Out of province inspections: what to expect.

Planning to move to Alberta, or already here? Buying a vehicle from another province? Either way, you need an out of province vehicle inspection before you can register the vehicle in Alberta.

It is a thorough inspection, and the Province of Alberta sets the standard the vehicle has to meet.

What to expect

• Plan to drop the vehicle off and go about your day. This is not a quick inspection. Allow about 3 hours for the inspection and the government paperwork.
• The technician has to follow the province’s criteria, and the Alberta government audits these inspections at random. If an item fails, it is not personal and it is not a choice.
• You get a full, detailed inspection. If repairs are needed, you get a quote that lists each required repair and its price. Nothing is done without your yes.
• Once the vehicle passes, you get all the paperwork you need to register it in Alberta.

The steps to register in Alberta

The inspection is one step in registering a vehicle from another province. The usual order is:

1. Get Alberta insurance for the vehicle. You need it to register.
2. Pick up an out of province inspection request form at an Alberta registry office.
3. Book the inspection and bring the form with you.
4. Once the vehicle passes, take the inspection paperwork, proof of ownership, proof of insurance and your ID to a registry office to register the vehicle and get Alberta plates.

Ask the registry office what to bring for your situation. The province also lists the steps, deadlines and exemptions on its out-of-province vehicle inspections page.

What the inspection looks at

An out of province inspection is a full safety inspection. The checklist covers areas such as:

• Brakes, including the parking brake
• Steering and suspension
• Tires and wheels
• Lights, signals and the horn
• Windshield, windows, mirrors and wipers
• Seats and seat belts
• The exhaust system
• The frame and body

Items that often need attention

A vehicle that runs well can still fail on items the driver never notices. Common ones include:

• Worn brake pads or rotors, or a weak parking brake
• A cracked windshield in the driver’s line of sight
• A burnt-out bulb, including the licence plate light
• Worn or damaged tires
• Play in the steering, or worn suspension parts
• Exhaust leaks

If any of these come up, you get a quote that lists each required repair before any work starts.

Getting the vehicle ready

A few things make the day go smoothly:

• Clear out extra cargo so every part of the vehicle can be reached.
• Take children’s car seats out. Every seat belt is tested.
• Leave the wheel lock key in the cup holder or on the passenger seat. The wheels come off for this inspection.
• Walk around the vehicle and check that every light works, and top up the washer fluid.

The full list is on our out of province inspection page.

Do not leave it to the last minute

Give yourself time in case repairs are needed. For the registry request form and how to get the vehicle ready, see our out of province inspection page. Questions, or ready to book? Call (403) 283-5015 or book online.