Alabama requires you to get a replacement title from the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division

If your car title is lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot legally sell or transfer the vehicle without a replacement. Alabama does not issue titles through county offices or the DMV — the Motor Vehicle Division of the Alabama Department of Revenue handles all title replacements. You can request a duplicate in person at their Montgomery office, by mail, or online through their portal.

The process takes about two to four weeks by mail, or the same day if you go in person. You will need to prove ownership and pay a fee. The replacement title looks and functions exactly like the original — it has the same legal weight and shows no indication that it is a duplicate.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Alabama Motor Vehicle Division in Montgomery or use their online portal to request a duplicate title.
  • You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of ownership (registration or previous title), and the vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • The fee for a duplicate title is $20, payable by check, money order, or credit card depending on your method of request.
  • If the title is lost or stolen, you may need to sign an affidavit stating the circumstances, which the Motor Vehicle Division will provide.
  • Same-day replacement is available only at the Montgomery office; mail requests typically take two to four weeks.

What documents and information you need to gather first

Before you contact the Motor Vehicle Division, collect the following: your current vehicle registration, the vehicle identification number (VIN) from your dashboard or insurance card, and a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. If you have a copy of the original title, bring that too — it speeds up the search.

If the title was lost or stolen rather than damaged, you will also need to sign an affidavit. The Motor Vehicle Division provides this form, and you can sign it in front of a notary public or at their office. Some notaries charge $5 to $15 for this service, though many banks offer it free to customers.

How to request a replacement title by mail

Send a letter to the Alabama Motor Vehicle Division at 50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. Include your name, current address, phone number, the vehicle's VIN, the year and make of the car, and the $20 fee as a check or money order. Write "Duplicate Title Request" at the top of the letter so it reaches the correct department.

If the title is lost or stolen, include a signed statement explaining what happened — you do not need a notarized affidavit for a mail request, though having one does not hurt. The Motor Vehicle Division will mail the replacement title to your address within two to four weeks. If you need it faster, you can call ahead to confirm they received your request: (334) 242-9000.

Using the online portal for faster processing

The Alabama Department of Revenue operates an online title request system through their website. You can log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, then request a duplicate title without leaving home. The fee is still $20, and you pay by credit card during the online process.

Online requests typically process in the same timeframe as mail — two to four weeks — but you avoid the postal delay on the front end. The replacement title will be mailed to the address on file with your registration. Check the Motor Vehicle Division website for the current link, as the portal address changes occasionally.

Getting a same-day replacement at the Montgomery office

If you need the title when ready, visit the Motor Vehicle Division office at 50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. Bring your photo ID, vehicle registration, the VIN, and the $20 fee in cash or card. If the title is lost or stolen, bring a notarized affidavit or be prepared to sign one on-site — the office can direct you to a notary nearby if needed.

Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though you should call (334) 242-9000 to confirm before driving. Same-day service is not may provide during peak times, so arriving early in the day increases your chances. The office does not accept walk-ins for title work after 4 p.m.

What happens if the title is damaged but still readable

If your title is water-damaged, torn, or faded but you can still read the key information, you can still request a replacement using the same process. The Motor Vehicle Division treats damaged titles the same as lost ones — you pay the $20 fee and provide proof of ownership. You do not need an affidavit for a damaged title, only for one that is lost or stolen.

Bring the damaged title itself if you have it, as this speeds up verification. If you cannot read the VIN or owner name on the damaged title, bring your registration instead. The Motor Vehicle Division will cross-reference your information and issue a clean replacement.

Fees and payment methods

The replacement title fee in Alabama is $20. Payment methods vary by how you request the title: by mail, send a check or money order; online, use a credit card; in person, bring cash or card. There are no additional fees for a lost or stolen title — the $20 covers both situations.

If you use a notary to sign an affidavit, that is a separate cost not charged by the Motor Vehicle Division. Most notaries charge $5 to $15 per signature. Some banks, credit unions, and law offices provide notary services free or at a reduced rate to members or clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sell my car without the original title while waiting for the replacement?

No. Alabama law requires a title to transfer ownership, and a buyer will not complete the purchase without one. You cannot legally sell the vehicle until you have the replacement in hand. If you are selling to a dealer, some will hold the sale pending title arrival, but this is at their discretion.

What if I lost the title years ago and never replaced it?

You can still request a replacement at any time. The Motor Vehicle Division keeps records for the life of the vehicle, so they can look up your ownership history. Bring your current registration and photo ID. If you cannot find your registration either, bring your insurance card or a recent utility bill showing your name and address.

Do I need a notarized affidavit if I lost the title?

For mail requests, a notarized affidavit is not required — a signed statement explaining the loss is enough. For in-person requests, you can sign an affidavit on-site at the Motor Vehicle Division office, or bring one notarized beforehand. Having it notarized in advance saves time if the office is busy.

How long does a replacement title take if I order it online?

Online requests process in two to four weeks, the same as mail requests. The advantage is that you avoid postal delay on the front end. If you need the title faster, visit the Montgomery office in person for same-day service.

What if the Motor Vehicle Division cannot find my vehicle in their records?

This is rare but can happen if the vehicle was registered in another state or if there is a data entry error. Call (334) 242-9000 with your VIN and registration number. The staff can search by multiple identifiers and often locate the record. If the vehicle truly has no Alabama title on file, you may need to obtain a title from the state where it was last registered.