Who needs an AMVIC licence?

Sales including new, used and RV; lease; service and repair; agent or broker; consignment; and wholesale automotive businesses are legally required to be licensed by AMVIC. All automotive salespeople, including anyone who negotiates, solicits or concludes a sale on behalf of a licensed business must be registered with AMVIC.

Benefits of dealing with a licensed automotive business:

• Licensed businesses are expected to follow a high standard of professional conduct.
• Licensed businesses must follow the consumer protection laws set out in Alberta’s Consumer Protection Act. For example, it is a breach of the act to engage in an unfair practice.
• Licensed businesses must abide by the General Codes of Conduct
• The rules only apply to transactions between businesses and consumers.
• Private sellers and backyard mechanics are not required to meet the same high standards of honesty and integrity.
• All AMVIC-registered salespeople have successfully completed the Salesperson Registration Course as a condition of becoming registered.
• Licensed dealers must provide full disclosure.
• Licensed dealers must use all-in advertised pricing on ads.
• Licensed businesses are subject to AMVIC inspections.
• Consumers can ask AMVIC to investigate if a licensed business does not operate lawfully.
• The Compensation Fund may be available to the customers of a failed licensed business. However, consumers are not eligible to apply to the Compensation Fund if they buy from a private seller or curber.
• Additional laws involving detailed bills of sale, extensive vehicle history disclosure and repair authorizations mean more clarity in automotive transactions. More information and consumer guides. 

How to locate a licensed business:

• Search for a licensed business or a registered salesperson
• Look for the AMVIC licence displayed inside a business location.
• Look for advertisements that display the AMVIC logo.

Feel your rights have been breached? File a complaint with AMVIC.