All vehicles must be registered in Alabama through the local county registration office. This requirement is mandated by Section 810-5-1-.479 of the Alabama Administrative Code, and the process is overseen by the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) of the Alabama Department of Revenue (DOR).
Generally, the steps involved in Alabama vehicle registration differ depending on whether the vehicle was purchased from a dealer or a private seller.
Regardless of the source, a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection must be performed on the automobile. The fees associated with registering a vehicle in Alabama are variable, based on factors such as the vehicle's type, weight, and model year.
Automobile owners must complete this registration process promptly after acquiring a new vehicle. Failure to properly register a car can result in penalties and fines from the state.
How To Register a Car in Alabama?
Registering a vehicle in Alabama varies depending on whether it is purchased from a dealer or a private seller, whether the car is out-of-state, leased, or owned, and whether the owner is a military member stationed in or out of state.
Generally, Alabama residents who purchase a vehicle, whether from a dealership or a private seller, must register it within 20 days of acquiring ownership.
Registration of Vehicles Purchased From a Private Party in Alabama
When purchasing a used vehicle from a private party in Alabama, residents must transfer the title and register the car simultaneously. This process requires several steps to be completed at the county licensing office.
Firstly, the buyer must submit a properly completed title from the previous owner. For vehicles with out-of-state titles, a VIN/Ownership Documentation Inspection is mandatory. The buyer should bring any license plates they wish to transfer and present an Alabama driver's license as proof of county residency.
Providing evidence of insurance is also necessary. If insurance cannot be verified through the Alabama Online Insurance Verification System (OIVS), vehicle owners must provide evidence of insurance, with the insurance card being the most common form of proof.
Additionally, the most recent registration documents and an Odometer Disclosure Statement for vehicles under ten years old must be presented.
After fulfilling these requirements, the applicable fees, including titling fees, taxes, and registration costs, must be paid.
Residents can consult the directory provided by the state MVD for the contact information of all Vehicle Licensing Offices in Alabama.
Registration of Vehicles Purchased From a Dealer in Alabama
When purchasing a vehicle from a dealership in Alabama, the dealer may submit the title application during the sale. However, buyers are still required to register the car at their county licensing office and provide documentation of the title application.
To complete the registration process, individuals must visit their local county licensing office with several documents in hand. These include the completed title paperwork received from the dealer or, if a title is not required, a bill of sale detailing the itemized sales tax information.
For vehicles purchased from out-of-state dealerships, a dealer's affidavit must also be presented. Regardless of the dealer's location, a VIN/Ownership Documentation Inspection is mandatory.
Furthermore, registration of a vehicle purchased from a dealer requires buyers to show a valid Alabama driver's license to prove residency in the county where the car is being registered. Proof of insurance coverage is also necessary if the office cannot verify it online. Any license plates the buyer wishes to transfer to the new vehicle should be brought as well.
For vehicles under ten years old and weighing less than 16,000 pounds, there is a required odometer reading.
Finally, all applicable registration fees must be paid at the time of registration.
Registration of Out-Of-State Vehicles in Alabama
According to Section 40-12-262 of the Code of Alabama, owners of non-commercial vehicles with valid registration from another state have a grace period of 30 days from the date the vehicle enters Alabama to complete the registration process.
Before registering their car, they must possess an Alabama title and insurance. Once they have obtained the title and insurance, they should follow the appropriate steps depending on whether the vehicle is leased or owned.
Registration of a Leased Vehicle From Out-Of-State
Residents must visit their county licensing office when registering a leased vehicle from out-of-state in Alabama. The steps required depend on whether the individual or the leasing company possesses the vehicle's title. However, in most cases, the registration process for a leased vehicle mirrors that of other cars with a few additional requirements.
Along with the standard documentation, individuals must provide a power of attorney form from the leasing company authorizing them to register the vehicle. A copy of the lease agreement for the car must also be submitted.
