Outdated Auto Registration? 3 Signs That You Need A New Registration

Law Blog

Each time you renew your vehicle's registration at the appointed time, you are blessed with a new, pristine registration to keep in your car. Not only does renewing your registration prevent your paperwork from becoming frazzled and unreadable, it allows you to update your information. Although renewal allows you to update your information, you should never wait until registration time to make certain changes and to apply for a new registration. You must apply for a new registration if any of the following apply to you. 

Outdated Name and Address

If your name changes due to marriage, divorce or a legal name change, you have 14 days to report the changes and apply for an updated vehicle registration. The same is also true if you move or if your mailing address changes. In most cases, you have two weeks from the date that the changes occur to apply for a new registration. For example, if you get a divorce and revert to your maiden name, you usually have two weeks from the date on your divorce decree. However, if you do not start using your maiden name immediately, you have two weeks from the time you start using your maiden name. 

Lost or Damaged Registration

If you lose your registration or if it is damaged to the point that it is illegible, you must apply for a new registration. In many cases, you can apply for a replacement registration by mail or fax. You may also apply for a new registration at your local department of motor vehicles. Even if none of the information on your registration has changed, you have to keep a legible copy of your registration with your vehicle at all times. If you cannot read your paperwork, you must replace it. 

Errors and Inacuracies

When you receive a new registration, check it for errors and inaccuracies, such as misspellings, typos, etc. If you spot any issues with your new registration, take it back to your department of motor vehicles and have the errors corrected. While it might be tempting to let small errors slide, it is your responsibility to make sure that your registration is complete and accurate.

As you can see, there are several reasons why you might need to apply for a new vehicle registration before it expires. You must replace your registration if your personal information changes, if you lose your vehicle registration in Calgary, if it becomes damaged or if it has errors on it. 

Share

12 May 2015