Quick Answer
To change the directors or registered office address of an Alberta corporation, the company must submit the appropriate change notice through an authorized Alberta Corporate Registry service provider. Most director and corporate address updates must be reported within 15 days of the change.
Business owners seeking help can explore Incorp Master Canada’s Notice of Change service to learn about applicable Alberta filing options.
Request Alberta Corporate Change AssistanceWhether the corporation is appointing a director, recording a resignation, or moving its registered office, the correct filing helps keep its legal records accurate.
This guide explains the 2026 requirements, correct forms, deadlines, fees and steps for updating corporate information.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Alberta corporations generally have 15 days to report director and corporate address changes.
- ✓Changing an agent or alternative agent for service must be reported as soon as the change occurs.
- ✓Form REG3017 concerns director appointments and departures, while REG3220 concerns the addresses of existing directors.
- ✓A registered office must have a physical location in Alberta.
- ✓Routine director and address changes generally do not require amendments to the Articles of Incorporation.
- ✓An authorized registry service provider handles submissions to the provincial registry.
- ✓An annual return does not replace a required change notice.
When Must an Alberta Corporation Report Changes?
Alberta requires corporations to keep their corporate registry information current. The reporting deadline depends on the type of change and the corporation’s jurisdiction.
For a corporation incorporated in Alberta, the following timeframes generally apply.
These timelines come from the Government of Alberta’s corporate change notice guidance.
Important: Corporations incorporated outside Alberta can have different requirements. For corporations from certain other provinces or countries, Alberta generally requires specified director or head office address updates within 30 days. Special processes apply to corporations registered through the New West Partnership.
If the corporation is federally incorporated or incorporated in another province, confirm the applicable home jurisdiction and Alberta filing requirements before proceeding.
Can an Alberta corporation wait until its annual return?
No. Filing an annual return does not replace the obligation to report a director or address change within the applicable deadline.
For example, if a director resigns in May and the corporation’s annual return is due in September, the corporation should not wait until September to report the resignation.
Which Alberta Corporate Registry Form Do You Need?
Choosing the correct form is one of the most important steps in updating an Alberta corporation.
The government maintains the relevant documents on its Corporate Registry forms page.
Some older PDF versions remain publicly accessible. Confirm the current form and instructions with the authorized service provider before submission.
What is the difference between REG3017 and REG3220?
REG3017
REG3017 records changes in who serves as a director. Use it when directors are appointed or cease to hold office.
REG3220
REG3220 updates the address of someone who is already a director. It does not add or remove directors.
For example, using REG3220 to report a director resignation would not provide the correct information for the intended change.
How to Change Directors of an Alberta Corporation
Changing directors involves both an internal corporate decision and an update to the provincial registry.
The registry notice records the change. It does not replace the legal steps necessary to appoint, elect or remove a director.
Step 1: Review the corporation’s governing documents
Before changing directors, review the Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, and relevant corporate records.
These may establish:
- The minimum and maximum number of directors.
- Procedures for shareholder meetings and elections.
- Rules for filling vacancies.
- Requirements for director removal.
- Corporate approval and recordkeeping procedures.
The Alberta Business Corporations Act also governs director appointments, qualifications, elections, and removals.
A shareholder cannot necessarily remove a director merely by submitting a registry form.
Step 2: Properly authorize the change
Determine what corporate action has occurred.
For example:
- Shareholders have elected a new director.
- A director has submitted a resignation.
- Shareholders have passed a valid removal resolution.
- The remaining directors have filled a vacancy where permitted.
Keep the relevant resolutions, meeting minutes, resignation letters, and other supporting records.
These documents show why the board changed and when the change took effect.
Step 3: Gather the required information
Prepare the corporation’s:
- Full legal name.
- Alberta Corporate Access Number.
- Current director information.
- Names and addresses of incoming directors.
- Appointment dates.
- Names of outgoing directors.
- Resignation or cessation dates.
- Resulting list of directors.
Incoming directors must meet applicable eligibility requirements. Alberta’s government guidance specifies that directors must be at least 18 years old.
Do Alberta corporations need Canadian-resident directors?
Alberta removed its former Canadian director residency requirement in March 2021. As a result, ordinary Alberta business corporations are no longer subject to the former requirement that at least 25% of directors be resident Canadians.
Some older government forms still contain residency-related questions. Confirm the current form-completion procedure with the filing provider rather than treating those older statements as current law.
Step 4: Complete the director change notice
Use the current Notice of Change of Directors form or the equivalent accepted registry submission.
Check:
- The corporation’s legal name and access number.
- The correct names of appointed or departing directors.
- The relevant appointment or cessation dates.
- The complete resulting director list.
- The information required from the person authorizing the filing.
If an existing director is only changing their address, use the appropriate director address-change notice instead.
Step 5: Submit through an authorized service provider
Alberta requires relevant corporate changes to be submitted through an authorized Corporate Registry service provider.
