Northwest Territories · Driving and vehicles
Licence plate sticker and registration in Northwest Territories
Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked
Short answer
In the Northwest Territories, a first vehicle registration is done in person at a driver and vehicle office. Bring photo ID, the bill of sale, proof of insurance with an NWT address, and the new vehicle information statement or previous registration. You get your certificate and plate on the spot. Registrations are yearly, a 12-month registration costs $89, and you can renew online.
Who handles it
Driver and Vehicle Services (Department of Infrastructure, Government of the Northwest Territories)
Handles it in Northwest Territories.
Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.
Who can apply
Vehicles on NWT public roads and highways need valid insurance and a registration certificate. Registrations are issued every year.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Steps
You can renew, replace or cancel a vehicle registration online.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
What you need
Bring photo ID, the bill of sale or transfer of ownership, the new vehicle information statement for a brand-new vehicle, and the previous registration if it comes from another jurisdiction.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Your proof of insurance must match the bill of sale and show an NWT address.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Cost
Fees depend on the date you register and the first letter of your last name. A 12-month registration costs $89, or $45 for seniors 60 and over.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Replacing a lost, damaged or defaced permit costs $33.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
How long it takes
If you bring everything, you get the registration certificate and licence plate at the office. Any fines must be paid and processed first, which can take 24 to 48 hours.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Where to go
Registering a vehicle for the first time is only done in person at a driver and vehicle office.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Questions people ask
Can I renew my NWT vehicle registration online?
Yes. The NWT lets you renew, replace or cancel a vehicle registration online. A first-time registration must be done in person.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
What do I need to register a vehicle in the NWT?
Photo ID, a bill of sale or transfer of ownership, proof of insurance with an NWT address, and either the new vehicle information statement or the previous registration.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Do e-bikes need to be registered in the NWT?
No. Bicycles, including e-bikes, do not need registration. Golf carts, Segways, small mopeds of 49cc or less and vehicles bought for parts are also exempt.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
In every province and territory
The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. Northwest Territories is marked.
| Province or territory | Who handles it | Official link | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | ICBC (through Autoplan brokers) | Register a vehiclechecked | Register and get plates at any Autoplan broker; B.C. plates no longer need a renewal decal, you renew the insurance. |
| Alberta | Alberta registry agents (Government of Alberta) | Register a vehiclechecked | New registrations and plates are done at a registry agent; renewals can also be done online or by mail. |
| Saskatchewan | SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) | Renew your registrationchecked | Register or renew at a motor licence issuer, or renew online in MySGI. |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) | Register a vehiclechecked | Register, get plates and renew at any Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre. |
| Ontario | ServiceOntario (Ministry of Transportation) | Register a vehiclechecked | Most passenger vehicle, motorcycle and moped plates now renew automatically at no cost; commercial and some other vehicles still renew each year. |
| Quebec | Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) | Register a vehiclechecked | |
| New Brunswick | Service New Brunswick | Renew registration onlinechecked | Plate stickers stopped on April 1, 2026, but registration must still be renewed every year. |
| Nova Scotia | Registry of Motor Vehicles (Service Nova Scotia) | Renew your vehicle permitchecked | Renewals can be done online; first registration and plates are done at an Access Nova Scotia or RMV office. |
| Prince Edward Island | Access PEI (Highway Safety Division, Government of PEI) | None on record | |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Motor Registration Division (Government Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador) | How to register a vehiclechecked | |
| Yukon | Motor Vehicles (Government of Yukon) | None on record | New registrations are done at a Motor Vehicles office; renewals can be done online. Yukon no longer issues plate stickers. |
| Northwest TerritoriesThis page | Driver and Vehicle Services (Department of Infrastructure, Government of the Northwest Territories) | Renew a vehicle registrationchecked | |
| Nunavut | Motor Vehicles Division (Government of Nunavut) | Register a private vehiclechecked |
Cite this page
Canada Service Map, "Licence plate sticker and registration in NT", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/vehicle-registration/northwest-territories