In Alabama, all 1975 and subsequent model year vehicles are required to be titled. 1990 and newer model manufactured homes, travel trailers and pop-up camping trailers are also required to be titled. 1989 and prior year model manufactured homes, travel trailers and pop-up camping trailers are exempt.  Likewise, 1974 and prior year vehicles, semitrailers, and gooseneck trailers, are exempt. Items of husbandry, ATV's, boats, boat trailers and off-road vehicles are exempt from Alabama's title law. Beginning in July, 2009 utility trailers designed to be pulled by passenger automobiles and pickup trucks are exempt from title requirements.

The title law requires the recorded owner to assign the Alabama title to the buyer and deliver the title with the vehicle. If a vehicle is purchased out-of-state, then the manufacturers certificate of origin (new vehicle) or out-of-state title (used vehicle) is submitted to any designated agent who in turn submits title applications and supporting documents to the Alabama Department of Revenue. Designated agents include county licensing officials, financial institutions and licensed automobile dealers.

All vehicles brought into Alabama require visual inspection. Odometer reading must be shown in each title assignment on vehicles within ten model years.

If you are a new resident, the following items are guidelines for title transfer and tag registration of out-of-state vehicles in Alabama:

1. SURRENDER VALID CERTIFICATE TITLE AND CURRENT TAG RECEIPT OR REGISTRATION.

If a lien holder holds the valid title, then a copy of the out-of-state title is necessary.  A fax copy is acceptable.  If the surrendering state provides electronic title issuance to the lienholder, then a title confirmation statement should be provided and include information listing owner, vehicle and lienholder. The License Commissioner office fax number is 256-233-6486.  In many states the owner listing on the face of the title differs from payment books and tag receipts. 

2. PROVIDE PHYSICAL INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE (or State Form MVT 5-10) 

A physical inspection and verification of the VIN and descriptive data shown on the title application is required for each vehicle brought into Alabama with an out-of-state title. Vehicles and trailers may be brought to the Courthouse or State Form MVT 5-10 (download form) may be completed by a governmental law enforcement officer in Alabama.

 3. SUPPLY RESIDENT ADDRESS AND SIGNATURE (S) OF OWNER (S)

 Private Passenger Vehicle.  An owner is required to sign his title application for ownership certification and vehicle description verification.  If joint ownership is reflected by the conjunction "and" or by the absence of a conjunction, then each owner must sign the title application.  If joint ownership is reported by the conjunction "or" or "and/or", then only one owner must be present.  If an owner is unavailable, then he may appoint another person by notarized power-of-attorney (download form).  The appointee may act on behalf of the owner by providing supporting documents, signature, fees, etc.

Lease Vehicle.  A leasing company located outside of Alabama, which leases a vehicle that will be domiciled in Alabama, shall furnish the residence address of the lessee and grant power-of-attorney (download form) to an appointee to sign title application.  The lessor shall remain owner as listed on surrendered title and Alabama title shall be mailed to owner's mailing address as provided.

 4. SATISFY FEES

Alabama title fee is $18.00.  Alabama vehicle registration is renewed on a staggered system, based on the first letter of the owner's last name.  Fees vary according to vehicle type, but standard passenger fee is $24.25. Out-of-state tag registration is valid 30 days for new residents.  Late registration penalty is $15.00.  If registration is delayed beyond the designated tag renewal month, there may be additional penalties due.

Ad valorem tax is a property ownership tax based on the market value on October 1 as provided by the Alabama Department of Revenue.  The tax lien attaches to vehicles upon entering the highways of the State.  Tax may be collected for prior months during the vehicle registration renewal month and varies according to vehicle value and outstanding months due.  

5. PROVIDE INSURANCE COMPLIANCE SIGNATURE AND OWNER'S ALABAMA DRIVERS LICENSE NUMBER.  

The owner confirms by signature that they are in compliance with Alabama law related to liability insurance coverage on their vehicle. An out-of-state drivers license may by presented by a new resident within the required days to change to an Alabama drivers license.