What you need to do to register a vehicle in Alabama
Alabama registration happens through your county probate office, not a state office. You'll need your vehicle's title (or a bill of sale if you're buying from a private seller), proof of insurance, and a completed process for Certificate of Title and Registration form (Form VT 14). The probate office will issue your tag — the metal plate — and your registration card at the same visit. Most people complete this in one trip and leave with their tag the same day.
The cost varies by vehicle weight. A standard passenger car typically costs between $23 and $28 for the first registration, though heavier vehicles and commercial tags cost more. You'll also pay a one-time title fee of $20 when you register for the first time in Alabama. If you're financing the vehicle, your lender's name will appear on the title until the loan is paid off.
Key Takeaways
- Register your vehicle at your county probate office within 30 days of purchase; driving without registration can result in a fine.
- Bring your title or bill of sale, proof of insurance, and a completed VT 14 form to avoid making a second trip.
- You'll receive your metal tag and registration card on the same day in most cases, though some counties may mail the tag if they're out of stock.
- Your registration is valid for one year from the month you register, and you'll renew it annually at the same probate office.
- If you buy a vehicle out of state, you have 30 days to register it in Alabama before you're subject to penalties.
Where to register and what documents to bring
Find your county probate office by searching "[your county name] probate office" online or calling your county courthouse. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some larger counties offer online scheduling, though walk-ins are usually accepted.
Bring these documents: your vehicle's title (or a bill of sale signed by the seller if you're buying privately), your driver's license or state ID, proof of insurance (your insurance card or a declaration page from your insurer), and the completed VT 14 form. If someone else is on the title with you, both owners should be present or one should bring a notarized power of attorney. If you're registering a vehicle you inherited, bring the death certificate and any probate documents the probate office requests.
The probate office staff can provide a blank VT 14 form if you don't have one, but filling it out beforehand saves time. The form asks for your name, address, vehicle identification number (VIN), and basic vehicle information — all of which are on your title or bill of sale.
Tag types and what each one means
Alabama issues several tag types depending on your vehicle's use. A standard passenger tag is what most people receive and is valid for any personal vehicle. Commercial tags are for vehicles used in business and cost more. Truck tags are for pickup trucks and are priced by weight. Motorcycle tags are smaller and cost less than passenger tags.
Specialty tags — including military, disabled veteran, and conservation tags — are available if you meet the criteria. These tags often cost the same as a standard tag but display a special design or message. If you want a specialty tag, tell the probate office staff when you register; they'll explain which ones you're may be able to access for and any additional documentation needed.
Your tag number is assigned by the probate office and cannot be customized unless you request a vanity tag, which costs extra and requires a separate request form. Standard tags are issued in the order they're assigned and are not transferable to another vehicle.
Registration renewal and when your tag expires
Your registration is valid for one year from the month you register. If you register in March, your tag expires in March of the following year. The probate office will mail you a renewal notice about 30 days before expiration, though you can renew early if you prefer.
To renew, return to your county probate office with your current registration card, proof of insurance, and payment. You do not need to bring your title unless it has changed ownership. Most renewals take 10 to 15 minutes. If your vehicle's information has changed — such as a new owner or a lien holder — bring documentation of the change.
If your registration expires, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. Driving with an expired tag can result in a fine and a traffic stop. If you miss the renewal important date, you can still renew at the probate office, but you may face a late fee depending on how long it has been expired.
What to do if you lose your tag or registration card
If your metal tag is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to your county probate office with your registration card and request a replacement tag. You'll pay a replacement fee (typically $5 to $10) and receive a new tag with the same number. The probate office will issue it when ready or mail it if they're out of stock.
If you lose your registration card, the probate office can print a duplicate on the spot for a small fee. Bring your driver's license and current tag number if possible. You can drive legally with a lost registration card as long as your tag is current and visible on your vehicle, though having the card with you is required by law.
If your tag is damaged but still readable, you can request a replacement. If it's unreadable, the probate office will issue a new one. In either case, bring your registration card and be prepared to pay the replacement fee.
Transferring registration when you sell or buy a vehicle
When you sell a vehicle, the buyer is responsible for registering it in their name. You should notify your insurance company and the probate office that you no longer own the vehicle. Some people file a "Notice of Sale" with the probate office to protect themselves from liability if the buyer gets into an accident or receives a traffic ticket before registering the vehicle in their own name.
When you buy a vehicle from a private seller, the seller should sign the title over to you. Take the signed title to your county probate office within 30 days and register it in your name. If the seller refuses to sign the title or cannot be located, contact your county probate office for guidance on how to proceed.
If you buy a vehicle from a dealer, the dealer typically handles the title transfer and registration paperwork. You'll still need to visit the probate office to receive your tag, but the dealer will have submitted most of the paperwork for you. Confirm with the dealer what you need to bring to the probate office before you go.
Out-of-state vehicles and how to register them in Alabama
If you move to Alabama with a vehicle registered in another state, you have 30 days to register it in Alabama. After 30 days, you're subject to a fine for driving an out-of-state vehicle. To register, bring your out-of-state title, proof of insurance, and your driver's license to your county probate office. The probate office will issue an Alabama title and tag.
If your out-of-state title is held by a lender, contact the lender to request that they send the title to Alabama or provide a power of attorney allowing you to register the vehicle. Some lenders can release the title electronically, which speeds up the process. If the title is in another person's name, that person must sign it over to you or provide a notarized power of attorney.
Military members stationed in Alabama may be exempt from registering their vehicle in Alabama if they maintain registration in their home state. Check with your military base's vehicle registration office for current rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I register my vehicle online?
Alabama does not offer online vehicle registration. You must visit your county probate office in person to receive your tag. Some counties allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce wait times, but you still must appear in person with your documents.
What if my vehicle title is held by a lender?
Bring the title to the probate office even though the lender's name is on it. The probate office will register the vehicle in your name and note the lender's lien on the registration. You cannot remove the lender's name until the loan is paid off and the lender releases the title.
How long does registration take?
Most registrations are completed in 15 to 30 minutes if you bring all required documents. If the probate office is busy, wait times may be longer. Some counties mail the tag if they're out of stock, which adds a few days to the process.
What happens if I drive without registering my vehicle?
Driving an unregistered vehicle is illegal in Alabama and can result in a fine, typically $100 to $500 depending on how long the vehicle has been unregistered. You may also receive a traffic citation and be required to show proof of registration in court.
Do I need to register a vehicle I'm only keeping temporarily?
Yes. If you own the vehicle and drive it on public roads, it must be registered in Alabama within 30 days. The only exception is if you're a military member with an exemption or if you're a dealer with a dealer plate. Temporary tags issued by dealers are valid for a limited time and do not replace registration.