While the core process remains the same, contacting the local county licensing office or the Alabama MVD at (334) 242-9000 for guidance on the precise requirements based on individual circumstances is advisable.
Registration of an Owned Vehicle From Out-Of-State
Alabama residents who own an out-of-state vehicle and wish to register it within the state must visit the county licensing office.
Then, the vehicle's title must be submitted. All owners listed on the title must be present or provide a power of attorney if absent. The current out-of-state vehicle registration must also be presented.
Another crucial step when registering a non-leased vehicle outside Alabama is to have a complete VIN inspection. This inspection verifies the authenticity of the vehicle's details. Once these requirements are met, the final step is to pay all applicable registration fees.
Vehicle Registration for Military Members in Alabama
Military members in Alabama follow the same vehicle registration process as state residents. They can refer to the general registration process outlined above to register their vehicles in Alabama.
However, there are specific laws and considerations for non-resident military members stationed in Alabama or those who are residents but stationed elsewhere.
Vehicle Registration for Non-Resident Military in Alabama
Alabama has specific vehicle registration regulations for non-resident military members stationed within the state.
In line with the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act, these individuals are not required to register their vehicles in Alabama as long as they maintain valid registration from their legal home jurisdiction or state of residency. This exemption allows military personnel to continue using their existing out-of-state registration while deployed in Alabama.
However, non-resident military members can title and register their vehicles in Alabama if they choose to do so. In such cases, they must follow the standard vehicle registration process applicable to Alabama residents. A crucial requirement is that any vehicle registered in Alabama must be covered by an Alabama-issued liability insurance policy.
Vehicle Registration for Alabama Military Residents Stationed Out of State
For Alabama residents who are serving in the military and stationed outside of the state, there are options available to register their vehicles. One possibility is to register the car by mail, although this service may not be offered by all county licensing offices. Therefore, individuals in this situation should contact their county licensing office to inquire about this option.
Alternatively, military personnel stationed out of state can complete an MVD power of attorney form, allowing a family member residing in Alabama to handle the vehicle's title and registration process on their behalf.
In this case, the family member must provide all the necessary documentation for vehicle registration, such as the title, proof of insurance, and applicable fees. Additionally, they must submit the completed power of attorney paperwork along with the registration materials.
Vehicle Inspections for Registration in Alabama
Alabama does not mandate emissions inspections as a requirement for vehicle registration within the state. However, there are specific inspection procedures in place to ensure proper documentation and verification of vehicles during the registration process.
According to Section 810-5-1-.247 of Alabama's regulations, all vehicles titled for the first time in the state and non-titled vehicles undergoing initial registration must undergo a physical VIN/Ownership Documentation inspection. This inspection aims to confirm that the VIN is accurately recorded on the certificate of title or ownership documents.
Alabama License Plates
Upon completing the vehicle registration process in Alabama, new owners will receive their license plates and stickers.
The state offers various license plates beyond the standard design. Individuals can also personalize license plates for a more unique plate.
However, if you order personalized plates, you may have to wait a period before receiving the requested plate. Standard plates are typically issued immediately upon registration, while customized options may require additional processing time and fees.
How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in Alabama?
Obtaining vanity or personalized license plates in Alabama is straightforward. Individuals can reserve a personalized plate online or by visiting a license plate issuing office.
Depending on the plate category, personalized plates in Alabama allow for five to seven alphanumeric characters. The Alabama DOR reserves the right to reject requests that duplicate existing personalized plates or violate relevant regulations.
After the Department approves the personalized plate request, the requester must visit the issuing office within five business days to place the order and pay the necessary fees. Failure to do so within this timeframe will result in the forfeiture of the reservation.
How Much Does Vehicle Registration Cost in Alabama?
The cost of vehicle registration in Alabama varies depending on several factors. For first-time registrations, the fees are calculated based on the vehicle type (car, truck, motorcycle, etc.), weight, and applicable county taxes and surcharges.
