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We only buy a car from someone who has the right to sell it. That protects you, us and the next owner.
Full paperwork checklist
Missing papers · Calgary
Lost Registration? How to Sell Your Car in Calgary
Can't find the registration? It happens more often than you'd think. Here's how to replace it in Alberta, what else helps show the car is yours, and how to sell it to i-Tow once it's sorted.
We pay $200 – $18,000 + free towing when you accept. View i-Tow on Google.
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Quick answer
Can I sell my car in Calgary if I lost the registration?
Yes, once you can show the car is yours. In Alberta, a registry agent can print a replacement registration when you bring your driver's licence. Call us first and we'll tell you what we need.
- We pay
- $200 – $18,000
- Towing
- Free when you accept
- Hours
- Mon–Sat: 7AM–9PM
Sun: Closed - Call
- 825-712-6191
Before you decide
Lost the Papers? Sort It Out in One Stop
What Calgary owners ask when the registration is missing.
A quick fix at a registry
Any Alberta registry agent can look up the vehicle and print a replacement registration for the owner.
Get my offer firstCar not in your name?
If it belonged to a family member who passed away, the executor handles the sale.
Selling an estate carSelling a Car When the Registration Is Missing
Registrations get lost in glove boxes, house moves and old filing cabinets. If you're selling, you'll need it: a legitimate buyer has to see that the car is registered to you before paying for it. The good news is that it's usually a quick fix in Alberta.
How to replace a lost registration in Alberta
Visit any Alberta registry agent with your driver's licence. If you have the plate number or the VIN (it's on the driver's side of the dashboard, visible through the windshield), bring that too. The registry agent can look up the vehicle and print a replacement registration for the registered owner. A small fee may apply.
Not sure where to start? Call us at 825-712-6191 before you go. We'll tell you what we need for your car, so you only make one trip.
Other papers that help
- The bill of sale from when you bought the car
- A lien release letter, if the car once had a loan
- Your driver's licence, with a name that matches the registration
- Any spare keys you still have
When the car isn't in your name
If the car is registered to a spouse, parent or friend, that person needs to sell it or be part of the sale. If the owner has passed away, the executor of the estate handles it; see selling an estate car. We can't buy a car from someone who can't show they have the right to sell it.
Once the paperwork is sorted
Selling to i-Tow is simple: tell us the car and where it's parked, get an offer and pick a pickup time. On pickup day you sign the bill of sale, remove your plates (in Alberta they stay with you) and get paid. The tow is free when you accept. If the keys are missing too, see selling a car without keys.
We Buy Cars Across Calgary and Area
i-Tow buys cars, trucks and SUVs in Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, Okotoks, Strathmore and nearby towns. Start at cash for cars Calgary for a free quote.
Answers before booking
Lost Registration – Selling Your Car FAQs
Can I sell a car without the registration in Alberta?
You need to show the car is yours. If the registration is lost, a registry agent can print a replacement for the registered owner. Call us and we'll tell you what we need for your car.
Where do I get a replacement registration?
At any Alberta registry agent. Bring your driver's licence and, if you can, the plate number or VIN.
My registration has expired. Can I still sell the car?
Usually, yes. An expired registration still shows who owns the car. Tell us when you call so we can confirm.
Do I give you the licence plates?
No. In Alberta, plates stay with the owner, so remove them before the car leaves.
The car belonged to someone who passed away. What do I do?
The executor of the estate handles the sale. Our estate car page lists the documents that usually help.
Paperwork questions?
Not Sure What Papers You Need? Call Us
Tell us about the car and what papers you have, and we'll tell you what's needed before pickup.