Vehicle Registration Eligibility FAQs
- Out-of-Province Vehicle Use Chart
- What is the definition of a Saskatchewan resident?
- Do I need to provide proof that I file Saskatchewan income tax when I renew my registration?
- I'm a Saskatchewan resident, but I'm not required to file a federal tax return. How will I renew my plates?
- I'm required to file income tax in Saskatchewan. If I never file my income tax, will I still be able to renew my plates?
- I live in Saskatchewan, but I've been filing my income tax in another province. Am I still able to renew my plates?
- Can I renew my plates if I pay taxes to both Saskatchewan and another jurisdiction?
Out-of-Province Vehicle Use Chart
| Registered Owner | Operator | In-Province Use | Out-of-Province Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sask. resident individual | Sask. resident | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Sask. resident individual | Non-resident | Unlimited | 90 accumulative days/calendar year |
| Non-resident individual | Non-resident | Unlimited | 30 accumulative days/calendar year |
| Non-resident individual | Sask. resident | Unlimited | 30 accumulative days/calendar year |
| Non-resident Ltd. or Inc. company | Sask. resident | Unlimited | 183 accumulative days/calendar year |
| Non-resident Ltd. or Inc. company | Non-resident | Unlimited | 183 accumulative days/calendar year |
| Sask. resident Ltd. or Inc. company | Sask. resident | Unlimited | 183 accumulative days/calendar year |
| Sask. resident Ltd. or Inc. company | Non-resident | Unlimited | 183 accumulative days/calendar year |
What is the definition of a Saskatchewan resident?
A Saskatchewan resident is someone who:
- Owns, rents, or leases a residence in Saskatchewan, or resides with an immediate family member who is a Saskatchewan resident; and
- Files income tax in Saskatchewan, if required; and
- Does not hold a driver’s licence from outside of Saskatchewan.
Do I need to provide proof that I file Saskatchewan income tax when I renew my registration?
Proof of filing income tax is not required at the time of registration. It may, however, be requested in the event of a claim.
I'm a Saskatchewan resident, but I’m not required to file a federal tax return. How will I renew my plates?
In most cases we will simply verify your exemption in the event of a claim.
I'm required to file income tax in Saskatchewan. If I never file my income tax, will I still be able to renew my plates?
Proof of filing income tax is not required at the time of registration. It may, however, be requested in the event of a claim to verify that you are a Saskatchewan resident. Your out-of-province use of a vehicle registered in your name will also be capped at 30 accumulative days in a calendar year.
I live in Saskatchewan, but I’ve been filing my income tax in another province. Am I still able to renew my plates?
Yes, you will be able to renew your registration if your primary residence is located in Saskatchewan and you hold a Saskatchewan driver’s licence. You must file a Saskatchewan income tax return within 18 months of moving to the province in order to maintain your Saskatchewan resident status.
Can I renew my plates if I pay taxes to both Saskatchewan and another jurisdiction?
Yes. There are some situations that require an individual to file income tax in more than 1 jurisdiction. As long as you continue to file Saskatchewan income tax, keep your primary residence in Saskatchewan and do not hold a driver’s licence in another jurisdiction, you’re considered to be a Saskatchewan resident.
I am a Saskatchewan resident and don’t plan on leaving the province with my vehicle for school, work or business for more than 30 days. What happens if my situation changes part way through the year?
If your plans change part way through your registration term, you should visit your local motor licence issuer or contact us at 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744) to advise us of the changes.
Driver’s licence
What are the requirements to retain my Saskatchewan driver’s licence?
In order to be eligible to retain a Saskatchewan driver’s licence you must be a Saskatchewan resident. A Saskatchewan resident is someone who:
- Owns, rents, or leases a residence in Saskatchewan, or resides with an immediate family member who is a Saskatchewan resident; and
- Files income tax in Saskatchewan, if required; and
- Does not hold a driver's licence from outside of Saskatchewan.
Vehicles registered to Ltd. and Inc. companies
My use outside of Saskatchewan will be greater than 6 months, but I’m not eligible for registration in the other jurisdiction. What can I do to register my vehicles?
Company vehicles that will be out of the province for more than 6 months can apply for an apportioned registration under the International Registration Plan (IRP). This will allow you to retain a Saskatchewan licence plate and can also cover the registration requirements of other jurisdictions.
I use my vehicles for commercial purposes, but the vehicles are registered in the individual names of me and my employees. Is the out-of-province use of these vehicles restricted to 183 days in a calendar year like it is for Ltd. and Inc. businesses?
Vehicles that are used for commercial purposes but are registered in an individual’s name are governed by the same rules as individual personal-use vehicles. This means you will have unrestricted out-of-province use as long as the registered owner and operator are considered Saskatchewan residents. Out-of-province operation of a Saskatchewan resident's vehicle by non-residents is limited to 90 days in a calendar year.
My farm-plated trucks are registered to my Ltd. company. Is my out-of-province use restricted to 183 days in a calendar year?
Yes, your farm-plated vehicle can be used in another jurisdiction for a maximum of 183 days in any calendar year. The use of your farm-plated vehicle outside of Saskatchewan is also restricted to business related to the operation of the registered owner’s Saskatchewan farm, as well as personal transportation.
My farm-plated trucks are registered in my personal name. Is my out-of-province use restricted to 183 days in a calendar year?
