Alabama vehicle registration renews every year, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at your county probate office

Your Alabama tag renewal notice arrives in the mail about 30 days before your registration expires. The notice shows your renewal fee, which depends on your vehicle's weight and age. You have three ways to renew: online through the Alabama Department of Revenue website, by mail using the renewal notice itself, or by visiting your county probate office in person. The online route is fastest and takes about 10 minutes if you have your renewal notice handy.

You cannot renew if your vehicle fails inspection, if you owe back taxes or fines to the state, or if there is a lien on the title that has not been resolved. If any of these explore, you will need to handle those issues first. Your registration expires on the date printed on your current tag, and driving with an expired tag is a violation that can result in a fine.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama sends renewal notices 30 days before expiration, and you can renew online, by mail, or at your county probate office.
  • The renewal fee is based on your vehicle's weight and age, and the amount is printed on your renewal notice.
  • Online renewal through the Alabama Department of Revenue website is the fastest method and requires your renewal notice number.
  • You cannot renew if your vehicle failed inspection, if you owe state taxes or fines, or if there is an unresolved lien on the title.
  • Your new tag arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after online or mail renewal, or when ready if you renew in person.

Renewing online through the Alabama Department of Revenue

Go to the Alabama Department of Revenue website and select the vehicle registration renewal option. You will need your renewal notice number, which appears on the notice mailed to you, along with your vehicle identification number (VIN) and the last four digits of your Social Security number or federal employer identification number if the vehicle is registered to a business. The system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.

After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Your new tag will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current tag during this time as long as you have the confirmation number with you. If you do not receive your new tag within two weeks, contact your county probate office with your confirmation number.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

Your renewal notice includes a payment envelope and instructions. Write a check or money order for the amount shown, include the notice itself, and mail it to the address printed on the envelope. Do not send cash. Include your phone number on the check so the probate office can contact you if there is a problem with your payment.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because the notice must travel to your county probate office, be processed, and then your new tag must be mailed back to you. Plan for 2 to 3 weeks total. If your renewal notice is lost or damaged, call your county probate office and ask them to send you a duplicate or provide your renewal information over the phone so you can renew online instead.

Renewing in person at your county probate office

Bring your current registration card, proof of vehicle inspection (if required), and a valid photo ID to your county probate office. The probate office location and hours are listed on the Alabama Department of Revenue website by county. Bring a check, money order, or debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. Cash is accepted at some offices but not all, so call ahead if you plan to pay in cash.

In-person renewal is complete when ready, and you will receive your new tag before you leave. This is the fastest way to get your new tag if you cannot wait for mail delivery. If you have a lien on your vehicle title, the probate office can tell you whether it has been cleared before you pay, which saves you from paying only to find out you cannot renew.

What happens if your registration expires before you renew

Driving with an expired tag is a traffic violation in Alabama. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine. If you are stopped, show the officer your renewal confirmation number (if you renewed online) or your renewal notice (if you are in the process of renewing by mail) to demonstrate that renewal is in progress. This does not may provide you will avoid a citation, but it shows good faith.

If your tag has been expired for more than 30 days, you may need to pass a vehicle inspection before you can renew. Contact your county probate office to find out whether an inspection is required in your situation. Do not delay renewal if your tag has expired—the longer it remains expired, the more complicated the renewal process becomes.

Reasons your renewal may be delayed or denied

Your renewal will be held if your vehicle did not pass the most recent inspection. You must have the vehicle inspected again and pass before you can renew. Inspections are performed at authorized inspection stations throughout Alabama, and the inspection fee is set by the state. If you are unsure where to get an inspection, your county probate office can provide a list of nearby stations.

Renewal is also blocked if you owe back property taxes on the vehicle, if there are outstanding fines or penalties owed to the state, or if there is a lien on the title that has not been satisfied. If a lien exists, contact the lienholder (usually a bank or finance company) to find out what is required to clear it. Once the lien is removed from the title, you can renew. If you owe taxes or fines, contact the Alabama Department of Revenue to set up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full.

Keeping your registration current to avoid problems

Renew your tag before it expires rather than waiting until the expiration date. This gives you time to handle any unexpected issues—such as a failed inspection or a discovered lien—without driving illegally. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar when your renewal notice arrives so you do not forget the expiration date.

If you move to a new address, update your vehicle registration with the Alabama Department of Revenue before your renewal notice is mailed. Your renewal notice will then go to your new address. You can update your address online, by mail, or at your county probate office. Keeping your address current ensures you receive your renewal notice on time and your new tag reaches you without delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama tag if I just moved out of state?

No. You must maintain an Alabama address on your vehicle registration to renew an Alabama tag. If you have moved out of state permanently, you will need to register your vehicle in your new state instead. Contact your new state's motor vehicle department for their registration requirements.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

Call your county probate office and ask for a duplicate renewal notice or ask them to provide your renewal information over the phone. You can then renew online using that information, or they can mail you a new notice. Do not wait for a replacement notice if your tag is about to expire—renew online or in person instead.

Do I need a vehicle inspection to renew my tag?

Alabama does not require a safety inspection for tag renewal in most cases. However, if your vehicle failed inspection in the past year or if your tag has been expired for more than 30 days, an inspection may be required. Your renewal notice will indicate if an inspection is needed, or contact your county probate office to confirm.

How much does Alabama tag renewal cost?

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and age. The amount is printed on your renewal notice. Fees range but are typically between $20 and $30 for standard passenger vehicles. Your county probate office can tell you the exact fee for your vehicle if you do not have your renewal notice.

What if my vehicle has a lien and I want to renew?

Contact the lienholder (your bank or finance company) and ask whether the lien has been satisfied. If it has been paid off, ask them to file a lien release with the Alabama Department of Revenue. Once the lien is removed from the title, you can renew. If the lien is still active, you cannot renew until it is cleared.