Car Registration

Titles

Every motorized vehicle 1975 and newer in the state of Alabama needs to be titled. Travel trailers and motor homes newer than 1990 must also be titled. You have 20 days from the purchase date to register your vehicle for the first time, but you'll need to title it first.

To begin the title process, you must complete a title application, which is available at your local tag office or licensed car dealer. Some banks and credit unions also have title applications available.

You will need the following information to complete the application:

• The manufacturer's certificate of origin, or a current title showing ownership has been transferred to you.

• Bill of sale.

• Current registration documents if the car is registered in a jurisdiction or state not requiring titles.

• $15 application fee, plus $1.50 to $3 for local handling fees. Call the tag office to determine local fees.

• Any sales tax due. This figure will not be quoted over the telephone and will vary depending on the circumstances and location of car purchase.

Vehicles being titled for the first time must be inspected by an official at the tag office prior to being licensed. This inspection allows the state to check the safety of your car and to verify the Vehicle Identification Number.

Alabama does not require proof of insurance either to title or register your vehicle, nor does the state require any type of emissions test. Titles are usually issued within 15 days of application.

Vehicle Registration

The titling and registration process for your vehicle takes place at the same time in Alabama, then you must renew your registration each year afterward.

A few counties mail out registration renewals, but the majority do not, so don’t count on that to remind you. With the staggered registration system, you’ll renew your car during the month assigned to the first initial of your last name.

Alabama does not require you to show proof of insurance when you register your vehicles, although minimum liability insurance is required in the state and you must sign an affidavit stating that you do carry insurance when making application for title. If law enforcement pulls you over in a traffic stop, you’ll be required to show proof of insurance at that point; if you don’t have it, you’ll be issued a ticket with a hefty fine and penalties involved.

Alabama also does not require emissions testing on vehicles, but when you register your vehicle for the first time, it will be inspected by a designated agent at your local tag office.

Registration Renewals

Some Alabama counties now offer online renewals for vehicle registrations. Check to see if your county in on that list; if not, you’ll still need to renew your tags in person at your local tag office or by mail.

Tags

Once your vehicle has been titled, it may be registered and issued license plates (tags). Alabama has a wide variety of license plate designs. You can choose the standard-issue plate, or for an additional fee, you could choose a tag from one of the following categories:

• Military

• College

• Specialty (these include wildlife, environmental, educational, and organization tags)

• Generic specialty (these include tags for Realtors, organ donors, and sorority members)

• Generic race plates (auto racing)

You can view tags available online at the Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Division.

Nonoperational Vehicles

When it comes to re-registering a vehicle that has been off the road for awhile, you'll need to complete an Affidavit of Non-Use. This will protect you from late fees and penalties.

When you submit the affidavit to your local Motor Vehicle Title and Tag official, it won't hurt to bring additional proof, such as a receipt from the storage center, or, if applicable, a letter from your military unit confirming your vehicle was out of service. Be sure to also bring your vehicle's last registration certificate.