Last updated October 4, 2026
Alberta regulates vehicle sales through AMVIC (Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council) — separately from every other province, with its own licensing requirements and complaint process. Here's what that actually means for you before you sign anything.
Every motor vehicle business operating in Alberta must be licensed with AMVIC — ask to see it, or verify online, before you sign anything. A legitimate dealer won't hesitate to show you this — reluctance is a signal worth paying attention to on its own.
AMVIC investigates unlicensed ('backyard') selling and dealer misconduct, and can act on consumer complaints against licensed dealers.
There is no cooling-off period once a vehicle purchase agreement is signed in Alberta — treat your signature as final. Everything in this guide is meant to happen before that moment, not after.
Buying in Alberta? Your script already builds in the AMVIC licensing check and the fact there's no changing your mind after signing — get the version computed for your exact car.