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Register your out-of-province vehicle in Canada

Moved to a new province and brought your vehicle with you? Every province has its own inspection requirement, time limit, and registration agency. Pick your new province for a free step-by-step guide.

What every province requires

✓Out-of-province ownership or title document
✓Provincial auto insurance (before or at registration)
✓Government-issued photo ID
✓Vehicle inspection (type varies by province)
✓Registration fee (amount varies)

Pick your new province

Inspection types, time limits, and agencies are different in every province — and three provinces (BC, SK, MB) bundle mandatory auto insurance with registration.

ONOntarioBCBritish ColumbiaABAlbertaSKSaskatchewanMBManitobaQCQuebecNBNew BrunswickNSNova ScotiaPEPrince Edward IslandNLNewfoundland & Labrador

Province-specific rules to know

  • BC, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba: Mandatory auto insurance is bundled with vehicle registration through the public insurer (ICBC / SGI / MPI). You register and insure in one step — do not use a private insurer for basic coverage.
  • Quebec: SAAQ covers public bodily-injury insurance only. You must also purchase a separate private policy for liability and property damage. The process starts with a phone call to SAAQ. No official day-count has been published — contact SAAQ for the current deadline.
  • Alberta: Registration is handled by private registry agents — there is no government office. The Out of Province Vehicle Inspection (OOPVI) report is void if not presented within 14 days.
  • New Brunswick: Registration is required as soon as you become a resident — the commonly cited “90 days” is not the official standard.
  • Manitoba: The deadline is 3 months (not “90 days”). Alberta's Mechanic Fitness Assessment is not accepted as a substitute for a Manitoba Certificate of Inspection.
  • Nova Scotia: Two separate deadlines: 90 days to register, and 30 days from vehicle entry to complete the MVI. A Certificate of Title (not just a registration) is required.
  • PEI: No official registration day-count has been published — contact Access PEI for the current deadline.

Related guides

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Update your address with CRA, health card, driver's licence, and every agency when you move.

Buy a Car Privately

Lien check, bill of sale, and registration steps when buying a used vehicle in Canada.

Sell Your Car

Bill of sale, transfer steps, and disclosure requirements for a private car sale.

Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer