What Is License Plate Replacement In Saskatchewan?
License plate replacement in Saskatchewan refers to obtaining new plates when your current plates are lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise need to be replaced. Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), the provincial agency responsible for vehicle registration and driver licensing, oversees the license plate replacement process.
Replacing your license plates ensures that your vehicle displays valid, legible plates as required by The Traffic Safety Act.
When Do You Need To Replace Your Saskatchewan License Plate?
Saskatchewan license plates must be replaced in several situations to comply with provincial regulations and ensure proper vehicle identification. The primary circumstances requiring license plate replacement include:
• Physical damage that affects legibility
• Loss or theft of one or both plates
• Fading or peeling of the plate's reflective coating
• When switching to a different plate type (e.g., personalized plates)
• If the plate is deemed obsolete by SGI
Additionally, Saskatchewan periodically updates its license plate designs, which may necessitate replacement to comply with current standards.
How Can You Get A Replacement License Plate In Saskatchewan?
Obtaining a replacement license plate in Saskatchewan involves a straightforward process administered by Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI). To initiate the replacement, vehicle owners must follow these general steps:
- Report lost or stolen plates to the police and obtain a police file number
- Visit an SGI issuing office or motor license issuer
- Provide necessary documentation (vehicle registration, driver's license, police file number if applicable)
- Pay the required replacement fee
- Receive new plates or a temporary permit while waiting for plate manufacture
If you have personalized or specialty plates, you may need to complete additional forms or provide further information.
Where Can You Replace A License Plate In Saskatchewan?
You can replace your license plates at any SGI Motor licence issuer in Saskatchewan.
When visiting a Motor licence issuer to replace your plates, bring all required documents and payment for the replacement fee. The issuer will assist you with completing the necessary forms and issuing your new plates.
Can You Replace A Saskatchewan License Plate Online?
No, you cannot currently replace a Saskatchewan license plate online. The process requires an in-person visit to an SGI Motor licence issuer.
Replacing lost, stolen, or damaged license plates must be done in person for several reasons:
- To verify your identity and ownership of the vehicle
- To ensure proper documentation of lost or stolen plates with the police
- To physically issue new plates and collect old or damaged plates
- To ensure compliance with Saskatchewan's license plate display requirements
When Must You Replace Your License Plate In Saskatchewan?
In Saskatchewan, you must replace your license plates as soon as you become aware that they are lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise invalid. Driving with missing, illegible, or invalid plates violates The Traffic Safety Act and can result in fines and other penalties.
Specific situations that require prompt license plate replacement include:
- Lost or stolen plates: If your plates are lost or stolen, you must report the incident to the police immediately and obtain a case number.
- Damaged or illegible plates: If your plates become damaged, faded, or otherwise difficult to read.
- Redesign plates: When the plate design is declared obsolete by SGI.
- Plates recalled by SGI: In rare cases, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) may recall certain license plate series due to manufacturing defects or other issues.
Do You Need Insurance To Get Replacement Plates In Saskatchewan?
Yes, you need valid insurance to get replacement license plates. Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) administers the Saskatchewan compulsory auto insurance program.
When you visit an SGI motor license issuer to replace your license plates, they will verify that your vehicle has active insurance before issuing new plates. If your insurance has expired or been canceled, you must reinstate your coverage before obtaining replacement plates.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A License Plate In Saskatchewan?
The cost of replacing a license plate in Saskatchewan depends on the type of plate being replaced and the reason for the replacement. As of 2024, the fees for replacing various types of license plates are as follows:
- Standard vehicle plates: $15
- Personalized plates: $25 - $75
- Specialty plates: $50 - $75
These fees are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check with Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) or your SGI Motor licence issuer for the most up-to-date pricing.
How Long Does It Take To Get Replacement License Plates In Saskatchewan?
In Saskatchewan, the time it takes to receive replacement license plates depends on the type of plate:
- Regular license plate replacement: The issuer will immediately give you a regular license plate with the following available plate number.
- Specialty plates: If you're replacing a specialty plate like the "Land of Living Skies," "Rider Pride," "Saskatchewan Rush," "Saskatchewan SPCA," "Support Our Troops," "Memorial Cross," or "Veteran" plates, the process typically takes up to 10 business days.
- Vintage rider and collector plates: For "Vintage Rider" and "Collector" plates, the process can take up to 15 business days to receive your replacement plates after the order is processed and submitted to the manufacturer.