You can renew your Alabama tag online through the state's AVIS system without visiting an office
Alabama lets you renew your vehicle registration tag online through the Alabama Vehicle Information System (AVIS) at avis.alabama.gov. You'll need your current tag number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new tag arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal works only if your vehicle passes inspection, you have no outstanding violations or fines, and your tag hasn't been expired for more than 60 days. If any of those conditions don't explore to you, you'll need to visit a county probate office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Go to avis.alabama.gov and enter your tag number and VIN to start an online renewal.
- You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check during the online process.
- Your new tag will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete payment.
- If your tag has been expired for more than 60 days or you have unpaid violations, you must renew in person at your county probate office.
- You can renew online up to six months before your tag expires, so you don't have to wait until the last day.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you log into AVIS: your current tag number (the one on your license plate), your vehicle's VIN (found on your registration or the driver's side of your windshield), and a valid credit card, debit card, or bank account information for electronic check payment. You'll also need a valid email address to receive your confirmation.
If you've moved since your last renewal, update your address with the Alabama Department of Revenue before renewing online. You can do this through AVIS as well, or by visiting a probate office. An incorrect address means your new tag will arrive at the wrong location.
Step-by-step process on the AVIS website
Go to avis.alabama.gov and select "Renew a Tag" from the main menu. Enter your tag number and VIN exactly as they appear on your registration. The system will pull up your vehicle information and show you the renewal fee for your county. Review the amount and confirm your current address is correct.
Choose your payment method: credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Enter the payment information and submit. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Write down the confirmation number in case you need to check the status of your renewal later. Your new tag will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
When you cannot renew online and must visit in person
The AVIS system will not allow online renewal if your tag has been expired for more than 60 days. If you're in this situation, you must visit your county probate office with your vehicle registration, proof of inspection, and a valid ID. The probate office can renew your tag on the spot, though you may pay a late fee.
You also cannot renew online if you have unpaid traffic violations, parking fines, or other outstanding violations in Alabama. The AVIS system checks for these automatically and will block your renewal if any are found. Contact the court or municipality that issued the violation to resolve it, then try renewing online again.
How much the renewal costs and what affects the price
Alabama tag renewal fees vary by county and vehicle type. Most passenger vehicles cost between $23 and $28 to renew, but the exact amount depends on where your vehicle is registered. The AVIS system shows you the fee for your specific county before you pay, so you'll know the total cost before you commit.
If your tag has been expired for more than 60 days, you'll owe a late fee on top of the standard renewal fee. The amount of the late fee varies by county. Renewing before your expiration date avoids this extra cost.
What happens after you pay and when your tag arrives
After you complete payment, AVIS generates a confirmation number and sends it to your email. Keep this confirmation for your records. You can legally drive with your current tag for up to 10 business days while you wait for the new one to arrive in the mail.
Your new tag will come in a small envelope with your registration card. Install it on your vehicle as soon as it arrives. If your tag doesn't arrive within 10 business days, check the status on AVIS using your confirmation number, or contact your county probate office.
Troubleshooting common problems with online renewal
If AVIS rejects your renewal and you're not sure why, the system usually displays an error message explaining the reason. Common blocks include an expired inspection, unpaid violations, or a tag that's been expired too long. Read the error message carefully—it tells you exactly what needs to be fixed before you can renew online.
If you enter your tag number or VIN and the system can't find your vehicle, double-check that you've typed both correctly. The tag number is the one on your current license plate. The VIN is a 17-character code; make sure you haven't confused the letter O with the number 0, or the letter I with the number 1. If the information is correct and the system still can't find your vehicle, visit a probate office to renew in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my tag online if my inspection is expired?
No. Your vehicle must have a current inspection before AVIS will process an online renewal. Get your vehicle inspected at any Alabama inspection station, then try renewing online again. The inspection is separate from tag renewal and costs around $10 to $15.
How far in advance can I renew my tag online?
You can renew up to six months before your tag expires. This means you don't have to wait until the last day and can avoid the rush. Renewing early also gives you a buffer in case your new tag is delayed in the mail.
What if I moved to a different county in Alabama?
Update your address in AVIS before renewing your tag. You can do this through the website or at a probate office. Your tag renewal fee may change based on your new county, so the system will show you the updated cost before you pay.
Can I renew my tag online if I'm out of state?
Yes. As long as your vehicle is registered in Alabama and meets the renewal requirements, you can renew online from anywhere. Your new tag will be mailed to the address on file in Alabama, so make sure that address is current.
What should I do if my new tag doesn't arrive after 10 business days?
Check the status of your renewal on AVIS using your confirmation number. If the system shows it was processed but you haven't received it, contact your county probate office with your confirmation number. They can investigate the delay or issue a replacement tag.