What Alberta license plates look like and what information they show

Alberta license plates display a white background with black lettering and a blue band on the left side. The blue band contains the Canadian flag, the word "Canada," and the province abbreviation "AB." The plate itself shows a combination of letters and numbers — typically three letters followed by three numbers, though some older plates and specialty plates follow different formats.

The format changed over time. Plates issued before 2009 used a different design with a white background and the Alberta flag. Current plates follow the national standard format adopted across Canada. The numbers and letters on your plate are unique to your vehicle and tied to your vehicle registration with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors (now part of Service Alberta).

Key Takeaways

  • Alberta plates use a white background with black letters and numbers, plus a blue band on the left showing the Canadian flag and "AB."
  • You must display your plate on both the front and back of your vehicle, and it must be clearly visible and not obscured.
  • Plates stay with your vehicle, not your driver's license, and transfer when you sell the vehicle unless you request to keep them.
  • Personalized plates cost more than standard plates and require a separate request through Service Alberta.
  • You can renew your plate registration online, by mail, or in person at a registry office when your registration expires.

Where to display your plate and visibility rules

Alberta law requires you to display your license plate on both the front and rear of your vehicle. The plate must be clearly visible and not covered, obscured, or altered in any way. This means no tinted covers, no frames that hide numbers or letters, and no dirt or damage that makes the plate hard to read from a reasonable distance.

If your plate becomes damaged, faded, or unreadable, you can request a replacement from a registry office. Replacement plates cost money (the amount varies by registry), so keeping your existing plate clean and protected is cheaper than replacing it. If you lose a plate, report it to your local police service and then contact a registry office to order a replacement.

How plate registration and renewal work

Your license plate is registered to your vehicle, not to you personally. When you register a vehicle in Alberta, you receive a plate as part of that registration. The plate number stays the same for as long as you own the vehicle, unless you request a change or the plate is damaged beyond use.

Registration renewal happens annually. You can renew online through Service Alberta's website, by mail using the renewal notice sent to your address, or in person at any registry office. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration details. Renewal notices are typically sent 30 to 60 days before your registration expires, so watch for mail from Service Alberta.

When you sell your vehicle, the plate stays with the vehicle unless you have requested to keep it. If you want to keep your current plate for a future vehicle, you must make this request before the sale is complete. There is a fee to transfer a plate to a new vehicle.

Personalized and specialty plates in Alberta

Alberta offers personalized plates that display a custom combination of letters and numbers instead of the standard format. You can request up to seven characters (letters, numbers, or a mix). Personalized plates cost more than standard plates — the exact price depends on the registry office and whether you are ordering a new plate or renewing an existing personalized plate.

Specialty plates are also available, including plates for certain vehicle types or causes. Some are issued automatically (for example, plates for vehicles registered as historic or classic), while others require a separate request. Check with a registry office or the Service Alberta website to see what specialty options are available and what they cost.

What happens if your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your plate is stolen or lost, report it to your local police service and keep a copy of the report. Then contact a registry office to order a replacement. You will need to provide your vehicle registration details and proof of the loss or theft. Replacement plates are not free, and the cost varies by registry.

If your plate is damaged but still readable, you can continue using it. If it is faded, cracked, or the numbers are hard to see, a registry office can issue a replacement. Bring your vehicle registration and the damaged plate with you if you are explore in person.

Transferring plates between vehicles you own

If you own multiple vehicles and want to move a plate from one to another, you can request a plate transfer through a registry office. This is different from keeping a plate when you sell a vehicle — a transfer moves your current plate to a different vehicle you own. There is a fee for this service, and you will need the registration documents for both vehicles.

The transfer process takes a few days to a week, depending on the registry office. During this time, you cannot legally drive the vehicle that no longer has a plate. Plan the transfer during a time when you do not need to use that vehicle, or arrange temporary transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my Alberta plate if I move out of province?

No. If you move out of Alberta, you must register your vehicle in your new province and obtain plates from that province. You cannot keep an Alberta plate on a vehicle registered elsewhere. If you plan to move back to Alberta later, you will receive a new plate at that time.

What if my plate frame covers part of the plate number?

Plate frames that obscure any part of the plate number, letters, or the blue band are not allowed in Alberta. You can use a frame that holds the plate without covering any characters. If a police officer stops you and your frame obscures the plate, you can receive a ticket.

How much does a replacement plate cost?

Replacement plate costs vary by registry office and range from roughly $20 to $40, though the exact amount depends on your location and the type of plate. Contact your local registry office for the current price, or check the Service Alberta website for a list of registry locations and their fees.

Do I need to notify Service Alberta if I change my address?

Yes. You must update your address with Service Alberta within a certain timeframe after moving. You can do this online, by mail, or at a registry office. Your registration renewal notice will be sent to your current address on file, so updating it ensures you receive notices on time.

What is the difference between a personalized plate and a standard plate?

A standard plate shows a random combination of three letters and three numbers assigned by the province. A personalized plate lets you choose the letters and numbers (up to seven characters total), subject to availability and content rules. Personalized plates cost more and require a separate request, but they remain yours as long as you renew them.