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Part of Get a business licence

Debt repayment agency licence

Get a licence to operate a debt repayment agency on behalf of debtors in Alberta.

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Get a business licence

Overview

A debt repayment agency is a collection agency that carries on the activities of:

  • offering or undertaking to act for a debtor in Alberta in arrangements or negotiations with the debtor’s creditors
  • receiving money from a debtor for distribution to the debtor’s creditors in consideration of a fee, commission or other remuneration that is payable by the debtor

If your business does not require this licence, you do not need to proceed further.

How to apply

You will need to provide:

  • information on your business
  • a criminal record check or police information check
  • agent application forms
  • a security
  • trust account information
  • a copy of the agreement between your agency and the debtor
  • additional information
  • payment of a licensing fee

You will need to ensure your agents are licensed to operate in Alberta.

To get started, follow the instructions below to save and open the application form.

Fillable PDF forms may not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. For help opening the forms, contact PDF form technical support.

Application form

Application for an Agency Licence

Your responsibilities

Licence holders must notify Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction in writing within 15 days of a change in:

  • business address
  • partners of the business if the licence is issued to a partnership
  • officers or directors of the corporation if the licence is issued to a corporation

Licence holders must notify Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction in writing within 15 days of ceasing to carry on the activities for which the licence was issued.

It is your responsibility to ensure your licence is in force as long as you continue to do business. Once your licence is issued, note the expiry date and ensure your licence is renewed prior to this date.

Licensees must be able to provide confirmation of licensing on request. This can be done by providing a copy of the licence or by providing other confirmation that the business is properly licensed. This can include providing a link to the Find a Licensed Business search tool.

Compliance

Note: applicant, directors, officers and partners are required to read the Consumer Protection Act and its regulations associated with this licence and understand that certain sections are of significance, including but not limited to the specific sections noted below.

Consumer Protection Act

Collection and Debt Repayment Practices Regulation

  • Section 12.1 regarding knowledge of the legislation and prohibited collection practices – the maximum one-time fee for a dishonoured cheque or pre-authorized debit is $25
  • Section 13 regarding advertising
  • Sections 14 through 20 regarding maintaining a trust account
  • Section 21 regarding issuance of receipts
  • Section 21.1 regarding settlement agreements
  • Section 22 regarding reports to creditors
  • Section 23.1 regarding credit reporting
  • Section 23.2 regarding complete accounting of a debt to the debtor
  • Section 23.3 regarding retaining records

General Licensing and Security Regulation

Copies of legislation can be obtained from the Alberta King’s Printer.

Contact

Connect with the Consumer Contact Centre:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-4088
Toll free: 1-877-427-4088 (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

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