The service provider will require the applicable information, valid identification, and fee payment.
Once the submission meets the requirements, the provider enters the update into the Corporate Registry system.
Business owners who want help with the filing process can ask about available options through Incorp Master Canada.
Step 6: Update the corporation’s records
After the change is processed, review the corporation’s internal records.
Update the register of directors, applicable resolutions, minute book, and relevant banking or administrative authorizations.
A registry filing does not automatically update every internal corporate document or third-party account.
How to Change an Alberta Corporation’s Registered Office Address
An Alberta corporation’s registered office is an official address used for corporate records and legal purposes.
It is not necessarily the same as the address where the business serves customers or carries out daily operations.
For example, a corporation may operate a retail business in Calgary while maintaining its registered office at another eligible Alberta location.
Step 1: Identify which address is changing
Corporations may maintain several different addresses.
A change to one address does not necessarily change every other address.
For example, if the company moves its warehouse but keeps its registered office at the same location, a registered office change may not be necessary solely because of the warehouse move.
Other business registrations, municipal licences, or tax records may nevertheless require updates.
Step 2: Confirm the new address is eligible
Alberta requires a corporation’s registered office to be a physical location within the province.
A street address or appropriate legal land description can satisfy the physical-location requirement.
If mail cannot be delivered to the registered office, an Alberta postal address must also be provided.
A post office box alone should not be treated as a substitute for the required physically registered office location.
Step 3: Prepare the corporate address change notice
Complete the current Notice of Change of Corporation Address using the applicable corporate and address details.
Confirm whether the corporation is changing:
- Its registered office.
- Its records office.
- Its mailing address.
- More than one reportable address.
Check the effective date and ensure the new address is complete and accurate.
Step 4: File within the reporting deadline
Submit the required information through an authorized Corporate Registry service provider within 15 days of the change.
Do not postpone the change until the next annual return.
For help determining the applicable filing, visit Incorp Master’s Notice of Change page and confirm the available Alberta corporate update services.
Step 5: Notify other relevant organizations
After the provincial corporate filing is completed, determine which additional organizations need the revised address.
Depending on the business, these may include:
- Canada Revenue Agency.
- Financial institutions.
- Insurance providers.
- Municipal licensing offices.
- Suppliers and contractual counterparties.
- Payroll providers.
- Commercial landlords.
- Customers and business directories.
The Alberta Corporate Registry change notice does not automatically ensure that every other organization has the company’s current information.
How to Change an Alberta Corporation’s Agent for Service
An agent for service is an individual appointed to receive certain legal documents and official notices on behalf of the corporation.
This appointment is distinct from the registered office address and the corporation’s board of directors.
Alberta requires the agent or alternative agent for service to have a physical and mailing address within the province.
A new agent must consent to the appointment.
When changing an agent for service, prepare the applicable:
- Individual’s name.
- Firm name, if applicable.
- Physical and mailing addresses.
- Email address.
- Appointment date.
- Required consent.
Report the change as soon as it occurs.
Alberta also has specific requirements for resigning or revoking an agent’s appointment. A resigning agent must provide the required notice, and the corporation must ensure it remains compliant with its statutory obligations.
Do not assume that changing the registered office also updates the agent for service.
How Much Does It Cost to Change Directors or an Address in Alberta?
The cost depends on the authorized registry service provider, the type of change, and any additional assistance required.
Alberta explains that service providers charge fees for corporate change notices. Provider charges can vary.
Before proceeding, ask for the complete service price and confirm what is included.
A routine director appointment or registered office update generally does not require the same work as a corporate restructuring.
Why consider filing assistance?
A filing service may help when the business owner wants help identifying the right notice, preparing the information, and coordinating the registry submission.
Businesses considering Incorp Master Canada can review the available service options and request clarification about applicable fees before placing an order.
Do You Need to Amend Your Articles of Incorporation?
Not every director or address update requires an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation.
For example, a company replacing one director with another will generally use a director change notice, provided the board composition remains consistent with applicable law and the corporation’s articles.
However, consider a corporation whose articles permit 1 to 3 directors.
If shareholders want to expand the board to five directors, the company may first need to amend the permitted director range.
Ordinary registered office address changes generally follow an address-change filing process rather than requiring a new incorporation.
Review the corporation’s articles before proceeding where there is uncertainty.
What Happens If You Miss the 15-Day Deadline?
Missing the reporting deadline can leave the corporation’s official information outdated and put it out of compliance with reporting requirements.
The practical consequences depend on the circumstances.
For example, a lender may request clarification if the directors signing financial documents do not match the available registry information.
Likewise, outdated corporate addresses may create problems when important notices or correspondence are sent to the previous address.
If a deadline has passed:
- Identify the unreported change.
- Confirm the actual effective date.
- Gather the required supporting information.
- Arrange the overdue filing promptly.
- Keep evidence of the completed update.
