Access to modern, free registration and licence renewal reminder tools has made the mailing of government reminders a dated practice and an unnecessary expense to Albertans that will stop in April. Instead, the Alberta government is asking motorists to choose from several alternatives.
“During these tough economic times, it’s particularly important for government to find smart ways to save taxpayers’ money. Moving from printed to electronic notices will save Alberta taxpayers more than $3 million a year while providing more modern and convenient reminder options for drivers,” said Danielle Larivee, acting manager of Service Alberta.
Albertans with disabilities will continue to receive reminders in the mail. Seniors over the age of 70 will continue to receive mailed reminders until April 1, 2017.
Setting up a reminder is simple
It’s as easy as setting a reminder in your mobile phone or computer’s calendar feature to alert you when your vehicle registration, driver’s licence or identification card is about to expire.
Another option is to sign up for a free electronic reminder from one of the following:
• E-registry (Vehicle Registration and Driver’s Licence) can be set at reminders.e-registry.ca
• Alberta Motor Association (Vehicle Registration) at forms.ama.ab.ca/registries/vehicle-registration-renewal-reminder
• MyAlberta (Available April 1) at eservices.alberta.ca/notify
“AMA has been reminding our members about upcoming vehicle renewals for years, electronically and in the pages of our member magazine,” said Don Smitten, president and CEO for the Alberta Motor Association. “We’re committed to making our members’ lives a little easier through our e-reminder services.”
If you’re not into technology, your wall calendar also makes a good reminder tool.
Know your expiry dates
Motorists are responsible to ensure their registrations and licences are current. A driver’s licence is valid for one to five years, depending on the class, and expires on your birthday. Registrations expire on an assigned month based on your surname. ServiceAlberta.ca has an expiry date chart to help you find yours. You can also check your licence plate tags or registration certificate.
Pre-printed forms not required
Any Alberta registry agent office will provide you with your new documents. You can also renew your registration online, but licences must be done in-person.
“Drivers can visit e-registry.ca to renew their vehicle registration, sign up for e-reminders for their registration and drivers licence renewals or even pay their traffic fines online,” said Robyn Young, president for the Association of Alberta Registry Agents.
You may also want to consider renewing for two years at a time. It provides additional peace of mind and will save you time down the road.
For more motor vehicle information, visit ServiceAlberta.gov.ab.ca and follow us on Twitter @ServiceAlberta
