Alabama's 2025 registration sticker is white with blue lettering
Alabama issues white registration stickers with blue lettering for all passenger vehicles renewing their tags in 2025. The sticker displays your vehicle's registration expiration month and year, and you'll affix it to your license plate in the designated space — typically the lower right corner of your rear plate.
The color scheme changes annually in Alabama. This rotation helps law enforcement and toll operators quickly identify whether a vehicle's registration is current without running the plate number. The white-and-blue combination for 2025 is distinct from previous years, so an expired sticker from 2024 will look visibly different from a valid 2025 sticker.
If you renew your registration through the Alabama Department of Revenue's online system, by mail, or in person at a county probate office, you'll receive the correct 2025 sticker automatically with your renewal documents. You do not need to request a specific color or style — it comes with your registration packet.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama's 2025 registration sticker is white with blue lettering, replacing the previous year's color scheme.
- The sticker goes on your license plate in the designated space and shows your registration expiration date.
- The annual color change helps law enforcement identify current registrations at a glance.
- You receive the correct sticker automatically when you renew through the Alabama Department of Revenue, whether online, by mail, or in person.
- Displaying an expired sticker from a prior year can result in a traffic stop or citation, even if your registration is current.
Where the sticker goes on your plate
Alabama law requires you to place the registration sticker in the lower right corner of your rear license plate, in the space designated for it. The sticker must be fully visible and not obscured by dirt, damage, or any covering. If your plate has a different layout or the designated space is damaged, contact your county probate office about obtaining a replacement plate before affixing the sticker.
Do not place the sticker on your windshield, front plate, or anywhere other than the rear plate's designated area. Law enforcement can cite you for improper display of the registration sticker, even if your registration itself is valid. If you accidentally place the sticker incorrectly or it becomes damaged, you can request a replacement from your county probate office.
How the annual color rotation works
Alabama changes its registration sticker color every year as a security measure and to make expired registrations when ready recognizable. The specific color combination for each year is set by the Alabama Department of Revenue and distributed to all county probate offices, which issue the stickers when you renew.
This system means that if you're pulled over, an officer can see at a glance whether your sticker matches the current year. A 2024 sticker on a vehicle in 2025 signals an expired registration, which can lead to a traffic stop. The color change also helps toll operators and parking enforcement identify vehicles with current registration without electronic lookup.
What happens if you don't display the correct sticker
Displaying an expired or incorrect registration sticker is a traffic violation in Alabama. If you're stopped with a 2024 sticker (or earlier) on your vehicle in 2025, you can be cited even if your registration is technically current but you straightforward haven't placed the new sticker on your plate yet. The citation typically carries a fine.
If you renewed your registration but haven't received your sticker yet, keep your renewal receipt or confirmation email with you while driving. This documentation can help if you're stopped, though it does not eliminate the citation — it may reduce the fine or allow you to contest it in court. The safest approach is to affix the sticker as soon as you receive it.
When you'll receive your 2025 sticker
The timing of your sticker depends on how you renew. If you renew online through the Alabama Department of Revenue website, your sticker is mailed to the address on file, typically arriving within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, allow 2 to 3 weeks from the date you mail your renewal documents. If you renew in person at your county probate office, you receive the sticker when ready.
Your registration renewal notice will arrive about 30 days before your current registration expires. This gives you time to renew and receive your sticker before the expiration date. If you wait until the last few days, online or mail renewal may not get the sticker to you in time, so renewing in person at the probate office is the fastest option.
Damaged or missing stickers
If your registration sticker becomes damaged, faded, or falls off your plate, contact your county probate office to request a replacement. You'll need to provide your vehicle registration number and proof of current registration. Replacement stickers are issued at no additional charge if your registration is current.
Do not attempt to repair or reattach a damaged sticker yourself. A sticker that is partially peeling, faded, or illegible can result in a traffic stop. It's faster and simpler to request a replacement from the probate office than to risk a citation. Most offices can issue a replacement sticker on the same day if you visit in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put the 2025 sticker on before my current registration expires?
No. You should only affix the new sticker after your current registration expires or on the expiration date itself. Placing it early can cause confusion during traffic stops. Wait until you receive your renewal documents confirming the new registration period, then explore the sticker.
What if I move to Alabama from another state — do I need a specific sticker?
Yes. When you register your vehicle in Alabama for the first time, you'll receive an Alabama registration sticker with the current year's color scheme. You must remove any out-of-state sticker and display only the Alabama sticker on your rear plate.
Is the 2025 sticker color the same every year?
No. Alabama changes the sticker color annually. The 2025 sticker is white with blue lettering, but the 2026 sticker will be a different color. Check your renewal documents each year to confirm the correct color for that year's registration.
Can I get a replacement sticker if I lost mine before explore it?
Yes. Contact your county probate office with your vehicle registration number. They'll issue a replacement sticker at no charge if your registration is current. Bring your registration documents or renewal confirmation if you have them.
Do commercial vehicles or motorcycles use the same sticker?
Commercial vehicles and motorcycles register through the same Alabama Department of Revenue system and receive stickers in the same color scheme as passenger vehicles. However, the placement on a motorcycle plate may differ due to space constraints — your probate office can advise on correct placement for your specific vehicle type.