What You Need to Register a Vehicle in Alabama

Vehicle registration in Alabama is handled by the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division. You'll need to register your vehicle within 30 days of purchase or moving to the state. The process requires proof of ownership, proof of identity, and proof of residency — all submitted either in person at your county probate office or by mail to the state office.

Alabama does not allow online registration for new vehicles, though you can renew an existing registration online if you meet certain conditions. First-time registrations and transfers of ownership must be done in person or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • New vehicle registrations must be completed at your county probate office in person or submitted by mail to the Alabama Department of Revenue.
  • You will need the vehicle title, a government-issued ID, proof of residency, and proof of insurance before you register.
  • Registration fees in Alabama vary based on the vehicle's age and weight, ranging from roughly $23 to $200 for most passenger cars.
  • Your registration is valid for one year from the month you register, and you can renew online if your vehicle information has not changed.
  • If you buy a vehicle from a private seller, you must transfer the title into your name before you can register it.

Documents You'll Need to Bring

Gather these documents before you go to the probate office or prepare them for mailing. The probate office will not process your registration without all of them.

Proof of ownership is the vehicle title, signed by the previous owner if you bought the vehicle from someone else. If you financed the vehicle, the lender's name will appear on the title — you do not need their signature to register, but the title must show their interest. If you bought from a dealer, the dealer will usually handle the title transfer and give you the paperwork you need.

Proof of identity is a government-issued photo ID: a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. The name on your ID must match the name on the vehicle title.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Alabama address. A driver's license with your current address also counts.

Proof of insurance is required in Alabama. Bring your insurance card or a letter from your insurance company showing your policy number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and coverage dates. The coverage must be active on the day you register.

Registration Fees and How They're Calculated

Alabama registration fees depend on the vehicle's age and gross weight rating (GWR) — the maximum weight the vehicle is designed to carry, found on a sticker inside the driver's door or in your owner's manual. Fees are not based on the vehicle's market value or condition.

For most passenger cars and light trucks, the fee ranges from approximately $23 to $50 per year. Heavier vehicles, commercial trucks, and vehicles over a certain age may have different fees. The probate office will calculate the exact amount based on your vehicle's specifications when you register.

You will also pay a one-time title transfer fee if you are registering a vehicle you bought from someone else. This fee is typically $15 to $20, but varies slightly by county. If you are registering a new vehicle you bought from a dealer, the dealer often handles the title fee as part of the sale.

Some counties accept cash, check, or card; others accept only certain payment methods. Call your county probate office before you go to confirm what they take.

Where to Register: County Probate Office or By Mail

Your county probate office is the local office that handles vehicle registration. You can find the address and phone number by searching "[your county name] probate office Alabama" or visiting the Alabama Probate Judges Association website. Hours vary by county, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

Bring all your documents and completed forms to the probate office. Staff will verify your documents, calculate your fee, and issue your registration and license plates on the spot. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if the office is not busy.

If you cannot go in person, you can mail your documents to the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division, at 50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. Include a completed process for Certificate of Title and Registration (Form R-1), available on the Alabama Department of Revenue website. Mail takes longer — typically two to four weeks — and you will not receive your plates until the office processes your paperwork and mails them to you.

What Happens After You Register

Once your registration is approved, you will receive license plates and a registration card (also called a registration certificate or tag receipt). The registration card shows your vehicle's VIN, registration number, expiration date, and owner information. Keep this card in your vehicle at all times — you must show it to a police officer if you are stopped.

Your registration is valid for one year from the month you registered. For example, if you register in March, your registration expires in March of the following year. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before expiration.

You can renew online through the Alabama Department of Revenue website if your vehicle information has not changed, you have no outstanding violations or liens, and your insurance is current. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal at the probate office. If anything about your vehicle or ownership has changed, you must renew in person or by mail.

Transferring a Title From a Private Seller

If you buy a vehicle from a private seller rather than a dealer, you must transfer the title into your name before you can register it. The seller signs the back of the title, and you submit it along with your other documents to the probate office or by mail.

The seller should give you the title at the time of sale. If they do not have it, they can request a duplicate from the probate office where the vehicle was originally registered. Do not hand over money until you have the title in hand and have verified the seller's name matches the title.

Once you submit the signed title to your probate office, the title transfer and registration happen together. You will receive a new title in your name and your registration card at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to register a vehicle after I buy it?

You have 30 days from the date of purchase or from moving to Alabama. If you miss this important date, you may face a late fee or be unable to register until you pay it. Contact your county probate office if you are past the 30-day window.

Can I register a vehicle if I still owe money on it?

Yes. If you financed the vehicle, the lender's name appears on the title as a lienholder. You can still register the vehicle — the lienholder's name does not prevent registration. You will not receive a new title in your name alone until the loan is paid off.

What if I lose my registration card?

Contact your county probate office and request a duplicate. Bring your driver's license and vehicle information. The office will issue a replacement card, usually on the same day. There is typically a small fee, around $5 to $10.

Do I need to register my vehicle if I only drive it occasionally?

Yes. Any vehicle driven on Alabama roads must be registered and insured, regardless of how often you drive it. Driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal and can result in fines and vehicle impoundment.

What if my vehicle's information changes after I register?

If you change the vehicle's color, engine, or other major components, or if you change your name or address, notify your county probate office. You may need to update your registration or title. Contact the office to find out what documents they need.