The Alberta government has officially revealed the winning design for its new "Strong and Free" licence plate, following a province-wide selection process that engaged thousands of residents. The chosen design will begin appearing on vehicles across the province starting in 2026.
The Winning Design Selection Process
Albertans participated in a public voting process to select their preferred licence plate design from several options presented by the provincial government. The winning design, which features the "Strong and Free" motto prominently displayed, received the majority of public votes cast during the selection period.
The announcement was made on November 18, 2025, with government officials confirming that the new plates would begin production for distribution the following year. The design maintains the blue and white color scheme familiar to Albertans while incorporating refreshed elements that reflect provincial identity.
Implementation Timeline and Features
The transition to the new licence plates will begin in 2026, with the existing plate design being gradually phased out as vehicles undergo registration renewals. The government has confirmed that there will be no additional cost to vehicle owners during the transition period.
The "Strong and Free" motto, which has become synonymous with Alberta's provincial identity, remains a central element of the design. Government officials emphasized that the new plates maintain all necessary security features while presenting a refreshed visual identity for the province.
Public Response and Next Steps
Initial public reaction to the winning design has been largely positive, with many Albertans expressing approval for the selection made through the democratic voting process. The government has indicated that detailed information about the plate rollout schedule will be communicated to residents as the 2026 implementation date approaches.
Vehicle owners can expect to receive the new plates during their regular registration renewal periods beginning in 2026. The province will continue using the current plate design until the phased transition is complete, ensuring a smooth implementation process for all Albertans.
