The Alberta government has unveiled the province’s new licence plate design, marking the first major update in more than four decades. After three rounds of public voting and more than 240,000 ballots cast, the winning design features Moraine Lake.
Albertans were able to choose from eight different designs featuring elements such as prairie scenery, the cattle industry, the provincial flag, and the iconic Rocky Mountains.
The runner-up design—edged out by a small margin—incorporated several symbols of Alberta’s identity, including the mountains, oil rigs, and two people riding a horse.
Along with the new imagery, Alberta’s long-standing “Wild Rose Country” slogan will be replaced with “Strong and Free”.
Premier Danielle Smith said the new design captures the spirit of the province, describing Albertans as strong, free, resilient and united by the natural beauty that defines the province. Moraine Lake, one of Canada’s most recognizable landscapes, will now appear on every newly issued plate.
The province says the new plates incorporate reflective technology to boost readability for law enforcement and automated systems, especially in low-light conditions. The upgrade also aligns with international standards for visibility, legibility and protection against counterfeiting.
Drivers who want the new plate as soon as it becomes available can request a replacement for a $28 fee. Otherwise, the updated design will be issued at no additional cost when motorists renew their vehicle registrations. Those who prefer to keep their current plate may continue using it as long as it remains in good condition.
The new licence plates are expected to roll out across Alberta in mid-2026.
Keith Hopper, Trending 55
