Free guide
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.
Moved a while ago and never re-registered?
You're past your new province's time limit, but the fix is the same as doing it on time: pick your province below and start the steps today. Your old plates and insurance don't become valid by waiting, and an inspection requirement doesn't go away, being late just means starting now instead of later. If your inspection report has its own validity window (Alberta's is void after 14 days), you may need a fresh one.
What every province requires
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.
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.
Last updated: June 2026
Guidepost is not a law firm. This guide is for general information only. Full disclaimer