No more snail mail: Alberta switching to digital registration, licence renewal reminders

EDMONTON – Albertans will soon no longer receive a letter in the mail reminding them to renew their driver’s license or vehicle registration.

Beginning in April, the province will begin sending out electronic reminders via email for registration, licence and identification card renewals.

The province said the mailing of government reminders is a dated practice and an unnecessary expense in a digital age. The move is expected to save taxpayers $3 million a year.

“During these tough economic times, it’s particularly important for government to find smart ways to save taxpayers’ money,” Danielle Larivee, acting minister of Service Alberta said in a news release.

Albertans with disabilities will continue to receive reminders in the mail. Seniors over the age of 70 will continue to receive mailed reminders until April 1, 2017.

The province will launch an awareness campaign, and registry agents are being asked to remind people of the changes when they come in to renew.

There are three ways for Albertans to be reminded when it is time to renew:

1. Visit your local registry agent and sign up for an email reminder.
2. Sign up online to receive a reminder from one of the following:
   1. E-registry (Vehicle Registration and Driver’s Licence)
   2. Alberta Motor Association (Vehicle Registration)
   3. MyAlberta (Available April 1, 2016)
3. Check your licence plate or vehicle registration and mark the date in your calendar.

Drivers can also renew their vehicle registrations online.