To give a general idea of the costs, passenger cars and pickup trucks typically range from $23 to $105, while motorcycles have a flat fee of $15. However, these amounts can vary depending on the specific vehicle and location.
Each county may have additional taxes or surcharges that can further impact the total registration cost. As such, the most accurate way to determine the exact fees is to contact the local county licensing office directly.
The Alabama DOR website also presented the Motor Vehicle Registration Fees, providing a general estimate of registration fees based on vehicle type and weight. This can serve as a helpful starting point, but contacting the county office remains the best way to obtain the precise cost for a specific vehicle and location within Alabama.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration in Alabama?
In Alabama, vehicle registration renewal follows a staggered system based on the first letter of the owner's last name. The designated renewal months span from January to November. Note that motor vehicle registrations expire on the last day of the assigned renewal month.
For instance, individuals with last names beginning with the letters F, G, or N must renew their vehicle registration in April, with the previous registration expiring on April 30. Leased, fleet, and commercial vehicles have renewal months in October and November, and their registrations expire on November 30.
To avoid penalties, vehicle owners must renew their registration by the last day of their designated renewal month. While some counties may send renewal notices as a courtesy, it is not mandatory. Not receiving a notice does not exempt individuals from their responsibility to renew their registration before the expiration date.
In the event of not receiving a notice, individuals should contact their local Vehicle Licensing Office for further guidance on the renewal process.
Whether a renewal notice is received or not, it is crucial to promptly renew the registration once it has expired through in-person visits, mail-in options, or online methods.
Renew in Person
In Alabama, residents can personally renew their vehicle registration at their local Vehicle Licensing Office.
To complete the process, individuals must visit the office with their renewal notice or current registration documentation. Presenting a valid driver's license or non-driver identification card is also required as proof of identity.
Before making the trip, it is advisable to contact the office and inquire about accepted forms of payment for the renewal fee.
Once all requirements are met and the fee is paid, the office staff will issue the new plate decals and updated registration paperwork on-site.
Renew by Mail
The process is relatively straightforward for those who prefer the convenience of renewing their vehicle registration by mail. Upon receiving the renewal notice, review the information provided to ensure accuracy. The notice will include specific instructions that must be followed precisely to complete the renewal successfully.
Next, prepare a check or money order for the applicable renewal fee using the amount indicated on the notice. Then, mail all required documents and the payment to the address on the renewal notice.
Note that renewing by mail generally takes the longest processing time. If the registration expiration date is approaching, consider renewing in person at the local Vehicle Licensing Office to avoid any potential lapses or penalties.
Should any questions or concerns arise during the mail renewal process, contact the relevant Vehicle Licensing Office for assistance and clarification.
Renew Online
Individuals should be aware that not all counties in Alabama offer online renewal options. Furthermore, the requirements for renewing online may vary, and some counties may charge an additional fee for using the online system.
To check if online renewal is available in the responsible county, visit the Vehicle Licensing Offices directory on the Alabama DOR website and click on the designated link for their county.
For instance, Baldwin County residents can renew their registrations online. To do so, they must provide the PIN from their renewal notice or the driver's license number associated with the vehicle registration.
Online payments can be made using Discover, Visa, MasterCard, or debit cards, with a 3% service fee applied (a minimum of $3.50). Additionally, the county charges a $1 mailing fee for each decal and a $2 fee for each metal tag.
Upon completing the online renewal process, residents receive a confirmation number and a printed receipt, which should be recorded and retained until the actual tag or sticker arrives in the mail.
How To Check if a Vehicle Is Currently Registered in Alabama?
Unlike other states, Alabama does not currently have a designated online system for checking a vehicle's registration status. However, individuals can utilize the services available on the MyDMV portal, such as the "Record Request" option, to inquire about a specific vehicle's registration status.
When checking the registration status, an individual must typically provide specific details about the vehicle, such as the VIN, license plate number, make, model, and year.
If there are any issues, contact the Alabama MVD or the local county licensing office for assistance and further guidance regarding vehicle registration status.