Alabama lets you renew most vehicle tags online through the Department of Revenue website, without visiting an office in person.
You can renew online if your vehicle registration is current and you have not had a lapse in coverage. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new tags arrive by mail within two to three weeks. You will need your current registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method — Alabama accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.
Not every vehicle qualifies for online renewal. Commercial vehicles, vehicles with a salvage or rebuilt title, and some specialty registrations must be renewed in person at your county probate office. If you are unsure whether your vehicle is may be able to access, the Department of Revenue website has a tool that checks your registration status before you start the renewal process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current registration is active with no lapse in coverage.
- You need your registration card, VIN, and a credit or debit card to complete the renewal online.
- New tags arrive by mail in two to three weeks, so renew before your current tags expire.
- Commercial vehicles and salvage titles cannot be renewed online and require a visit to your county probate office.
- The Department of Revenue website lets you check your registration status and may be able to access before you begin.
Steps to renew your tags online
Go to the Alabama Department of Revenue website and select the vehicle registration renewal option. You will be asked to enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and your current registration number. The system will pull up your registration record and show you the renewal fee for your vehicle class.
Review the information on screen to make sure it matches your vehicle and current registration. If anything is incorrect — such as the vehicle description, owner name, or address — you cannot correct it online. Stop and contact your county probate office instead, because the registration record itself needs to be updated before renewal.
Enter your payment information. Alabama accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic checks drawn from a U.S. bank account. The system will process your payment when ready and show you a confirmation number. Save or print this confirmation for your records.
Your new registration card and tags will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes two to three weeks. If you need your tags sooner, some county probate offices can issue temporary tags while you wait for the mailed set, but you must visit in person and bring your confirmation number.
What happens if your registration has lapsed
If your registration expired more than 30 days ago, you cannot renew online. You must visit your county probate office in person with your vehicle title, proof of insurance, and a photo ID. The probate office will process a late renewal and may assess a penalty fee depending on how long the registration has been expired.
If your registration expired fewer than 30 days ago, you may still be able to renew online, but the system will tell you during the process. Some counties have different rules, so check with your local probate office if you are unsure.
Vehicles that cannot be renewed online
Commercial vehicles, including those registered for business use, must be renewed in person at the county probate office. The same applies to vehicles with a salvage title, rebuilt title, or manufacturer's certificate of origin. Specialty registrations — such as antique, classic, or historic vehicle tags — also require an in-person visit.
If your vehicle has a lien holder listed on the title, you may still renew online as long as the registration is current. However, if the lien holder information needs to be added or removed, you must visit the probate office with the title and lien release documents.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight class and the county where it is registered. The Department of Revenue website shows the exact fee before you complete payment, so you will know the total cost before entering your payment information. Fees typically range from $20 to $30 for standard passenger vehicles, but heavier vehicles and commercial registrations cost more.
You can pay by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover), debit card, or electronic check. There is no additional fee for paying online. If you pay by electronic check, the funds are drawn from your bank account within one to two business days.
What to do if the online system will not accept your registration
If you enter your VIN and registration number and the system cannot find your record, your registration may have been cancelled or flagged for a reason. This sometimes happens if there is a lien on the vehicle, if insurance lapsed, or if there is an outstanding violation or fine tied to the registration.
Contact your county probate office directly with your registration card and VIN. They can tell you why the online system rejected your renewal and what steps you need to take. In most cases, you will need to visit in person to clear the issue before you can renew.
Tracking your new tags after renewal
The Department of Revenue does not send tracking numbers for mailed tags. Your new registration card and tags are sent by standard mail to the address on file, and delivery typically takes two to three weeks from the date you complete the online renewal.
If you have not received your tags within four weeks, contact the Department of Revenue customer service line or your county probate office. Bring your confirmation number from the online renewal. They can check the status of your mailing and reissue tags if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with my old tags while I wait for the new ones to arrive?
Yes. Your registration remains valid for the full renewal period even if your physical tags have not arrived yet. Keep your confirmation number and registration card in your vehicle as proof of current registration if you are stopped by law enforcement.
What if I need my tags before the mail arrives?
Visit your county probate office with your confirmation number from the online renewal. Many offices can issue temporary tags or expedited physical tags on the spot, though some charge an additional fee for this service. Call ahead to confirm your office offers this option.
Can I renew tags for a vehicle registered to someone else?
No. Only the registered owner or a person with power of attorney can renew online. If you are not the owner, the owner must complete the renewal themselves or sign a power of attorney document that you bring to the probate office.
What if my address has changed since my last registration?
You cannot update your address during online renewal. Contact your county probate office before renewing to have your address corrected on the registration record. Once that is done, you can renew online and your new tags will be mailed to the updated address.
Do I need to pass an emissions test before renewing online?
Alabama does not require emissions testing statewide. Some counties may have local requirements, so check with your county probate office. If your vehicle is subject to emissions testing, you must pass the test and have the certificate before renewing, whether online or in person.