What Alabama License Plates Are and How to Get One
An Alabama license plate is a metal tag issued by the state that displays your vehicle's registration number and must be displayed on the front and back of your car. You get a plate when you register a vehicle with the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division. The plate stays with your vehicle for as long as you own it in Alabama, though you will renew your registration annually or every two years depending on your vehicle type.
The process begins when you buy a vehicle — whether new or used — and bring proof of ownership, your driver's license, and proof of insurance to your county probate office or an authorized tag agent. The probate office processes the registration, collects the fee, and issues your plate on the spot or within a few days. If you buy from a dealer, they often handle the registration paperwork for you, but you still need to complete it and pay the fee yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama requires both a front and rear license plate on every registered vehicle, and you must display them at all times while driving.
- You register your vehicle and receive your plate at your county probate office or an authorized tag agent, not through the mail.
- Registration fees vary based on vehicle weight and type, and you renew every one or two years depending on whether your vehicle is standard or commercial.
- Alabama offers specialty plates for military service, college alumni, and other causes, but they cost more than standard plates and require a separate request.
- If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement from your probate office by paying a small fee and providing proof of your registration.
Registration Fees and Vehicle Weight Classes
Alabama calculates your registration fee based on your vehicle's gross weight rating — the maximum weight it can safely carry, including cargo and passengers. This is not the same as the vehicle's actual weight. You can find your gross weight rating in your vehicle's owner manual or on a sticker inside the driver's door frame.
Vehicles under 4,000 pounds pay one fee, vehicles from 4,000 to 6,999 pounds pay a different rate, and heavier vehicles pay progressively more. Commercial vehicles, trucks used for business, and vehicles registered as for-hire have their own fee schedules. The exact dollar amounts change annually, so you should ask your probate office or check the Alabama Department of Revenue website for current fees before you go in.
Your registration is valid for either one or two years. Most passenger vehicles renew annually, but some counties or vehicle types may offer two-year registration. When your registration expires, you must renew it before you can legally drive the vehicle.
Specialty and Personalized Plates in Alabama
Beyond the standard white plate with blue lettering, Alabama offers specialty plates that support specific causes or organizations. These include plates for military veterans, college alumni associations, wildlife conservation, and various charitable causes. Each specialty plate has a different design and costs more than a standard plate — typically an additional $25 to $50 per year.
You can also order a personalized plate with a custom combination of letters and numbers, subject to approval. Personalized plates have an extra fee and require you to submit your chosen combination to the probate office, which checks whether it is already in use or violates state rules. If your combination is rejected, you can submit another choice.
To switch from a standard plate to a specialty or personalized plate, visit your probate office with your current registration and pay the difference in fees. Your new plate will be issued when ready or within a few days.
Renewing Your Registration and Plate
When your registration is about to expire, the probate office does not automatically send you a renewal notice — you are responsible for renewing before the expiration date. You can renew in person at your county probate office, and some counties allow renewal by mail or online through the Alabama Department of Revenue website.
To renew, bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and your driver's license. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. The probate office will collect the renewal fee, issue a new registration card, and give you a new plate if yours is damaged or if you are switching to a specialty plate. If your plate is still in good condition and you are keeping the standard design, you may keep the same plate and straightforward receive a new registration card.
If you renew after your registration has expired, you may face a late fee. Driving with an expired registration is illegal, so renew before the expiration date on your current card.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Plate
If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to your county probate office with your current registration card and driver's license. You will pay a replacement fee — typically $5 to $10 — and receive a new plate with the same registration number. If your plate was stolen, some probate offices ask you to file a police report first, though this requirement varies by county.
If both your plates are stolen, report the theft to local police and bring the report to your probate office. The office will issue two replacement plates. Until you receive your new plates, you should not drive the vehicle, as it will be registered but not displaying valid plates.
Damaged plates — bent, faded, or illegible — can be replaced at the same cost. The probate office will issue a new plate with the same number, and you will keep your current registration.
Out-of-State Vehicles and Temporary Plates
If you move to Alabama with a vehicle registered in another state, you have a limited time — usually 30 days — to register it in Alabama. After that period, you must register the vehicle or face fines. Bring your out-of-state title, proof of insurance, and driver's license to your probate office to complete Alabama registration.
If you buy a vehicle from a dealer and are waiting for your permanent plate, the dealer issues a temporary plate or registration that is valid for a short period, usually 30 days. This temporary registration allows you to drive legally while your permanent plate is being processed. Do not drive without either a temporary or permanent plate.
What Happens If You Drive Without a Valid Plate
Driving without a valid, visible license plate is illegal in Alabama and can result in a traffic citation, fine, and points on your driving record. If your registration has expired, your plate is considered invalid even if it is still on your vehicle. If your plate is obscured — covered by dirt, a frame, or an object — it is also illegal.
If you are stopped by law enforcement and your plate is invalid or missing, you may receive a citation. The fine amount depends on the specific violation and your county, but it typically ranges from $50 to several hundred dollars. Repeated violations can lead to license suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both a front and rear license plate in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama law requires both a front and rear plate on every registered vehicle. Both plates must be clearly visible and not obscured by dirt, frames, or objects. Displaying only one plate or having an obscured plate is a violation.
Can I keep my old plate if I buy a new vehicle?
No. Your plate is tied to your vehicle's registration, not to you personally. When you register a new vehicle, you receive a new plate with a different registration number. Your old plate becomes invalid and should not be used.
What if I move out of Alabama but still own a vehicle registered here?
You must register your vehicle in your new state within the timeframe that state requires — usually 30 to 60 days. Once you register it elsewhere, your Alabama registration and plate are no longer valid. If you move back to Alabama later, you will need to re-register.
How long does it take to get a license plate after I register?
Most probate offices issue your plate on the same day you register, or within a few days. If you order a specialty or personalized plate, it may take one to two weeks. Ask your probate office for their specific timeline when you register.
What should I do if my plate is damaged but still readable?
You can continue using a damaged but readable plate. However, if the plate becomes illegible — faded, bent, or broken — you should get a replacement to avoid being cited for an obscured or invalid plate. Visit your probate office with your registration and driver's license to request a replacement.