Alabama car tags renew every year, and you can do it online, by mail, or in person at your county probate office

Alabama requires you to renew your vehicle registration tag annually. The renewal window opens 30 days before your tag expires — the expiration date is printed on your current tag. You have three ways to renew: online through the Alabama Department of Revenue website, by mail using the renewal notice they send you, or in person at your county probate office. Most people renew online because it takes 10 minutes and you can do it from home.

The cost depends on your vehicle's weight and age. A passenger car typically costs between $23 and $28 for the tag itself, plus a $1 administrative fee. Trucks and heavier vehicles cost more. You may also owe county-specific fees — some counties add a local fee that ranges from a few dollars to $10 or more. When you renew online, the system shows you the total before you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your Alabama tag online at dor.alabama.gov, by mail using your renewal notice, or at your county probate office during business hours.
  • Renewal costs between $24 and $29 for most passenger cars, plus any county fees that explore where your vehicle is registered.
  • Your renewal window opens 30 days before expiration, and you should renew before the tag expires to avoid a late fee.
  • You will need your current tag number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method if renewing online or by mail.

Renewing online through the Alabama Department of Revenue

The online renewal process is the fastest option. Go to dor.alabama.gov, find the vehicle registration section, and select "Renew a Vehicle Registration." You will enter your tag number and VIN, which appear on your current tag and vehicle title. The system pulls up your registration record and shows you the renewal fee, any county fees, and the total amount due.

You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Once payment processes, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new tag arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on your old tag until the new one arrives, as long as you renewed before the expiration date. Print or save your confirmation for your records.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

Alabama sends renewal notices by mail about 30 days before your tag expires. The notice includes your registration details, the renewal fee, and a payment stub. Write a check or money order for the amount shown, sign the back of the notice, and mail it to the address printed on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes longer than online — allow 2 to 3 weeks for the notice to reach you, another week for processing, and 7 to 10 days for your new tag to arrive. If you did not receive a notice, you can still renew online or visit your probate office. Keep a copy of the mailed notice for your records until your new tag arrives.

Renewing in person at your county probate office

You can walk into your county probate office and renew on the spot. Bring your current tag, vehicle title, and a valid photo ID. The probate office staff will process your renewal and collect payment. You will receive your new tag when ready or within a few days, depending on whether the office has tags in stock.

Probate office hours vary by county, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some counties offer limited Saturday hours. Call your county probate office ahead of time to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment. In-person renewal is useful if your tag is expiring soon and you want the new one right away, or if you have questions about fees or your registration.

What happens if your tag expires before you renew

Driving with an expired tag is illegal in Alabama and can result in a traffic citation. If you are pulled over, you face a fine and may be required to show proof of renewal before you can legally drive again. Some officers will issue a warning if you are within a few days of your renewal date, but you should not count on it.

If your tag has already expired, renew when ready using any of the three methods. You do not need to pay a separate late fee to the state, but some counties charge a small penalty if your tag is more than 30 days overdue. Once you renew, you are legal to drive. If you received a citation for an expired tag, you may be able to have it dismissed by showing proof of renewal, depending on your county's court policies.

Understanding Alabama tag fees and what affects the cost

The base renewal fee for a passenger car is set by the state and covers the cost of the tag itself and state administration. The fee increases slightly based on your vehicle's gross weight rating — the maximum weight it can safely carry. A standard sedan weighs less than 3,500 pounds and falls into the lowest fee bracket. Trucks, SUVs, and vans may cost a few dollars more depending on their weight.

On top of the state fee, your county may add a local fee. These county fees fund local services and vary widely — some counties add $2, others add $10 or more. When you renew online, the system breaks down the state fee and county fee separately so you know exactly what you are paying. If you are unsure whether your county charges a local fee, the online system will show it before you complete payment.

Renewing a tag for a vehicle you recently bought

If you bought a used vehicle in Alabama and need to register it in your name, you cannot use the online renewal system. You must visit your county probate office in person with your bill of sale, proof of purchase, the vehicle title, and a photo ID. The probate office will process your new registration and issue a tag. This is a new registration, not a renewal, and the fee is the same as a renewal fee.

If you bought the vehicle from a dealer, they may handle the registration paperwork for you, but you are responsible for making sure it is completed. Check with the dealer about whether they will submit the paperwork or whether you need to do it yourself. Once the registration is in your name, you can renew online in future years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tag if it expired more than a month ago?

Yes. You can renew at any time, even if your tag is several months expired. However, you cannot legally drive the vehicle until you renew. Some counties charge a small penalty fee for tags that are more than 30 days overdue, so renew as soon as possible.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the notice to renew. Renew online at dor.alabama.gov using your tag number and VIN, or visit your county probate office with your current tag and ID. The probate office can look up your registration and process the renewal on the spot.

Do I need to inspect my vehicle before renewing the tag?

Alabama does not require a vehicle inspection to renew your tag. You only need your current tag number, VIN, and payment. Inspection is not part of the renewal process.

How long does it take to get my new tag after I renew online?

Your new tag arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete online payment. You can drive on your old tag until the new one arrives, as long as you renewed before the expiration date.

What if my vehicle information changed since my last renewal?

If you changed your address, the vehicle owner's name, or other details, contact your county probate office before renewing. They can update your registration record. You may need to bring your title and ID to make changes.