You can renew your Alabama vehicle tag online through the state's website if your vehicle is registered in Alabama and your tag has not expired more than three years ago.
Alabama allows tag renewal through its online system at alabamavehicleregistration.com, the official state portal run by the Alabama Department of Revenue. You will need your current vehicle registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new tag sticker arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
Not all vehicles can renew online. If your tag has been expired for more than three years, if you have unpaid traffic violations or registration holds, or if your vehicle requires a physical inspection, you must renew in person at your county probate office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through alabamavehicleregistration.com works only if your tag expired within the last three years and you have no registration holds.
- You will need your registration card, VIN, and a credit or debit card to complete the transaction online.
- Your new tag sticker arrives by mail in two to three weeks; you can display your online receipt as proof of renewal until it arrives.
- If your tag is expired more than three years or you have violations on file, you must renew at your county probate office in person.
- The renewal fee varies by vehicle weight and type; check the website for your specific amount before you start.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather your current vehicle registration card (the paper document that came with your tag) and your vehicle's VIN before opening the renewal website. The VIN is a 17-character code found on your dashboard at the base of the windshield on the driver's side, on your registration card, or on your insurance documents. You will also need a valid credit card or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
Check the Alabama Department of Revenue website to find the renewal fee for your vehicle. The fee is based on your vehicle's gross weight rating (the maximum weight it can safely carry), not its actual weight. If you do not know your vehicle's weight rating, you can find it in your owner's manual or by searching your vehicle's year, make, and model online.
Steps to Renew Your Tag Online
Go to alabamavehicleregistration.com and select "Renew a Vehicle Registration." Enter your VIN and the last four digits of your vehicle identification number as shown on your registration card. The system will pull up your current registration information.
Review the information on screen to make sure it is correct. If your address, vehicle details, or owner information has changed, you cannot update it online—you will need to visit your county probate office instead. If everything matches, proceed to enter your payment information. Alabama accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number and a temporary receipt. Write down or save this confirmation number. You can print the receipt and display it in your vehicle as proof of renewal until your new tag sticker arrives by mail.
When You Cannot Renew Online
If your tag has been expired for more than three years, the online system will not allow you to renew. You must visit your county probate office in person. Bring your registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid photo ID. The probate office staff will process your renewal and may require a vehicle inspection depending on your vehicle's age and condition.
You also cannot renew online if you have unpaid traffic violations, outstanding fines, or a registration hold placed by the state. The online system will notify you if a hold exists. Contact the agency that placed the hold (usually the court where the violation was issued) to resolve it before attempting to renew again.
If your vehicle information has changed—such as your address, the vehicle's color, or ownership—you must renew at the probate office. The online system only works for straightforward renewals with no changes to your registration details.
What Happens After You Pay Online
Your new tag sticker will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The sticker goes on your current license plate in the upper right corner. Until the sticker arrives, you can display your online confirmation receipt in your vehicle as proof that you have renewed. Keep the receipt visible on your dashboard or in your window.
If more than three weeks pass and you have not received your sticker, contact the Alabama Department of Revenue at 334-242-1750 to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready when you call.
Renewing at Your County Probate Office Instead
If you cannot renew online, visit your county probate office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by county. Bring your registration card, proof of current insurance, and a valid photo ID. Some counties may also require a vehicle inspection, especially for older vehicles.
The probate office will process your renewal on the spot and issue you a new tag sticker when ready. You can drive home with your new tag the same day. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online or in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my tag if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, as long as it expired within the last three years. If it has been expired for more than three years, you must renew in person at your county probate office. The online system will tell you if your tag is too old to renew online.
What if my address changed since I last renewed?
You cannot update your address through the online renewal system. You must visit your county probate office in person with your registration card, proof of insurance, and a photo ID. The staff will update your address and process your renewal at the same time.
Can I renew someone else's vehicle tag online?
No. Only the registered owner or an authorized representative with power of attorney can renew a tag. If you are renewing for someone else, you will need their written authorization and must renew in person at the probate office.
How long does it take to receive my new tag sticker in the mail?
Your sticker typically arrives within two to three weeks. You can use your online confirmation receipt as proof of renewal until it arrives. If you do not receive it after three weeks, call the Alabama Department of Revenue at 334-242-1750.
What if my payment was declined online?
The system will notify you when ready if your card was declined. Check that your card number, expiration date, and billing address are correct, then try again. If the problem continues, try a different card or renew in person at your county probate office.