Starting today, Wednesday, Jan. 19, you will no longer be able to request a replacement plate for a lost or stolen vehicle licence plate before it is reported to police.

The Province says, “Early reporting of lost or stolen plates allows police to be on alert for licence plates that may be used for illegal purposes.

“A lost or stolen licence plate is not just frustrating for the owner, it can create larger problems if it is used in criminal activity. One of those risks is to the safety of law enforcement officers who benefit from having the most accurate, up-to-date information when conducting roadside stops.”

The change has already been piloted at 12 Alberta Registries agent offices in 2021, and comes as a recommendation of the Provincial Auto Theft Review Committee, who are a subcommittee of the Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police.

The committee has members from government ministries and law enforcement.

“It is common practice for criminals to disguise their stolen vehicles by attaching an unreported stolen plate associated to a vehicle of a similar make and model.

“This tactic allows auto thieves to engage in high-risk criminal activities undetected.

“This includes dangerous driving, hit-and-run collisions, robberies, and break and enters.

“Mandatory reporting of lost and stolen licence plates will go a long way to making life more difficult for thieves and help keep Albertans safe,” says Mark Neufeld, Calgary police chief, and president, Association of Alberta Chiefs of Police.

From today forward, motorists who attend a registries office to ask for a replacement for a plate that has been lost or stolen will be required to present a police file number.

The reports can be made at a local police station or RCMP Detachment.

Service Alberta Minister Nate Glubish says, “Requiring a police report for a lost or stolen licence plate is a common-sense change to make. In doing so, we are ensuring police have accurate information that can better help them when interacting with motorists and is crucial for an investigation.”

In 2020, registry agents issued more than 46,000 replacement licence plates for Albertans whose previous plates were lost or stolen.

The change will not apply to stolen personalized plates, which are issued in pairs. In the case of a lost personalized single plate, the owner must return the remaining plate to an Alberta Registries office.