Alabama registration renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at your county probate office

You can renew your Alabama vehicle registration through the state's online system at the Department of Revenue website, by mail, or by visiting your county probate office in person. The online method is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if you have your current registration card and a valid payment method. Mail and in-person renewal take longer but work if you prefer not to use the online system.

Renewal is due on the date printed on your registration card. You can renew up to six months before that date expires. If your registration has already expired, you can still renew, but you should not drive the vehicle on public roads until the new registration is active. The cost varies by vehicle weight and type. A standard passenger car typically costs between $23 and $28 for a one-year renewal, but commercial vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles have different rates. You will pay the same fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Alabama Department of Revenue website at dor.alabama.gov is the fastest option and takes about five minutes if you have your registration card and a payment method ready.
  • You can renew up to six months before your registration expires, and you should renew before the expiration date to avoid driving with an expired registration.
  • Your county probate office handles in-person and mail renewals and can answer questions about your specific vehicle or registration status.
  • You will need your current registration card and proof of a current Alabama vehicle inspection to complete the renewal process.

Renewing online through the Alabama Department of Revenue

The Alabama Department of Revenue website has a registration renewal portal at dor.alabama.gov. You will need your current registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show you the renewal fee based on your vehicle's weight. Review the information for accuracy, pay the fee, and your new registration will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can print a temporary registration receipt when ready after payment if you need proof of renewal before the physical card arrives. If the online system cannot find your vehicle or registration, or if you get an error message, contact your county probate office. They can look up your account and tell you whether there is a hold on your registration or another issue preventing online renewal.

Renewing by mail

To renew by mail, send your current registration card and a check or money order for the renewal fee to your county probate office. Include a note with your name, address, phone number, and VIN if your address has changed since your last renewal. Mail processing takes 2 to 3 weeks, so send your renewal at least a month before your registration expires.

You can find your county probate office address on the Alabama Probate Judges Association website or by calling your county courthouse. Some counties accept mail renewals only; others prefer online or in-person renewal. Calling ahead confirms whether your county accepts mail renewals and whether there are any holds on your registration.

Renewing in person at your county probate office

Walk-in renewal at your county probate office is the fastest in-person option. Bring your current registration card, your driver's license, and a check or cash for the renewal fee. The probate office staff will process your renewal on the spot and issue a temporary registration receipt. Your new registration card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Probate office hours vary by county. Most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, but some close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days. Call your county probate office before you go to confirm hours and whether you need to bring any additional documents.

What you need before you renew

Your current registration card is the most important document. It shows your vehicle information, the renewal fee amount, and the expiration date. If you have lost your registration card, contact your county probate office and request a duplicate before you renew.

You will also need proof of a current Alabama vehicle inspection. The inspection sticker must be valid on the date your registration renews. If your inspection has expired or is about to expire, renew it before you renew your registration. You can get an inspection at any licensed inspection station in Alabama — the state does not require you to use a specific station. If your address has changed since your last registration, bring a current utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your new address. If you are renewing online, you can update your address in the system before you pay.

If your registration has expired

You cannot legally drive a vehicle with an expired registration in Alabama. If your registration expired more than 30 days ago, you may face a fine if you are stopped by law enforcement. Renew as soon as possible through any of the three methods above.

If you need to drive the vehicle before your new registration arrives, print the temporary registration receipt from the online system or ask your probate office for a temporary registration document. This receipt is valid for a limited time and shows that you have submitted your renewal. Keep it in your vehicle along with your driver's license.

Registering a vehicle you just bought

If you have recently purchased a vehicle in Alabama, you will need to register it before you can renew it. New registration is different from renewal and requires a bill of sale, proof of ownership, and a title process. Contact your county probate office or visit the Alabama Department of Revenue website for new registration instructions.

Once your vehicle is registered, you can renew it using the methods described above. The renewal process is the same whether your vehicle is brand new or has been registered for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my inspection has expired?

No. Your vehicle inspection must be current on the date your registration renews. If your inspection expires before your registration does, renew the inspection first at any licensed inspection station, then renew your registration.

What happens if I renew online but do not receive my new registration card?

Contact your county probate office if your new registration does not arrive within 10 business days. They can check the status of your renewal and reissue the card if it was lost in the mail. Bring your temporary registration receipt or driver's license for identification.

Do I have to renew in the county where I live?

No. You can renew at any Alabama county probate office, but online renewal is available statewide. If you move to a different county, you can renew your current registration at your new county's probate office, but you will need to update your address with the Department of Revenue.

Can I renew my registration if I have a lien on my vehicle?

Yes. A lien does not prevent registration renewal. The lienholder's name appears on your title, not your registration. Renew your registration normally through any method. If you have questions about the lien, contact your lender or the probate office.

What if my vehicle's weight has changed since my last registration?

Contact your county probate office before you renew. If your vehicle's weight affects the renewal fee, the probate office can update your vehicle information and calculate the correct fee. Bring documentation of the weight change if you have it.