Buying a used car privately in Alberta, step by step

Before you buy

• ID and ownership: Alberta.ca says to make sure the seller has valid ID and proof that they own the vehicle. In Alberta, the registration certificate alone is not proof of ownership.
• Vehicle Information Report: from a registry agent or AMA, showing the vehicle's registration history in Alberta.
• Lien search: a personal property lien search by VIN from a registry agent. Alberta also recommends a vehicle history report.
• Inspection: Alberta suggests a safety inspection at a vehicle inspection facility. A pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic you choose is worth it too.

The bill of sale

Use Alberta's standard bill of sale. It must include the full names and addresses of buyer and seller, the VIN, the make, model, style, colour and year, the price, and both signatures. Alberta recommends adding the odometer reading, any liens, the payment method and where the vehicle was last registered. See our bill of sale guide.

After you buy

1. Insure it

   You need proof of Alberta insurance to register.

2. Register at a registry agent

   Bring the bill of sale, your ID, proof of insurance and an Alberta address. Alberta.ca says to register as soon as possible, and to check that the registration certificate matches your proof of ownership and insurance.

3. Keep the records

   Keep the vehicle information report, lien search and bill of sale somewhere safe.

Tax

Alberta doesn't charge a provincial sales tax, and the Canada Revenue Agency says GST/HST generally doesn't apply when you buy from a private seller who isn't a GST/HST registrant. So a typical private sale between individuals doesn't add sales tax at registration. Buying from a dealer is different: GST applies.

Cars from another province or the US

A vehicle bought outside Alberta must pass an Alberta Out-of-Province Vehicle Inspection before it can be registered. Get a Request for Vehicle Inspection form from a registry agent first, have the inspection done at a licensed facility, and present the certificate to a registry agent within 14 days of the inspection. If it fails, repairs must be made within 10 days for a re-check of just those items. Some vehicles from BC, Saskatchewan and Manitoba can be exempt under the New West Partnership, with conditions. Vehicles from outside Canada also need import documents, such as the Transport Canada Vehicle Import Form.