You can renew your Alabama tag online through the state's eTag system if your vehicle is registered in Alabama and your tag has not expired more than three years ago

Alabama's online tag renewal system, called eTag, lets you renew through the Alabama Department of Revenue website without visiting an office in person. The process takes about 10 minutes if you have your current registration card and a valid payment method. You will receive your new tag by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Not every vehicle or situation qualifies for online renewal. If your vehicle has a lien, if you are renewing a commercial tag, or if your tag expired more than three years ago, you must renew in person at a county probate office or through the mail. If you are unsure whether your vehicle is may be able to access, the eTag website will tell you during the process — it will not let you proceed if your renewal cannot be completed online.

Key Takeaways

  • Alabama's eTag system is available on the Department of Revenue website and works for most passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and trailers that are currently registered.
  • You will need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a debit or credit card to complete the renewal online.
  • Your new tag arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your old tag until the new one arrives.
  • If your tag expired more than three years ago, your vehicle has a lien, or you are renewing a commercial tag, you must renew in person or by mail instead.
  • The eTag system charges the standard Alabama renewal fee plus a $1.50 online processing fee.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather your current vehicle registration card before you go to the eTag website. This card shows your tag number, VIN, and the expiration date. You will also need your vehicle's VIN, which appears on your registration card and on the driver's side of your dashboard where it meets the windshield.

Have a valid debit or credit card ready for payment. Alabama accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. The renewal fee varies by vehicle type and weight — a standard passenger vehicle typically costs between $23 and $28, plus the $1.50 online processing fee. The eTag system will show you the exact amount before you confirm payment.

Steps to Renew Online Through eTag

Go to the Alabama Department of Revenue website and locate the eTag renewal portal. Enter your tag number and VIN exactly as they appear on your registration card. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show whether your vehicle is may be able to access for online renewal.

Review the renewal information on the screen. Confirm your address is correct — if it has changed, you may need to update it through the probate office instead. Select your payment method and enter your card details. The system will process the payment when ready and show you a confirmation number.

Print or save your confirmation number for your records. You do not need to do anything else — your new tag will arrive by mail. If you need to renew before the tag arrives, you can print a temporary tag from the confirmation page, though most people straightforward keep driving with their old tag since the mail arrives quickly.

When You Cannot Renew Online

If your vehicle has a lien (the bank or finance company holds the title), you cannot renew online. The lienholder must sign off on the renewal, which requires an in-person visit or a mailed process. Contact your lender to find out whether they will handle the renewal for you or whether you need to visit a probate office with their written permission.

Commercial tags, farm tags, and government-owned vehicles have separate renewal processes and cannot be renewed through eTag. If your tag falls into one of these categories, the eTag system will tell you during the process and direct you to the correct office or procedure.

Tags that expired more than three years ago must be renewed in person at your county probate office. The probate office will charge a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. If your tag is more than three years expired, you may also need to pass an emissions test or safety inspection depending on your county.

What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal

The Alabama Department of Revenue processes eTag renewals within one business day. Your new tag is then printed and mailed to the address on your registration. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though delivery times can vary depending on your location.

You can legally drive with your old tag until your new tag arrives. There is no grace period or temporary tag needed — the old tag remains valid as long as your online renewal has been processed. If you need to verify that your renewal went through, you can check your confirmation number on the eTag website.

If your new tag does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Alabama Department of Revenue. Have your confirmation number ready. They can check the status of your tag and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.

Renewing by Mail or In Person If You Cannot Use eTag

If you need to renew in person, visit your county probate office with your current registration card and a valid photo ID. Bring a check or card for payment. The probate office will process your renewal on the spot, and you can drive home with your new tag the same day.

To renew by mail, request an process form from your county probate office or read it from the Alabama Department of Revenue website. Fill out the form, include your current registration card, and mail it with a check to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks longer than in-person renewal because of postal delivery time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my tag if it expired last year?

Yes, as long as it expired less than three years ago. Use the eTag system if your vehicle is may be able to access. If your tag expired more than three years ago, you must renew in person at a probate office and may owe a late fee.

What if the eTag system says my vehicle is not may be able to access?

The system will tell you why — usually because of a lien, a commercial tag type, or an expired tag that is too old. Follow the instructions on the screen to renew in person or by mail instead. You can also call your county probate office for help.

Do I need a new tag sticker or a new plate?

Alabama sends you a new tag sticker that you attach to your current plate. You do not receive a new plate unless you request one. The sticker shows the new expiration year and must be visible on your rear license plate.

Can I renew early before my tag expires?

Yes. You can renew through eTag up to six months before your tag expires. This is useful if you want to avoid the rush near the expiration date or if you are planning a trip and want your new tag to arrive beforehand.

What if I move to a different county in Alabama?

You do not need to change your tag when you move within Alabama. Your tag remains valid regardless of which county you live in. Update your address with the probate office if you want your registration records to reflect your new location, but this is not required for tag renewal.