In most cases, a licence plate provides your proof of registration. However, in some situations, a vehicle may require a Temporary Registration Permit or an Interim Registration Permit.
Temporary Registration Permit
A Temporary Registration Permit is a temporary (maximum 30 days every 12 months) registration/insurance policy that authorizes the operation of a vehicle only to move the vehicle into, out of, within or through Manitoba. The permit is valid only in Canada and the continental United States. Motorcycles are eligible for temporary registrations totaling 15 days each calendar year.
To reduce the risk of unsafe vehicles on Manitoba roads, there are limits on Temporary Registration Permits for passenger vehicles:
- If a vehicle does not require a new Certificate of Inspection (COI), customers are eligible to purchase permits for a maximum of 30 days every 12 months. The 30-days can be spread across a maximum of three separate permits. (For longer periods, short-term insurance and registration are available – see more information here under Short-term Autopac.)
- If a vehicle does require a new COI, customers are eligible to purchase a maximum of one seven-day permit per vehicle every 12 months. (A second permit of fewer than seven days may be available in certain circumstances – talk to your Autopac agent.) However, a vehicle is ineligible for a seven-day permit if it poses a hazard to people or property on the roadway, if it has a salvage status, or if it is subject to Periodic Mandatory Vehicle Inspection requirements.
- For annual maximum limits, the 12-month timeline begins on the date that the first permit comes into effect after Jan. 10, 2021.
- Only legal owners can apply for a Temporary Registration Permit in most situations. Customers with a lease or exclusive-use agreement must have written authorization from the vehicle’s legal owner to purchase a temporary registration permit.
- Customers who purchase a Temporary Registration Permit will receive a temporary licence plate to display in the rear plate area of their vehicle. These plates are being issued on a trial basis. Note that the permit itself must still be displayed in the lower right corner of the windshield.
Examples of situations where a Temporary Registration Permit may be required:
- importing a newly acquired vehicle from another jurisdiction, where it was purchased, to a Manitoba destination
- demonstrating a vehicle for sale
- moving a vehicle to or from a location that is inside or outside Manitoba
The specified use must be stated on the permit. A Temporary Registration Permit provides temporary registration and Basic Autopac coverage for the period of time specified on the permit. Coverage options, including increased third-party liability, reduced all perils deductibles and enhanced value coverage, are available.
If you are importing a vehicle into Manitoba, it is best to arrange for the permit before you leave Manitoba. See more information about buying a vehicle.
Locations
Temporary Registration Permits are available at:
- MPI Service Centres
- Autopac agents
Manitoba residents who are MPI customers and are importing a vehicle from another jurisdiction can call us to obtain a Temporary Registration Permit.
You can also download, complete and fax the request for Temporary Registration Permit checklist. Note: It’s important that you call us prior to faxing the checklist so we know you are requesting a permit.
The cost of a permit varies, depending on factors such as the number of days the permit is valid.
Interim Registration Permit
If you have just purchased a vehicle from a dealer, they may sell you an Interim Registration Permit. This permit allows you to drive your newly purchased vehicle for up to seven days before you have to buy licence plates.
A seven-day interim registration permit costs $38.