Do not substitute a later date simply to make an overdue change appear timely.
Where there are multiple unreported changes, disputed director appointments, or other legal complications, obtain appropriate professional guidance.
Can You Change Alberta Directors or an Address Online?
Some authorized registry providers offer online order forms, document submission, or other remote filing assistance.
Whether a process is fully remote depends on the provider and applicable requirements, including identity verification.
Alberta’s official procedure still requires submitting the corporate update through an authorized service provider.
Business owners should confirm the submission process, documentation, and service availability before ordering.
Filing Yourself vs. Using a Corporate Filing Service
A business owner can prepare the necessary information and work directly with an authorized registry provider or seek additional assistance from a business filing service.
For a straightforward change, either approach may be suitable.
Filing assistance can be particularly useful for business owners who are uncertain which notice applies, have multiple updates to report or prefer support with administrative preparation.
Get Help With Your Alberta Corporate Change
Need to change a director, update a corporate address or determine which notice applies?
Explore Incorp Master Canada’s corporate change filing options and confirm the applicable service, documentation and fees before submitting your request.
Request Alberta Corporate Change AssistanceCommon Alberta Corporate Change Mistakes
Avoid these common errors when updating corporate records.
✗ Using the wrong form
A director address change is not the same as appointing a new director.
Check the specific event before preparing the notice.
✗ Assuming shareholders and directors are identical
A shareholder owns shares in the corporation. A director helps manage or supervise the corporation’s business and affairs.
A shareholder does not automatically become a director merely by acquiring shares.
✗ Failing to document director changes
Registry updates do not replace valid appointments, resignations, removals, or resolutions.
Keep the relevant evidence in the corporation’s records.
✗ Reporting an inaccurate effective date
The effective date should reflect the actual underlying event, not simply the date the form is completed.
✗ Forgetting the agent for service
An office move or director resignation may affect arrangements involving the agent for service.
Review those responsibilities separately.
✗ Assuming provincial records update the CRA
A provincial filing does not necessarily update federal tax-account information or other business records.
Check which separate notifications are required.
Alberta Corporate Change Filing Checklist
Before submitting a change, confirm that the corporation has:
- ✓Identified the correct change.
- ✓Reviewed its articles and applicable governance requirements.
- ✓Properly authorized the change.
- ✓Confirmed the actual effective date.
- ✓Collected accurate director or address information.
- ✓Selected the appropriate current registry form.
- ✓Prepared valid identification and required materials.
- ✓Confirmed the applicable filing deadline.
- ✓Reviewed service fees and submission requirements.
- ✓Arranged the filing through an authorized provider.
- ✓Retained confirmation after processing.
- ✓Updated relevant internal and third-party records.
Frequently Asked Questions
QHow long do I have to change directors in Alberta?
An Alberta-incorporated corporation generally must report changes to its directors within 15 days of the change.
QWhat form is used to change directors in Alberta?
The Notice of Change of Directors, commonly identified as REG3017, is used for appointments and departures. Confirm the current version through the Alberta Corporate Registry.
QWhat form is used to change a director’s address?
REG3220 is the Notice of Change of Address of Director(s). It is intended for the addresses of existing directors, not for adding or removing directors.
QCan I change the directors and registered office address at the same time?
Yes. You can arrange both updates together, but you must still meet the information and filing requirements for each change.
QDoes an Alberta corporation need a Canadian-resident director?
No. Alberta removed its former Canadian director residency requirement in March 2021. Different requirements may apply to corporations governed by federal legislation or other jurisdictions.
QDo I need a lawyer to change directors in Alberta?
A lawyer is not automatically necessary for a routine registry change. Legal assistance may be appropriate for contested removals, shareholder disputes, or complicated governance matters.
QCan I change my Alberta corporate address online?
Some authorized registry providers offer remote submission assistance. Confirm their available methods and identification requirements before ordering.
QDoes changing my corporation’s address change its incorporation date?
No. Updating the registered office address does not create a new corporation or change its original incorporation date.
QWhat if my Alberta corporation is federally incorporated?
A federally incorporated corporation has separate federal filing obligations and may also need to update its Alberta extra-provincial registration. The appropriate process depends on the change and registration status.
QCan the Incorp Master help with Alberta director or address changes?
Business owners can contact Incorp Master Canada through its corporate change service page to confirm which Alberta filings it supports, what documents are needed, and the applicable service fees.
Keep Your Alberta Corporate Records Up to Date With Incorp Master Canada
Changing directors or corporate addresses is an important part of keeping Alberta corporate records accurate.
Whether the company is appointing a new director, recording a resignation, or relocating its registered office, filing the correct notice by the required deadline helps keep its information current.
For business owners who prefer assistance over navigating filing requirements alone, Incorp Master Canada offers a starting point for exploring corporate change filing services.
Review the options, confirm the filing requirements, and take the next step to update your corporation.
