What you need to register a vehicle in Alabama

Alabama requires you to register your vehicle with the state within 30 days of purchase or moving to the state. You'll handle registration through your county's probate office, not a central state office — each county runs its own registration system. The probate office is where you'll submit documents, pay fees, and receive your registration certificate and license plate.

The documents you need depend on whether you're registering a new purchase, transferring ownership from out of state, or renewing an existing registration. For a new purchase, bring the manufacturer's certificate of origin (or bill of sale if buying used), proof of ownership, and a completed process for Certificate of Title form (Form TR-44). If you're moving to Alabama from another state, bring your out-of-state title or registration, proof of ownership, and the same TR-44 form.

You'll also need proof of identity (driver's license or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of insurance. Alabama requires liability insurance before you can register — your insurance company can provide a proof-of-insurance document, often called a declarations page or CLUE report. Bring the original or certified copy of any title document; photocopies are not accepted.

Key Takeaways

  • Register your vehicle at your county probate office within 30 days of purchase or moving to Alabama; each county handles its own registrations.
  • You need a title or bill of sale, proof of ownership, a completed TR-44 form, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of insurance.
  • Registration fees vary by county and vehicle type; contact your probate office for the exact amount before you go.
  • Your registration is valid for one year from the month of issue, and renewal notices are mailed to your address on file.
  • If you buy a vehicle from a dealer, they often handle the paperwork and submit it to the probate office on your behalf, but you remain responsible for meeting the 30-day important date.

Registration fees and what they cover

Alabama registration fees are set by each county, so the cost varies depending on where you live. The state does not publish a single fee schedule; you'll need to contact your county probate office directly to learn what you'll pay. Fees typically range from $20 to $50 for standard passenger vehicles, but commercial vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles have different rates.

Your registration fee covers the certificate of title (proof of ownership) and one license plate. If you need a replacement plate or additional plates, those are separate charges. Some counties charge extra for vanity plates or specialty plates (such as military or conservation plates), and those fees go to the state program the plate supports.

When you renew your registration each year, you'll pay a renewal fee, which is usually lower than the initial registration fee. You do not pay sales tax on registration fees in Alabama, but you do pay sales tax on the vehicle itself at the time of purchase.

How to register at your county probate office

Visit your county probate office in person with all required documents. You cannot register by mail or online in Alabama; the probate office must verify your documents and issue your plate. Bring the original documents listed above, not photocopies, and arrive during business hours. Most probate offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours vary by county.

At the probate office, you'll complete the process for Certificate of Title (TR-44) if you haven't already. The staff will review your documents, verify your identity and residency, and confirm your insurance. They'll then process your registration, collect the fee, and issue your certificate of title and license plate on the spot or within a few business days, depending on the county's workload.

If you're registering a vehicle with a lien (a loan against it), the lender's name will appear on the title. You cannot register the vehicle without the lender's consent, and the lender may require you to carry specific insurance coverage. Check with your lender before you go to the probate office.

Registering a vehicle you bought from a dealer

If you buy from a licensed dealer, the dealer often handles the paperwork and submits it to the probate office on your behalf. However, you are still responsible for ensuring the registration is completed within 30 days. Ask the dealer for a receipt showing the date they submitted your paperwork and the expected completion date.

Some dealers charge a documentation or processing fee for this service, which is separate from the registration fee. This fee is negotiable and should be disclosed before you sign the purchase agreement. If the dealer does not handle registration, you'll need to do it yourself at the probate office within 30 days of purchase.

Even if the dealer submits the paperwork, you may need to visit the probate office to pick up your license plate and title certificate. Contact your county probate office to confirm what you need to do after the dealer submits the process.

Transferring a title from out of state

If you're moving to Alabama and bringing a vehicle registered in another state, you must transfer the title to Alabama within 30 days. Bring your out-of-state title or registration, proof of ownership, and a completed TR-44 form to your county probate office. If your out-of-state title is in someone else's name, you'll need a bill of sale or other proof that ownership has transferred to you.

Some states issue titles in both spouses' names or require both owners to sign the title transfer. If that's the case with your vehicle, both owners must sign the TR-44 form and be present at the probate office, or one owner must provide a notarized power of attorney. Check your out-of-state title to see whose names appear and whether any signatures are required.

You'll pay Alabama registration fees for the transfer, and your new Alabama title will replace your out-of-state title. Your out-of-state registration is no longer valid once you register in Alabama, so do not display the out-of-state plate.

Renewing your Alabama registration

Your Alabama registration is valid for one year from the month it was issued. About 30 days before your registration expires, the probate office will mail a renewal notice to the address on file. The notice includes the renewal fee and instructions for renewing by mail or in person.

You can renew by mail by returning the notice with payment to your county probate office. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee (do not send cash). The probate office will mail your new registration certificate and, if needed, a new license plate. Renewal by mail typically takes one to two weeks.

You can also renew in person at the probate office. Bring your current registration certificate, proof of insurance, and payment. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new residency. If you do not renew before your registration expires, you cannot legally drive the vehicle, and you may face a fine if stopped by law enforcement.

Special situations: Salvage titles and rebuilt vehicles

If you buy a vehicle that was declared a total loss by an insurance company, it receives a salvage title in Alabama. A salvage title means the vehicle was damaged beyond economic repair. You can register a salvage vehicle, but it must pass a safety inspection before you can drive it on public roads. Contact your county probate office for the name of an approved inspection station.

Once the vehicle passes inspection, you can explore for a rebuilt title, which allows you to register and drive the vehicle legally. Bring the salvage title, proof of the passed inspection, and a completed TR-44 form to the probate office. The rebuilt title will note that the vehicle was previously salvaged, which may affect its resale value and insurance rates.

Vehicles with branded titles (such as flood, lemon law, or odometer disclosure) also require special handling. The probate office will explain what documents you need based on the brand on your title.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don't register my vehicle within 30 days?

You cannot legally drive the vehicle on public roads. If stopped by law enforcement, you may receive a citation and fine. The vehicle may also be impounded. Register as soon as possible to avoid penalties.

Can I register a vehicle if I don't have a title?

If you have a bill of sale and proof of ownership but no title, contact your county probate office. They can guide you through the process of obtaining a duplicate title or registering without one, depending on your situation.

Do I need to get a new license plate every time I renew my registration?

No. Your license plate remains valid as long as your registration is current. You only need a new plate if yours is damaged, lost, or stolen. Contact your probate office to request a replacement plate.

What if I buy a vehicle from a private seller?

Get a bill of sale signed by both you and the seller, stating the vehicle identification number (VIN), purchase price, and date of sale. Bring the bill of sale, the seller's title (if available), proof of ownership, and your other required documents to the probate office to register the vehicle in your name.

Can I register a vehicle in someone else's name?

No. The person whose name appears on the title must be present at the probate office to sign the registration documents, unless they provide a notarized power of attorney authorizing you to register on their behalf.