THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION
ALBERTA-NWT COMMAND PUBLIC RELATIONS

SPECIAL LICENSE PLATE FOR ALBERTA VETERANS A REALITY

Important Changes to the Veterans License Plate Policy

"Fee Waiver Policy" will expire on January 31st as originally proposed. New rules will be as follows;

1. Exchange to a new Veterans place for the normal $13.00 fee. plus agent fee of $9.00, plus GST or

2. For approved Veterans who choose to wait until their normal plate renewal and associated fees would apply.

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Alberta veterans have an extra reason to mark Veterans Week this year. The Province of Alberta and Alberta–NWT Command of The Royal Canadian Legion, together with representatives of other veteran’s organizations, have worked out the details around the issuance of a distinctive “Veteran” license plate for Alberta’s driving veterans. This historic event is the result of extensive work by the Legion to give recognition to both war and peacetime veterans who qualify under the Veteran Affairs Canada definition of a veteran.

Qualified drivers of private cars, light trucks and motor homes can now apply through the Legion for a newly designed plate that will include the word Veteran and a poppy, the universal symbol of remembrance. Design of the plate is being finalized and a joint roll out early in the new year will present it to the public. Plates are expected to be available about mid February, 2005. Government Services has also announced that the regular fee for a plate exchange will be waived until January 31, 2006.

Alberta-NWT Command of The Royal Canadian Legion has accepted the responsibility of validating application forms and will begin processing them after December 1. Application forms will be available at all Alberta Registry Agent offices in late November.

Alberta Veterans Plates Information - Who is eligible?

Alberta Veterans Plates Application Form - How to apply.

ALBERTA VETERANS’ LICENCE PLATE – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Veterans” Licence Plates - Vehicles with Farm Registrations

Eligible veterans who have vehicles with farm registrations will soon be able to obtain veterans’ licence plates. Changes are currently underway to enable processing of these requests.

The Alberta Government Services and Alberta – NWT Command of the Royal Canadian Legion are responding to farmers’ requests by making vehicles with farm registrations eligible for veterans’ plates. The system changes needed for this are expected to be completed by the middle to end of April.

Farm veterans’ who previously requested a veterans’ plate for a vehicle with a farm registration and were either turned down or issued a passenger registration in order to receive a veterans’ plate and now want to revert back to farm registration they can do so at no extra charge.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The following are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Alberta Veterans’ Licence Plates.

Q: How much does veterans’ plate cost?

A: There is an application fee of $5.00 to cover the Legion’s administrative costs (non-refundable). The government does not receive any portion of this fee. The normal government fee for exchanging a licence plate will be waived until January 31, 2006. Regular registration fees will apply for first time licence plate purchases and renewals.

Q: How long will it take to get my veterans’ plate(s)?

A: It may take up to 3 weeks for your application to be approved by the Legion and returned to you. Registry agents can immediately issue a veterans’ plate upon presentation of the approved form.

Q: What type of vehicles can I get a veterans’ plate for?

A: Veterans’ licence plates can be used on vehicles with passenger class registration. This includes vehicles such as passenger cars, SUVs, station wagons, minivans, motor homes and light trucks. They can also be used on vehicles with farm registrations. Plates cannot be used on the following:

- Vehicles with commercial class registration (with the exception of farm registrations)
- Trailers
- Motorcycles / Off Highway vehicles

Q: Will you be making the veterans’ plate available to farm vehicles?

A: Yes. Systems changes are currently underway to enable vehicles with farm registrations to obtain veterans’ plates. These should be completed by the middle to end of April.

Q: Why was I told I couldn’t get a veterans’ plate for my farm vehicle?

A: Farm vehicles are classed as commercial, and veterans’ plates were originally only eligible on passenger vehicles. However, a number of farmers asked the government and the Legion to reconsider the criteria, as they use their farm class vehicles as their primary mode of transportation. The request was reasonable, and the change was made.

Q: Does that mean that other commercial vehicles are eligible for veterans’ plates?

A: No. Only vehicles with farm registrations are eligible. They are a special class, with special circumstances.

Q: I own a pickup truck and a fifth wheel trailer. Can I get a veterans’ plate for both vehicles?

A: No. Trailers do not carry a passenger class registration.

Q: I own a car and a motor home. Can I get a veterans’ plate for each vehicle?

A: Yes. Providing the vehicles are registered in the veteran’s name, you can order a veterans’ plate for each passenger vehicle or motor home that you own or lease. Vehicles registered to a business are not eligible for a veterans’ plate.

Q: Our family vehicle is registered to two people. Am I entitled to a veterans’ plate?

A: Yes. If a vehicle has more than one owner or lessee, at least one of the owners or lessees must be approved for a veterans’ plate.

Q: Can I order a personalized veterans’ plate?

A: Yes. Regular fees are applicable. If there is an existing personalized licence plate on the Alberta motor vehicle system, then that configuration cannot be used. An existing personalized plate cannot be exchanged for a veterans’ plate. A personalized veterans’ licence plate shall have a maximum of five characters.

Q: Can I request a specific licence plate configuration?

A: No. Unless you are ordering a personalized veterans’ plate, regular veterans’ plates are issued in sequential order.

Q: What happens if I lose my approved application form?

A: If you lose your form you will have to go through the application process and pay the $5.00 fee again.

Q: What happens if I have an approved application form, but I do not have a set of current passenger plates?

A: Normal registration fees will apply for first time vehicle registrations and renewals.

Q: What if my veterans’ plate is lost or stolen?

A: If your veterans’ licence plate is lost or stolen, the normal replacement fees will apply.

Q: What are my options if I want to appeal the decision of the Legion?

A: You may request a review of your situation.

Q: Where/who do I call if I have questions or concerns?

A: You may call Alberta – NWT Command at (403) 284 – 1161.