Frequently Asked Questions

Internet Usage

How do I cancel a payment?

Should you believe that the requirements of the Internet Sales Contract Regulation have not been followed for this service, a transaction can be cancelled in different ways:

within the service by hitting the "Back" button on your browser;
during the payment process, by clicking on the "delete" button; and
once a vehicle renewal transaction is completed and paid for, a "vehicle cancellation" can be performed by visiting any Registry Agent and requesting a refund; or
once the fine payment transaction is completed and paid for, visit the Courthouse noted on the ticket. Bring with you the original ticket and your receipt from the Online Fine Payment service. If the Courthouse reverses the payment, the fine will be reinstated.

When is the online service available?

Any times, except for:

9:55 PM to 10:20 PM daily, except Sundays;
and from 6:55 AM to 12:05 PM on Sunday

How do I get technical help?

Weekdays only between 8:30am and 4:30pm
E-mail: info@e-registry.ca
Phone: (780) 638-3777

How do I get non-technical help?

If you have questions related to your transaction that are not technical in nature, contact the Service Alberta Automated Help Desk at (780) 427-7013 or visit any Registry Agent.

Are the fees the same if I use the internet to pay or if I pay at a Registry Agent?

Yes the fee is the same.

Online Fine Payment Questions

Can I pay Pink Tickets?

The site cannot process Part 2 violation tickets (pink tickets) requiring Courthouse appearances. You must attend the Courthouse noted on the ticket.

How do I recover an overpayment?

In the event of an overpayment, contact the Courthouse location that is noted on the ticket for an adjustment.

Can I pay parking tickets?

Yes, if the ticket has gone to Alberta Justice for payment (and a yellow ticket has been issued), we will accept payment.

Online Vehicle Registration Questions

How do I resolve the error message "Your transaction could not be completed, please contact a Registry Office"?

If you attempt to use the online renewal feature and receive the following message: "Your transaction could not be completed, please contact a Registry Office," this means that your renewal did not meet the conditions for an internet transaction. To have your transaction processed you must personally visit a Registry Agent.

What conditions could cause a rejection of my renewal?

If you attempt to renew any of the following vehicle types or meet any of the indicated conditions, you may have your request rejected:

Commercial vehicles
Off-highway vehicles
Renewal notices that display out of date information such as an old address or incorrect information
Any licence plates where the expiry date is more that 2 months prior to today's date
Any changes to ownership and/or lease information
Any outstanding fines
Maintenance enforcement restrictions
Outstanding motor vehicle debt.

General Questions

Is Alberta Virtual Vault an Alberta Government service?

No, Alberta Virtual Vault is independent of the Alberta Government.

Where do I go for motor vehicle services?

There are more than 220 AARA Registry Agent locations throughout the province who provide motor vehicle related services.

What do I need to register my vehicle?

To register a vehicle you will require:

proof of ownership (such as a bill of sale, lease agreement)
proof of valid insurance and two pieces of identification.
you are also strongly encouraged to record your odometer reading at the time of registration.
if the vehicle is new you will also require a new vehicle information statement (NVIS), or if the vehicle was imported into Canada,
- you will also require a Vehicle Import Form from Transport Canada.
If the vehicle is used and previously registered outside Alberta you will require a safety inspection.

Do I need the renewal form I received in the mail in order to renew my driver's licence and vehicle registration?

No, you are not required to present the renewal form if you don't have it. Simply present your existing photo licence and / or registration along with your insurance to a Registry Agent and pay the required fee. If a non-photo licence is presented, two other forms of identification are required.

Do I need a medical report to apply for / renew my driver's licence?

If you are 75 years of age or older you will be required to submit a medical report and provide a vision screening.
A medical report is required when applying for or renewing a class 1, 2 or 4 licence.
In addition, if you have a condition code C (periodic satisfactory medical report) or code D (periodic vision report) on your licence,
if you have a medical condition that may affect your driving ability, you must submit a medical report.

My children are not residents of Alberta but are attending school full time in Alberta. Do they have to register their vehicles and change their operator licences in Alberta?

No. Provided they are full time students and the vehicle is registered in their home jurisdiction in their name.

At what age can a person obtain a learner's licence?

In Alberta, an individual must be at least 14 years of age to apply for a learner's licence with parental consent if under 18.