What you need to register a car in Alabama

To register a car in Alabama, you will need to visit your county's Department of Revenue office in person with proof of ownership, proof of residency, and a completed process form. The state does not allow online registration for new vehicles. You must bring the vehicle's title (or a bill of sale if you are buying from a private seller), a government-issued photo ID, and proof that you live in Alabama—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works for this.

If you are registering a vehicle you just bought from a dealer, the dealer will often handle the paperwork and send it to the county office on your behalf. If you bought from a private seller, you are responsible for taking the documents to the office yourself. The registration process takes about 15 to 30 minutes if you have all documents ready and the office is not busy.

Key Takeaways

  • You must register your car at your county's Department of Revenue office in person; Alabama does not offer online registration for new vehicles.
  • Bring your vehicle title or bill of sale, a government photo ID, and a recent utility bill or lease to prove you live in Alabama.
  • Registration fees vary by vehicle weight and age; the state publishes a fee schedule on the Alabama Department of Revenue website.
  • Your registration is valid for one year from the month you register, and renewal notices are mailed about 30 days before expiration.
  • If you buy a used car from a private seller, you have 20 days to register it before you can legally drive it on public roads.

Where to register and what the process costs

Each of Alabama's 67 counties has its own Department of Revenue office that handles vehicle registration. You can find your county office's address and hours on the Alabama Department of Revenue website by searching for your county name. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some offer limited Saturday hours.

Registration fees depend on your vehicle's gross weight rating (the maximum weight it can safely carry) and how old the vehicle is. A passenger car typically costs between $20 and $30 for the first registration, but the exact amount varies. The state publishes a complete fee schedule on its website organized by weight class. You will also pay a $1 title fee if you are getting a new title issued. If you are registering a vehicle you bought from a dealer, ask them what the total cost will be before you sign the paperwork, because they may include it in your purchase agreement.

Documents you must bring to the county office

The most important document is proof of ownership. If you bought the car from a dealer, bring the manufacturer's certificate of origin or the title if one has already been issued. If you bought from a private seller, bring the signed title from the seller. If the title is lost or damaged, you can request a duplicate from the county office, though this adds time to your visit.

You also need a government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or military ID all work. Bring proof that you live in Alabama: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a document in your name, a letter from your landlord or a family member you live with can work, but call your county office first to confirm they will accept it.

If you are registering a vehicle you bought from a private seller, bring the bill of sale or a written agreement showing the purchase price. This helps the county office calculate any taxes owed. Bring your Social Security number or tax ID number as well—you will need it to complete the process.

The 20-day window for registering a used car from a private seller

Alabama law gives you 20 days from the date of purchase to register a vehicle you bought from a private seller. After 20 days, you cannot legally drive the car on public roads, and you risk a fine if you are stopped by police. The 20 days starts from the date on your bill of sale or the date you and the seller agree on, not from the date you pick up the car.

If you miss the 20-day window, you can still register the vehicle, but you may face a late fee. Contact your county office to find out what the fee is in your area—it varies by county. The safest approach is to register within the first week of purchase, which gives you a buffer and ensures you are legal to drive when ready.

What happens after you register

Once you complete registration at the county office, you will receive a registration certificate and license plates (or a registration sticker if you are keeping existing plates). The registration is valid for one year from the month you register. For example, if you register in March, your registration expires in March of the following year.

About 30 days before your registration expires, the county office will mail you a renewal notice. You can renew by mail, online, or in person. Renewing online or by mail is faster and does not require a trip to the office unless your vehicle information has changed or your title needs updating. Keep your registration certificate in your vehicle at all times—police can ask to see it during a traffic stop.

Registering a vehicle with a lien or loan

If you financed your car through a bank or credit union, the lender holds a lien on the title until you pay off the loan. You can still register the vehicle, but the lienholder's name will appear on the title. Bring the loan documents or a letter from your lender showing the lien information when you go to the county office.

You do not need the lender's permission to register the car—the lien is recorded automatically when you explore. Once you pay off the loan, contact your lender and ask them to release the lien. They will send you a lien release document, which you can take to the county office to have removed from your title. This process usually takes a few weeks after you make your final payment.

Special situations: rebuilt titles, out-of-state transfers, and salvage vehicles

If you are registering a vehicle that was previously declared a total loss by an insurance company, you will need a rebuilt title from your previous state. Alabama will not issue a rebuilt title—you must have one from the state where the vehicle was declared a total loss. Bring that title to your county office along with proof of repairs and an inspection certificate if required by your state.

If you are moving to Alabama from another state and bringing a vehicle with you, bring your out-of-state title and registration along with your Alabama proof of residency. The county office will issue you a new Alabama title and registration. You have 30 days from establishing residency to register the vehicle in Alabama.

Salvage vehicles (cars declared a total loss but not yet rebuilt) cannot be registered for road use in Alabama. You can only register a salvage vehicle after it has been repaired and issued a rebuilt title by another state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register my car online in Alabama?

No. Alabama does not offer online registration for new vehicles. You must visit your county's Department of Revenue office in person with your title, ID, and proof of residency. You can renew an existing registration online, but initial registration requires an in-person visit.

What if I bought my car from a private seller and do not have the title yet?

Contact the seller and ask them to bring the title to the county office with you, or have them mail it to you before your 20-day window closes. If the title is lost, the seller can request a duplicate from their county office. You cannot register without a title or bill of sale.

Do I need an inspection before I register?

Alabama does not require a safety or emissions inspection before initial registration. However, you must have a valid inspection sticker to renew your registration each year. Schedule an inspection at any state-approved inspection station before your registration expires.

What if I move to a different county in Alabama?

You do not need to re-register your vehicle when you move within Alabama. Your registration remains valid until the expiration date. When you renew, you can do it by mail or online, or visit your new county office in person.

How long does it take to get my license plates after I register?

If the county office has plates in stock, you will receive them when ready after registration. If they do not, they will mail them to you within one to two weeks. You can drive with your registration certificate and a temporary tag until your plates arrive.