How the Salvage Vehicle Inspection Process Works in Alberta

If your vehicle has been declared Salvage by an insurance company or Alberta Registry, it cannot be registered or legally driven until it has been properly repaired and inspected. Alberta Transportation requires a Salvage Vehicle Inspection to confirm the vehicle is roadworthy and compliant before its status can be changed to Rebuilt.

Goldstar Auto guides you through this process step by step, ensuring there are no surprises or delays.

Step 1: Repair the Vehicle to Roadworthy Condition

Before booking a salvage inspection, the vehicle must be:

• Fully repaired

• Safe to operate

• Free of unresolved mechanical, structural, or safety issues

The inspection is not a repair service—the vehicle must already meet Alberta safety standards at the time of inspection.

Step 2: Obtain the Required Salvage Inspection Form

Before the inspection takes place, the customer must obtain a Salvage Inspection Request Form from an Alberta Registry Agent.

What you’ll need at the registry:

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

• Proof of ownership (if applicable)

The registry will issue the official salvage inspection paperwork, which must be presented to the inspection facility on the day of the inspection.

Without this form, a licensed facility cannot legally perform the salvage inspection.

Step 3: Salvage Vehicle Inspection by a Licensed Facility

Goldstar Auto is a licensed Alberta Transportation inspection facility. Our certified technicians perform a comprehensive inspection that focuses on safety, structural integrity, and compliance.

What the Inspection Includes

The salvage inspection typically evaluates:

• Vehicle structure and frame condition

• Suspension, steering, and braking systems

• Lights, signals, and electrical components

• Seatbelts and required safety equipment

• General mechanical condition

• VIN verification and documentation review

The goal is to confirm the vehicle has been properly rebuilt and is safe to operate on Alberta roads.

Step 4: Inspection Outcome

If the Vehicle Passes

• The inspection form is completed and signed by the licensed inspector

• You receive the required documentation to return to the registry

• The vehicle may be eligible to have its status changed from Salvage to Rebuilt

If the Vehicle Does Not Pass

• You will be provided with a clear list of deficiencies

• Repairs must be completed before a re-inspection can be scheduled

• Only the failed items need to be rechecked, depending on the situation

Step 5: Registering the Vehicle as Rebuilt

Once the vehicle passes inspection:

1. Take the completed inspection documents back to an Alberta Registry

2. Apply to register the vehicle

3. The vehicle status may be updated to Rebuilt

4. You can then insure, license, and legally drive the vehicle