Updated October 1, 2026 · checked against official Government of Alberta sources
Services registry agents provide
According to the Government of Alberta, registry agents provide:
- Vehicle registration
- Driver licensing and testing
- Personal property (lien) searches and registrations
- Land titles searches
- Vital statistics searches and certificate applications
- Alberta Health Care registration
- Alberta Organ and Tissue Donation Registry services
How registry pricing works
Each product has a government fee, set by the province and identical everywhere, and a service charge kept by the registry. For capped products, such as licences, ID cards and vehicle registrations, the province sets the maximum service charge. For uncapped products, like Class 5 road tests or many searches, the registry sets its own price. See the full fee table.
Some services by phone or email
Registries can deliver select services without an in-person visit: personal property registry services by fax or email, and some motor vehicle services such as vehicle registration renewals, duplicate registration certificates, plate exchanges and driver's abstracts by phone, mail or secure email. Ask your registry what it offers.
Frequently asked questions
Is a registry agent a government office?
No. Registry agents are private businesses licensed by the Government of Alberta to deliver registry services on its behalf. Alberta has no separate government-run licensing offices for the public.
Why is it called a registry?
Alberta privatized its motor vehicle and registry counters in 1993. Since then, Albertans go to "the registry" for licences, ID, vehicle plates and many records.
Can anyone open a registry?
No. The province decides when new registry agent licences are available and posts opportunities publicly. It does not accept unsolicited proposals to open a new registry.
Are all registries the same?
They offer the same core government services and charge the same government fees. Service charges on uncapped products, opening hours, road test bookings and extra services like insurance differ between businesses.
Related guides
Registry fees
Government fee + service charge.
Renew a licence
The most common visit.
All registries
Every location A–Z.
Sources: Registry agents (Alberta.ca) · Find a registry agent (Alberta.ca). Alberta Registry Offices is independent and not affiliated with the Government of Alberta. Rules and fees can change: confirm with your registry.