Farm vehicles that are registered in an individual’s name follow the same rules for individual personal-use vehicles. This means you are permitted to use a farm vehicle out of province as long as the registered owner and operator are Saskatchewan residents. The use of your farm-plated vehicle outside of Saskatchewan is limited to business related to the operation of the registered owner’s Saskatchewan farm or as a personal conveyance. Out-of-province operation of a Saskatchewan resident’s vehicle by non-residents is limited to 90 days in a calendar year.
My company has non-resident operators that will be taking the company’s Saskatchewan-plated vehicles to their out-of-province homes at the end of each day. Is this time counted towards the 6-month maximum use out-of-province?
Yes, returning to an out-of-province residence with a Saskatchewan-plated vehicle each day does count towards the 183 days in a calendar year maximum.
Extended out-of-province vehicle use
I own property in another jurisdiction and spend the winters there. Can I leave my Saskatchewan-registered vehicle in the other jurisdiction year-round?
As long as you are still considered a Saskatchewan resident, and are in compliance with the requirements of the jurisdiction where you are leaving the vehicle, you can register and insure a vehicle that you are leaving out of province. While the vehicle is not required to return to Saskatchewan, you must return at least once every 12 months.
I am taking an extended trip outside North America and am taking my vehicle with me. Can I leave my Saskatchewan plate on my vehicle during this time?
If you are a Saskatchewan resident you can retain your Saskatchewan plate. However, the insurance coverage that comes with your plate is only valid in Canada and the United States. You will need to purchase insurance for the jurisdiction you are staying in if it is outside of North America. The registered owner of the vehicle will need to return to Saskatchewan at least once in a 12-month period to remain eligible for Saskatchewan registration.
I live in Saskatchewan, but work out of province for most of the year. Do I still qualify for a Saskatchewan registration?
If you live in Saskatchewan but are working out of province, you are still expected to return to your Saskatchewan residence on a regular basis. In the event of an insurance claim, you may need to provide documentation such as cell phone records and banking information as proof of this.
If your employment does not allow you to return to Saskatchewan regularly, you may still be able to retain Saskatchewan registration and insurance. You can confirm your status by calling our customer service team at 1-844-TLK-2SGI (1-844-855-2744).
I’m a Saskatchewan resident, but work out of province. Are there any restrictions on the type of accommodation I can have while working?
There is no restriction on the type of accommodation you can have as long as you maintain a Saskatchewan residence, file Saskatchewan income tax and hold a Saskatchewan driver’s licence.
Can I lend my vehicle while out of the province to my friend or relative who is a resident of another jurisdiction?
Yes. If the registered owner of the vehicle is a Saskatchewan resident, it can be used by a non-resident in another jurisdiction for a total of 90 days in a calendar year, subject to the laws of the other jurisdiction.
I’m leaving my Saskatchewan-registered vehicle in my neighbour’s garage in another jurisdiction when I fly back to Saskatchewan for the rest of the year. Can my neighbour living in another jurisdiction use my vehicle while I am away?
Yes. If the registered owner of the vehicle is a Saskatchewan resident, it can be used by a non-resident in another jurisdiction for a total of 90 days in a calendar year, subject to the laws of the other jurisdiction.
Non-resident registration
I am not a Saskatchewan resident, but I own vacation property in the province and leave a vehicle here. Can I register a vehicle as a non-resident?
Yes, non-residents can register vehicles in Saskatchewan. However, vehicle use outside of the province will be limited to a total of 30 days within a calendar year.
I am not a Saskatchewan resident but I have vehicles registered in Saskatchewan because I own and operate a farm. Can I use these vehicles outside of Saskatchewan?
As a non-resident registered owner, the vehicles can be operated outside Saskatchewan for a maximum of 30 accumulative days in a calendar year.
If the vehicles are registered to a Ltd. or Inc. company, out-of-province use is allowed for up to 183 accumulative days in a calendar year. If the vehicles are registered with Saskatchewan farm plates, the out-of-province use is restricted to business related to the operation of the registered owner’s Saskatchewan farm.
Students
I am a Saskatchewan resident, but I will be leaving the province to attend school. Can I keep my Saskatchewan registration?
Yes, you remain eligible for coverage under Saskatchewan registration and insurance if:
- You lived in Saskatchewan for 90 days prior to 1st leaving for school; and
- You maintain a mailing address in Saskatchewan while you’re away at school; and
- You are considered a full-time student by the educational institution you are attending; and
- You receive a registration exemption from the jurisdiction you’ll be attending school in; and
- You continue to file Saskatchewan income tax (if required); and
- You continue to hold a Saskatchewan driver’s licence
I'm taking a Masters or PhD program outside of Saskatchewan. Can I retain my student status while I'm completing this program?
Yes, the above-mentioned student allowance extends to residents who are registered in post-graduate programs out of the province. This includes students who are receiving bursaries, scholarships or other program funding.
I'm enrolled in a co-op work term as part of my education. Does this impact my student allowance?
As long as you’re participating in a work term (whether optional or required) that is recognized by your educational institution and you are considered a full-time student by your educational institution, you are still eligible for the student allowance.
I've enrolled in post-secondary at an out-of-province institution and have relinquished my residence in Saskatchewan but my parents still live in the province. Can I claim my parents’ Saskatchewan address as my Saskatchewan residence and make use of the student allowance?
Yes, as long as you were living in Saskatchewan for 90 days prior to leaving for school.
I’m out of province attending school, but I won’t be able to return to my Saskatchewan residence within 12 months between terms. Am I still eligible for the student allowance?
As long as you continue to meet your institution’s criteria of a full-time student, you’re not required to return to your Saskatchewan residence.
