You can renew your Alabama car tag online through the Alabama Department of Revenue website if your vehicle is registered in Alabama and your tag has not been expired for more than three years.

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and works best if you have your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method ready. You will receive your new tag by mail within 7 to 10 business days after payment clears. Not every vehicle qualifies for online renewal — commercial vehicles, vehicles with liens that require lender consent, and some specialty registrations must be renewed in person at your county probate office.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama's online tag renewal system is available through the Department of Revenue website and accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.
  • You need your current registration card, VIN, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or federal employer identification number to start the renewal.
  • Your new tag arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, so renew before your current tag expires to avoid driving with an expired registration.
  • If your tag expired more than three years ago or your vehicle has a lien, you must renew in person at your county probate office instead.
  • The renewal fee is the same online or in person and depends on your vehicle's weight and type.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather your current registration card, your vehicle's VIN, and your Social Security number or federal employer identification number before you go to the Alabama Department of Revenue website. The VIN appears on your registration card, your vehicle's title, and on the dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side. You will also need a valid payment method — the state accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic checks drawn from a U.S. bank account.

If you do not have your registration card, you can still renew online if you know your VIN and the last four digits of your Social Security number. However, having the card in front of you makes the process faster because all the information is already filled in correctly. If you have lost your registration card, you can request a duplicate from the probate office in your county at the same time you renew, though duplicates are usually mailed separately.

How to Renew Step by Step

Go to the Alabama Department of Revenue website and look for the vehicle registration renewal section. Enter your VIN and the last four digits of your Social Security number or federal employer identification number. The system will pull up your current registration and show you the renewal fee based on your vehicle's weight class and type.

Review the information on screen to make sure it matches your vehicle and current address. If your address has changed, update it before you pay. Enter your payment information and confirm the transaction. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email — save both. Your new tag will be mailed to the address on file, so if you moved recently, make sure the Department of Revenue has your current address before you renew.

Do not remove your current tag from your vehicle until the new one arrives. Once your new tag comes in the mail, remove the old one and install the new one in the same location. Keep the old tag for your records or dispose of it safely — do not leave it on your vehicle.

When You Cannot Renew Online

If your tag expired more than three years ago, the online system will not allow you to renew. You must go to your county probate office in person to renew a tag that has been expired for that long because the state requires a physical inspection of the vehicle and verification that it is still roadworthy and properly titled. Bring your current title, proof of insurance, and a photo ID.

Commercial vehicles, vehicles with active liens, and specialty registrations (such as dealer tags, temporary tags, or disabled veteran plates) also require in-person renewal. If your vehicle has a lien, your lender may need to sign off on the renewal, which the probate office can help coordinate. Vehicles registered under a business name rather than an individual name must also be renewed at the probate office.

What Happens After You Pay

After your payment clears, the Alabama Department of Revenue will print your new tag and mail it to the address on file. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. During this time, you can legally drive your vehicle with your old tag as long as your registration is current. Do not drive with an expired registration, even if you have paid for renewal online — the old tag is your proof that your registration is valid until the new one arrives.

If your new tag does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Department of Revenue with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your tag and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. Keep your confirmation email until the new tag is in your hands.

Renewal Fees and What They Cover

Alabama's tag renewal fee depends on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and whether it is a passenger vehicle, truck, motorcycle, or other type. The fee is the same whether you renew online or in person. Passenger vehicles typically cost between $23 and $28 per year, though heavier vehicles and commercial trucks cost more. You can see the exact fee for your vehicle before you complete payment on the renewal screen.

The renewal fee covers your registration for one year from the expiration date of your current tag, not from the date you renew. If your tag expired on March 15, your new tag will expire on March 15 of the following year, regardless of when you renew. This means renewing early does not extend your registration — it only ensures you have a valid tag before the current one expires.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If the system says your vehicle cannot be renewed online, check that you entered your VIN and Social Security number correctly. A single wrong digit will cause the lookup to fail. If you are still unable to find your registration, your vehicle may have a lien, be registered under a business name, or have a hold placed on it by the state. Contact your county probate office to find out why the online system cannot locate your registration.

If you entered the wrong address or payment information before submitting, contact the Department of Revenue when ready with your confirmation number. They can sometimes cancel the transaction before it processes, though this depends on timing. If the payment has already gone through, you may need to request a refund and start the renewal again with the correct information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tag if I just moved to Alabama?

If your vehicle is already registered in Alabama, you can renew online. Update your address in the system before you pay. If you just moved to Alabama from another state and your vehicle is still registered out of state, you must first register it in Alabama at your county probate office before you can renew online.

What if I need my new tag before 10 business days?

The standard mail delivery time is 7 to 10 business days and cannot be expedited through the online system. If you need a tag urgently, visit your county probate office in person — they can issue a temporary tag or a replacement tag the same day if your registration is current.

Do I have to renew online, or can I still go to the probate office?

You can renew in person at your county probate office instead of online. The fee is the same, and you will receive your tag when ready. Online renewal is faster if you do not need your tag right away, but in-person renewal is an option if you prefer it or if your vehicle does not may have access to for online renewal.

What if my vehicle has a lien on it?

Vehicles with active liens typically cannot be renewed online. You must go to your county probate office, where staff can contact your lender to obtain consent for renewal. Bring your title, proof of insurance, and a photo ID. Some lenders can provide written consent that you bring with you, which speeds up the process.

Can I renew someone else's vehicle tag?

You can renew a vehicle tag online only if you have the registration card and the last four digits of the registered owner's Social Security number or federal employer identification number. If you are renewing on behalf of someone else, you will need their permission and access to their registration information. For vehicles registered under a business name, the business owner or an authorized representative must renew in person at the probate office.