Policy

A Motor Vehicle Identification (MVID) number is created and assigned on MOVES to the following client types:

• Individual
• Joint
• Organization

Once all applicable demographic information has been entered onto the system, a unique MVID number is generated and assigned to that individual/joint or organization client by MOVES. The MVID format is four digits followed by a dash and five more digits. (e.g., 0000-00000).

Only one MVID must be created for each client. All motor vehicle services can be accessed through this MVID.

Individual Clients

An individual MVID is created for a client who requests a motor vehicle service in his/her personal name.

Joint Clients

A joint MVID is created for a minimum of two to a maximum of 16 clients who wish to register a vehicle(s) jointly in their names.

• A joint client file is ordinarily created when all of the clients requesting to form a joint file are present in the registry agent office.
  • When all of the joint clients are unable to attend in person, the representative must have a signed Authorization for Vehicle Services (REG0169) (pdf) from the client(s) that is not present (provided the client(s) has an existing Alberta MVID).
• Do not use an alias MVID when creating a joint client
• A joint client file cannot be established when a restriction of motor vehicle services exists against any individual or organization client.
  • MOVES will display error code 11530 advising of the restriction of service.
• One member of the joint client must be designated as a contact person.
  • All Alberta Registries correspondence will be mailed to the contact person.
• Only the first two members will appear on registration documents.

Organization Client

An organization client MVID is created for an individual or group of individuals who have formed a company, corporation, association, etc.

A registry agent must:

• Confirm the organization is incorporated or registered by checking the Corporate Registry System (CORES) prior to establishing an organizational client file; see 2.05.03 Organization Client Creation & Demographic Changes. 
  • A trade name or partnership name must not be used when creating an organization client file; see 2.05.04 Trade Name/Sole Proprietorship Name.
• Not create an organization client file when the status of the corporation or society indicates anything other than active, start or liquid.

Alias Client Files

When two or more MVIDs have been created in error for the same client type, an alias client file must be created on MOVES. The purpose of an alias file is to combine two or more files of the same client into one primary file. Do not use an alias MVID when creating a joint file.

Licensing Requirements

Individual Clients

A client must:

• Provide acceptable identification; see 2.05.02 Acceptable Identification/Enrolment.
• Be 18 years of age or older.
  • When the client is less than 18 years of age, consent for a minor, proof of self-sufficiency or marriage, as is applicable, is required; see 2.00.02 Minor – Consent/Self Sufficiency.

Joint Clients

Joint clients must:

• Provide acceptable identification; see 2.05.02 Acceptable Identification/Enrolment.
• Be 18 years of age or older.
  • When the client is less than 18 years of age, consent for a minor, proof of self-sufficiency or marriage, as is applicable, is required; see 2.00.02 Minor – Consent/Self Sufficiency.

Joint Client Signatures

The signatures of all joint members are required for the following vehicle transactions:

• Vehicle first.
  • Includes late vehicle renewals processed as a vehicle first with the exception of the scenarios outlined in the Expired Renewal Notice subsection; see 4.55.01 Vehicle First.
• Vehicle renewals with changes.
• Vehicle transfers.
• Plate exchange.
• Vehicle ownership correction (VOC).
  • This does not include where ownership is transferred from a deceased individual to a surviving individual within a joint registration.
• Vehicle registration cancels.
• Vehicle plate return.

Note:
In the absence of a joint member, a signed Authorization for Vehicle Services (REG0169) is required.  The Vehicle Registration Authorization must be sent for imaging.

Only one joint member signature is required for the following vehicle transactions:

• Vehicle renewals with no changes.
• Vehicle duplicate registration.
• Vehicle modify. 

Organization Clients

Ensure the client representing the organization has the authority to transact business on behalf of the organization.

• Verify verbally whether the client has signing authority for the organization.
  • When the client confirms he/she has no signing authority, do not provide the service.

An organization client must provide acceptable identification; see 2.05.02 Acceptable Identification/Enrolment.

Date Originally Issued: Nov 14, 1989
Date Last Revised: Dec 13, 2021