What Alabama requires for vehicle registration

Alabama requires you to register any vehicle you own before driving it on public roads. The state issues a Certificate of Title (proof of ownership) and a registration plate (the physical tag). Both are handled through your county's probate office, not a separate DMV — Alabama does not have a Department of Motor Vehicles. You will need your title document, proof of insurance, and a completed process form.

Registration in Alabama is valid for one year from the month you register. Your registration renewal notice arrives by mail about 30 days before expiration. You can renew in person at the probate office, by mail, or online through the Alabama Department of Revenue website if your vehicle qualifies (most do, unless it is a commercial vehicle or you have unpaid taxes).

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama registration is handled by your county probate office, not a state DMV office, so you will visit the courthouse in your county seat.
  • You need a title document, proof of current insurance, and a completed Form DL-43 to register a vehicle for the first time in Alabama.
  • Registration costs vary by vehicle weight and county, typically ranging from $23 to $28 for passenger cars, plus any county-specific fees.
  • You can renew registration online through the Alabama Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at the probate office.
  • If you buy a used vehicle from a private seller, you have 20 days to transfer the title into your name before you can legally register it.

Where to register and what documents you need

Visit the probate office in the county where you live. If you just moved to Alabama, you have 30 days to register your vehicle in your new county. Bring your title document (the pink slip or equivalent from your previous state), a completed Form DL-43 (process for Certificate of Title), proof of insurance (your policy card or declaration page showing current coverage), and a photo ID. If you are registering a vehicle titled to someone else, bring a power of attorney or written consent from the title holder.

If you are registering a vehicle you just bought from a dealer, the dealer usually handles the title transfer and gives you a temporary registration. You then take that temporary registration and your proof of insurance to the probate office to complete the permanent registration. If you bought from a private seller, you must transfer the title first — the seller signs the back of the title, you fill in your information, and you submit it to the probate office along with your other documents.

The probate office will issue your plate and registration card on the spot or within a few days, depending on the county's processing speed. Some counties mail the plate; others hand it to you when ready. Ask at the counter what to expect for your specific county.

Registration costs and what affects the price

Alabama bases registration fees on your vehicle's gross weight rating (the maximum weight it can safely carry, including cargo). For a typical passenger car, the fee is $23 to $28 per year. Pickup trucks and SUVs usually cost $28 to $35. The exact amount depends on your county — some counties add local fees on top of the state fee, ranging from $0 to $15.

You will also pay a one-time title transfer fee if you are registering a vehicle in Alabama for the first time (usually $15 to $25). If you are renewing an existing Alabama registration, you pay only the annual registration fee. Some counties charge extra for personalized plates or specialty plates (wildlife conservation, military, university alumni, etc.), which typically add $10 to $25 to your annual fee.

If your vehicle is financed, the lender's name appears on the title. You can still register and drive the vehicle, but the lender has a legal claim until the loan is paid off. This does not affect your registration cost.

How to renew your registration online or by mail

Alabama allows online renewal through the Alabama Department of Revenue website for most passenger vehicles. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, enter your vehicle information, and pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The new registration card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can begin driving with your old registration card until the new one arrives.

If you prefer to renew by mail, fill out Form DL-43 (the same form used for initial registration), include your current registration card and proof of insurance, and mail everything to your county probate office with a check or money order for the renewal fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the office can mail your new registration card back to you. Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.

You can also renew in person at the probate office. Bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment. In-person renewal is processed when ready, and you walk out with your new registration card the same day.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Alabama and can result in a traffic citation and fine. If you are pulled over, the officer will issue a ticket. The fine for expired registration is typically $100 to $200, depending on how long it has been expired. If your registration has been expired for more than 30 days, you may also face additional penalties.

If your registration expires and you have not renewed, you cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. If you need to drive it to the probate office to renew, contact the office first — some counties will issue a temporary permit allowing you to drive directly to them for renewal. Do not wait until your registration is expired to renew; start the process when you receive your renewal notice.

Transferring a title when you buy or sell a vehicle

If you buy a vehicle from a private seller in Alabama, the seller must sign the back of the title and provide it to you. You then have 20 days to take the signed title to the probate office and transfer it into your name. During those 20 days, you cannot legally register or drive the vehicle. Once you submit the title transfer, the probate office processes it and issues a new title in your name, which usually takes 5 to 10 business days.

If you buy from a licensed dealer, the dealer handles the title transfer on your behalf. They submit the paperwork to the probate office and provide you with a temporary registration (usually valid for 30 days). You then take the temporary registration and proof of insurance to the probate office to complete the permanent registration.

If you sell a vehicle, sign the back of the title and provide it to the buyer. You are not required to notify the probate office that you no longer own the vehicle, but it is a good idea to keep a copy of the signed title for your records in case questions arise later. Once the new owner registers the vehicle in their name, your liability as the previous owner ends.

Special situations: out-of-state moves, salvage titles, and commercial vehicles

If you move to Alabama from another state with a vehicle already registered there, you have 30 days to register it in Alabama. Bring your out-of-state title, proof of insurance, and a completed Form DL-43 to the probate office. The probate office will issue an Alabama title and registration. You do not need to keep your out-of-state registration active once you register in Alabama.

If your vehicle has a salvage title (issued when a vehicle is declared a total loss by an insurance company but is later repaired), Alabama requires an inspection before you can register it. Contact your county probate office for the name of an authorized inspector. Once the vehicle passes inspection, you can register it normally, though the title will always show "salvage" status.

Commercial vehicles, vehicles registered as taxis or ride-share, and vehicles over a certain weight have different registration requirements and fees. If your vehicle is used for business purposes, contact your county probate office to confirm which category it falls into and what documents you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register a vehicle if I do not have a title yet?

No. You must have the title document before you can register. If you bought the vehicle and the seller has not provided the title, contact the probate office — they can tell you what steps to take. If the title was lost, you can request a duplicate from the probate office where the vehicle was originally titled.

What if I move to a different county in Alabama?

You do not have to re-register when ready. Your current registration remains valid until it expires. When you renew, you can renew in your new county's probate office. Bring your current registration card and proof of insurance.

Do I need to register a vehicle if I only drive it on private property?

No. Registration is required only for vehicles driven on public roads. If the vehicle stays on private property, registration is not needed. However, if you ever plan to drive it on a public road, you must register it first.

How long does it take to get a registration plate after I explore?

If you register in person at the probate office, some counties issue the plate when ready; others mail it within 3 to 5 business days. Ask the probate office staff what the timeline is for your county when you submit your process.

Can I register a vehicle that has a lien on it?

Yes. The lender's name appears on the title, but you can still register and drive the vehicle. The lender has a legal claim until the loan is paid off, but this does not prevent registration.