What Is The Process For License Plate Renewal In Manitoba?
License plate renewal in Manitoba involves simultaneously renewing the vehicle's registration and insurance. This combined renewal is typically conducted through Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) or an Autopac agent. The renewal process ensures that the vehicle's registration remains current and that it is adequately insured for operation on Manitoba's roads.
To initiate the renewal process, vehicle owners must provide their current registration document, driver's license, and any other required documentation to MPI or an Autopac agent. The agent will then process the renewal, update the registration information, and issue new insurance documents. It's important to note that the specific requirements may vary depending on the type of vehicle and the owner's circumstances.
When Should I Renew My License Plate In Manitoba?
Your license plate in Manitoba must be renewed annually, on or before your vehicle's registration expiry date. The expiry date is printed on your vehicle registration card and is typically one year from your last renewal date.
MPI mails out renewal notices approximately six weeks before the expiry date. However, even if you do not receive a renewal notice, you must ensure your vehicle registration and license plates are renewed on time. Driving with an expired registration is illegal and can result in fines and other penalties.
How Can I Renew My License Plate In Manitoba?
There are several convenient ways to renew your license plate in Manitoba:
- Online: If you have received a renewal notice with a renewal number, you can renew online using MPI's Online Services.
- By mail: Complete the renewal notice and return it with payment to the address provided. Make checks payable to Manitoba Public Insurance.
- In-person: Visit any Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre. Bring your renewal notice, vehicle registration card, and payment.
- By phone: Call MPI's Contact Centre at 204-985-7000 (in Winnipeg) or 1-800-665-2410 (toll-free). Have your renewal notice and payment information ready.
Regardless of your chosen method, ensure you have the necessary documents and payment to complete your renewal.
Can I Renew My License Plate From Manitoba Online?
Yes, you can renew your license plate online if you have received a renewal notice from Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) that includes a renewal number. To renew online:
- Visit MPI's Online Services
- Log in or create an account if you don't already have one.
- Enter your renewal number and follow the prompts to complete your renewal and payment.
- Online renewals must be paid by credit card.
Online renewal is available 24/7 and is a convenient option if you need to renew your policy simply without changing your vehicle or insurance coverage.
However, online renewal may not be available in all situations, such as:
- If you need to make changes to your vehicle registration or insurance
- If you have outstanding fines or debts with MPI
- If your driver's license or identification card has expired
If you are unable to renew online, you can still renew by mail, phone, or in person at any Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre.
If I Have Outstanding Fines In Manitoba, Can I Still Renew My Plate?
Outstanding fines in Manitoba may impact an individual's ability to renew their license plate. The Highway Traffic Act of Manitoba allows for the refusal of vehicle registration renewal if there are unpaid fines related to traffic violations or other specified offenses.
Before attempting to renew a license plate, checking for and resolving any outstanding fines is advisable. You can call 204-945-5850 in Winnipeg to ask how much you owe and where to pay your fines. If fines are present, they must typically be paid or addressed through appropriate legal channels before the renewal process can proceed.
Can Someone Else Renew My License Plate For Me In Manitoba?
Yes, someone else can renew your license plate in Manitoba on your behalf, provided they have the necessary documents and information. This can be helpful if you cannot renew in person due to illness, travel, or other circumstances.
To have someone else renew your license plate, you will need to provide them with:
- Your signed and dated authorization letter stating their full name and granting permission to renew on your behalf
- Your current vehicle registration card
- Payment for the renewal fees (registration and applicable insurance premiums)
- Your renewal notice (if available)
The person renewing on your behalf will need to bring these items, along with their own valid government-issued photo ID, to any Autopac agent or Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) Service Centre. They will complete the renewal transaction and receive your new vehicle registration card and license plate stickers (if applicable).
What Is The Penalty In Manitoba For Driving With An Expired License Plate?
Driving with an expired license plate in Manitoba is a serious offense and can result in significant penalties under the Highway Traffic Act. If you are caught driving with expired registration, you may face:
- A fine for operating a vehicle without valid registration.
- A fine for failing to display a valid license plate on your vehicle.
- Demerit points added to your driving record can lead to increased driver's license premiums and other consequences.
- Possible vehicle impoundment if you have a history of driving without valid registration or if there are other aggravating factors.
- Denial of insurance coverage in the event of a collision while driving with expired registration.
Is A License Plate Sticker Required In Manitoba?
No, Manitoba no longer requires license plate stickers as of March 1, 2016. The province has eliminated the use of stickers as part of the transition to a more modernized and efficient vehicle registration system.
Under the new system, your vehicle registration and insurance will still need to be renewed annually. Still, you will no longer receive a physical sticker to attach to your license plate. Instead, your registration status will be recorded electronically in Manitoba Public Insurance's (MPI) database and can be verified by law enforcement using your license plate number.
When you renew your vehicle registration, you will receive a new vehicle registration card, which you should keep in your vehicle as proof of valid registration. However, you will not need to display any stickers on your license plate.
Is Insurance Required To Renew License Plates In Manitoba?
Yes, insurance is required to renew license plates in Manitoba. The province operates under a system where vehicle registration and insurance are renewed simultaneously through Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). This integrated approach ensures that all vehicles operating on Manitoba roads are both properly registered and insured.
When renewing license plates, vehicle owners must purchase or renew their Basic Autopac insurance, which is the minimum mandatory coverage required by law. Additional optional coverage may also be selected at this time. The Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Act stipulates the insurance requirement and is enforced to protect all road users.