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 will need to register your vehicle within 30 days of purchase or moving to Alabama. The process requires you to visit an office in person, bring specific documents, and pay a registration fee that varies based on your vehicle's age and type.
Alabama does not allow online registration for new vehicles, though you can renew an existing registration online if your vehicle has a current tag. First-time registration always requires an in-person visit to a county probate office or a Motor Vehicle Division office.
Key Takeaways
- You must register within 30 days of buying a vehicle or moving to Alabama, or you risk a fine.
- Registration happens at your county probate office or a Motor Vehicle Division office, not online for new registrations.
- You will need a bill of sale, proof of ownership, proof of insurance, and a completed process form.
- Registration fees depend on your vehicle's age, weight, and type, and range widely across different vehicle categories.
- Once registered, your tag is valid for one year, and you can renew by mail or online if nothing has changed.
Documents You Must Bring to Register
Gather these documents before you go to the probate office. You will need the bill of sale or purchase agreement showing the sale price and date. You also need proof of ownership, which is usually the manufacturer's certificate of origin if the vehicle is new, or the title from the previous owner if it is used.
Bring proof of insurance showing your vehicle is covered by a liability policy. Alabama requires all registered vehicles to carry insurance. You will also need to complete Form MVT-14, the process for Certificate of Title and Registration, which you can get at the probate office or read from the Alabama Department of Revenue website.
If you are registering a vehicle titled in another state, bring that out-of-state title along with your bill of sale. If someone else is signing the title on your behalf, bring a power of attorney document. Bring your driver's license or state ID as well.
Where to Register and How Long It Takes
Visit your county probate office to register. Every county in Alabama has a probate office that handles vehicle registration. You can find the address and phone number for your county on the Alabama Department of Revenue website by searching for your county name.
Processing time at the probate office is usually same-day or within a few business days. You will receive a temporary tag to display on your vehicle while your permanent tag is being made. The permanent tag arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Do not drive without a tag or temporary tag — Alabama law requires one from the moment you own the vehicle.
Some probate offices are busier than others. Calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan your visit. Bring all documents in one trip to avoid having to return.
Registration Fees and What They Cover
Registration fees in Alabama vary based on your vehicle's age and type. A new passenger vehicle typically costs more to register than an older one. The fee also depends on the vehicle's gross weight rating if it is a truck or commercial vehicle. Motorcycles, RVs, and trailers each have different fee schedules.
The registration fee covers your tag and certificate of title for one year. You will also pay a separate title fee if this is your first time registering the vehicle in Alabama. The title fee is a one-time charge. Some counties may charge a small processing fee on top of the state fee, though this varies by location.
Bring cash, check, or a debit card — most probate offices accept all three, but call ahead to confirm what your specific office takes. Ask for an itemized receipt showing the breakdown of fees so you know exactly what you paid for.
Renewing Your Registration After the First Year
Once your first registration expires, you can renew online through the Alabama Department of Revenue website if your vehicle information has not changed and your insurance is still current. You will need your current tag number and the last four digits of your vehicle identification number (VIN).
Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal. Your new tag will arrive by mail within two weeks. You can also renew by mail by sending in your renewal notice with a check, or renew in person at the probate office if you prefer.
Do not let your registration expire. Driving with an expired tag can result in a fine. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for one month before your tag expires so you have time to renew before the important date.
Special Situations: Out-of-State Titles and Transfers
If you are moving to Alabama and bringing a vehicle titled in another state, you must get an Alabama title and registration within 30 days. Bring your out-of-state title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and your driver's license to the probate office. The probate office will send your out-of-state title to the Alabama Department of Revenue and issue you an Alabama title in its place.
If you are buying a vehicle from a private seller in Alabama, the seller must sign the title over to you. Make sure the title is signed and dated before you leave the seller's location. If the title is not signed, you cannot register the vehicle. If you are buying from a dealer, the dealer usually handles the paperwork and gives you the signed title at the time of sale.
If a vehicle title is held by a lender or finance company, you will need written permission from them to register it. Some lenders send the title directly to the probate office; others give it to you at the time of purchase. Ask your lender where the title will go before you go to register.
What Happens If You Miss the 30-Day important date
If you do not register within 30 days of purchase or moving to Alabama, you can still register, but you may face a late fee in addition to the standard registration fee. The amount of the late fee depends on how long you have gone without registering. You will not lose the right to register, but the longer you wait, the more you will pay.
Driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal in Alabama. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited and fined. Your vehicle can also be impounded if the registration is significantly overdue. Register as soon as you can, even if you are past the 30-day window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register my vehicle online if I just bought it?
No. New registrations must be done in person at your county probate office. You can only register online if you are renewing a vehicle that already has an Alabama tag and nothing about your vehicle or ownership has changed.
What if I lose my title before I register?
Contact the Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division to request a duplicate title. You will need to provide your VIN, driver's license, and proof of ownership. The duplicate title takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. Once you have it, you can register at the probate office.
Do I need a bill of sale if I inherited a vehicle?
No. If you inherited a vehicle, bring the title, a copy of the will or probate court order showing you inherited it, proof of insurance, and your ID to the probate office. The bill of sale is not needed for inheritance transfers.
Can I register a vehicle if I do not have a permanent address in Alabama?
You can use a temporary address, a work address, or a mailing address on your registration. You do not need to own a home or have a lease to register a vehicle in Alabama. Bring whatever address documentation you have along with your other required papers.
What if my vehicle fails an inspection before I register it?
Alabama does not require a pre-registration inspection for new vehicles. You can register first and then have the vehicle inspected if needed. Some lenders or insurance companies may require an inspection, but the state does not.