Provincial Press Release December 7, 2020 @ 10:04am published at 10:44am
Starting Jan. 1, Albertans will no longer require expiry stickers on their licence plates as the province moves toward adopting reflective plates.
Alberta’s government first required registration expiry dates to be visible on Alberta licence plates in 1974. Due to advances in technology, stickers marking the month and year of registration, as well as stickers for fleet vehicles and permanent trailers, will no longer be issued in 2021.
“Alberta’s government has been looking for ways to improve and modernize the delivery of registry services for Albertans. By moving to reflective licence plates, expiry stickers become redundant and outdated. This common-sense change cuts red tape, aligns Alberta with other Canadian provinces, and saves taxpayers money.” Nate Glubish, Minister of Service Alberta
In fall 2021, Alberta will transition to high-definition reflective licence plates. The reflective plates are more easily scanned by automated licence plate readers, which will assist law enforcement agencies using that technology to validate licence plate registration at roadside. Reflective plates will be issued on a go-forward basis after the current stock of painted licence plates runs out in the fall.
“Cutting red tape is just common sense. We are bringing Alberta’s government into the 21st century and moving at the speed Albertans deserve.” Grant Hunter, Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction
“Registry agents support this next step to modernizing the delivery of registry services. We applaud Minister Glubish for taking the initiative to make changes that will benefit Albertans and cut red tape.” Rikki McBride, chief executive officer, Association of Alberta Registry Agents
Alberta drivers and vehicle owners will still be responsible for renewing their registration on time, and will still require a valid certificate of vehicle registration. Albertans can sign up to receive an electronic renewal notice through a registry agent, the Alberta Motor Association, or MyAlberta eServices.
Quick facts
There are more than 5.5 million vehicles registered in Alberta.
The government currently spends about $1.2 million per year to print, ship and store expiry stickers for licence plates.
Stickers will still be required for farm vehicles and prorated commercial vehicles participating in the International Registration Plan.
Vehicle registrations expire at midnight on the last day of an assigned month, based on surname or company name.
MonthFamily/Company Name begins with
January A, I, J, Ke, U, X, 0-9
February M, Q
March B, Y
April D, G
May C, N
June Cl, H, Sc
July Av, Be, L, Sz, V, Z
August E, Gr, R
September F, Po, T
October S
November K, P
December Me, O, W
One-year online vehicle registration renewals are available for passenger vehicles and motorcycles.
Canadian jurisdictions that have eliminated the use of expiry stickers on licence plates are:
Quebec (1992)
Saskatchewan (2012)
Northwest Territories (2014)
Manitoba (2016)
Related information
MyAlberta eServices renewal reminders
Online vehicle registration renewals
Vehicle registration expiry date chart
Media inquiries
Tricia Velthuizen
587-982-4992
Press Secretary, Service Alberta