

Once you have the replacement registration in hand, the sale proceeds normally:

1. Complete the Bill of Sale with the buyer (the recycler will bring this)
2. Hand over the replacement registration certificate
3. Remove your licence plates
4. Keep your signed copy of the Bill of Sale

The replacement certificate is legally equivalent to the original. The recycler takes it to a registry agent to complete the ownership transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a replacement vehicle registration in Alberta?
Visit any Alberta Registry Agent with your government-issued ID, licence plate number, and VIN. The agent prints a duplicate on the spot for $28. You can also order online at eservices.alberta.ca for the same fee if your registration is active and your information is current.

How much does it cost to replace a lost registration certificate in Alberta?
$28, inclusive of the government fee and registry service charge. This applies whether you replace it in person or online.

Can I sell my car without the registration certificate in Alberta?
No. The vehicle registration certificate is required to transfer ownership at an Alberta Registry Agent. If yours is lost, get a replacement before the sale proceeds.

How long does it take to get a replacement registration in Alberta?
In person at a registry agent, the replacement is printed on the spot — same day, usually within minutes. Online, the digital download is available immediately between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM.

Can someone else pick up my replacement registration for me?
Yes. You can authorize a representative to obtain the replacement on your behalf. They will need a signed authorization letter from you, their own valid photo ID, and your vehicle's licence plate number and VIN.

What if I have outstanding fines — can I still get a replacement registration?
No. Outstanding fines or fees on your vehicle record must be cleared before a replacement registration certificate can be issued.

Does a recycler need the original registration or will a replacement work?
A replacement is legally equivalent to the original. The recycler can use it to complete the ownership transfer at a registry agent.

Selling to EcoRecycle in Calgary

If you've lost your registration and have a pickup booked with us, here's what to do:

1. Visit any Calgary Registry Agent with your ID, plate number, and VIN
2. Request a duplicate registration certificate ($28, printed on the spot)
3. Let us know once it's sorted — we'll confirm your pickup time

We deal with this regularly. It doesn't affect your quote and takes about 15 minutes to resolve.

Get your free quote from EcoRecycle →

Ready to sell? Read our full guide: What Paperwork Do You Need to Sell Your Car in Alberta?