Selling a Car in Alberta: The Paperwork, Explained
Paperwork is the part of selling a car people dread most, but in Alberta it's fairly simple once you know what's needed. Below is everything you need for the common situations, plus the less common ones like estates, liens and company vehicles. When you sell to us, we bring the forms and walk you through them.
Questions about your situation? Call [PHONE].
The Basics: What Every Seller Needs
- Vehicle registration showing you as the registered owner
- Original government-issued photo ID (driver's licence or similar). For scrap and recycling transactions, Alberta requires the original, not a photocopy, and the seller must be 18 or older
- A bill of sale, which we provide
- A lien release, if there was ever a loan secured against the vehicle
What Goes on an Alberta Bill of Sale
Alberta's standard bill of sale must include:
It's also a good idea to note the odometer reading, the date, and whether there are any liens. Keep your copy. It's your proof that the vehicle is no longer yours.
- Full names and addresses of the seller and the buyer
- The vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Year, make, model or series, body style and colour
- The sale price
- Signatures of the buyer and seller
After the Sale
- Keep your licence plates. In Alberta, plates belong to the person, not the car. You can move them to your next vehicle.
- Cancel or transfer your insurance. Your insurer may ask for the bill of sale as proof of the date.
- Keep the bill of sale with your records.
Special Situations
Selling a car with a loan or lien
If you financed the car, the lender may have registered a lien. The car can't be sold until it's paid out and released. Ask your lender for a payout amount and a lien release letter. If you're not sure whether a lien exists, a search can be done through an Alberta registry agent.
Selling a deceased person's vehicle
The executor or administrator of the estate can sell the vehicle. They'll usually need the death certificate, the grant of probate or letters of administration (or the will, in some cases), and their own photo ID. For small estates, a registry agent can explain transfer options. Call us first and we'll confirm what we need to see.
Selling a car registered to someone else
A spouse, parent or other family member can sell the car on the owner's behalf with written, signed authorization and a copy of the owner's ID, or with a power of attorney.
Selling a business or company vehicle
We'll need proof of the business's ownership and authorization from someone who can sign for the company, plus their ID.
Registration expired or lost
An expired registration usually still proves ownership. If the registration is lost, a registry agent can provide a copy or record search for the owner.
Vehicle bought but never registered
Bring the bill of sale from when you bought it. Call us to check whether it's enough in your case.
Why a Buyer Who Checks Paperwork Is a Good Thing
It might seem like a hassle when a buyer asks for ID and registration. It actually protects you. It shows they're following Alberta's rules, and it means the sale is properly recorded. A buyer who doesn't care who owns the car may not care about anything else either.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change, so check with an Alberta registry agent for your specific case.
FAQs
Do I need a safety inspection to sell my car to you?+
No. Inspections matter when a buyer wants to register the car to drive. We buy cars as-is.
Does Alberta use vehicle titles?+
Not in the paper-title sense some provinces and US states use. Ownership is tied to the registration record.
Can you help if my paperwork is complicated?+
Yes. Call before booking and we'll go through it with you.
