How to Get a Title for a Vehicle in Alabama

To get a vehicle title in Alabama, apply through a designated agent—typically your county license plate issuing office, a licensed dealer, or a bank/credit union—within 20 days of purchase; bring proof of ownership, ID, and (when applicable) an odometer disclosure and lien information, pay the state title fee, and complete VIN verification by the agent. Alabama requires titles for most vehicles within the last 35 model years; older vehicles and certain vehicle types are exempt.

Who Needs an Alabama Title

Alabama law requires titles for most passenger vehicles, trucks, and RVs that fall within the model-year window and are intended for on-road use. Understanding whether your vehicle needs a title determines what you must file and where.

• Most motor vehicles within the last 35 model years require an Alabama title.
• Vehicles brought from out of state and intended for registration in Alabama typically must be titled in Alabama if they fall within the required model years.
• Vehicles with a lien (financed) are titled; the lien is recorded on the title, and the lienholder may hold the electronic title.
• Rebuilt vehicles (formerly salvage) must obtain a rebuilt title after passing inspection.

Vehicles more than 35 model years old are generally exempt from Alabama titling, and some vehicle categories (for example, boats and certain off-road or specialty trailers) are not titled; always verify specific exemptions with your county licensing office or the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR).

Where to Apply

Alabama uses designated agents to process title applications electronically via the Alabama Title System (ALTS). Individuals do not mail title applications directly to the state; instead, they work through one of the following agents.

• County license plate issuing officials (your county licensing office)
• Licensed Alabama motor vehicle dealers (often at the point of sale)
• Banks and credit unions participating as designated agents

Most private buyers use the county licensing office. Dealers commonly submit title applications for vehicles they sell, while lenders often handle titles when a lien is recorded.

What You Need to Bring

Having the correct paperwork will prevent delays and late penalties. The exact documents may vary with vehicle history and whether it’s a new purchase, out-of-state transfer, or duplicate title request.

• Proof of ownership: Manufacturer’s Certificate/Statement of Origin (for new vehicles) or a properly assigned title from the previous owner (for used vehicles). If titled out of state, bring that original title.
• Valid government-issued photo ID for the applicant(s).
• Completed title application: Your designated agent completes and submits this in ALTS; you will review and sign as required.
• Odometer disclosure: Required under federal law for model year 2011 and newer vehicles until they reach 20 years old.
• Lien information (if financed): Lienholder’s full name and address; the lien is recorded on the Alabama title (often as an electronic lien).
• VIN verification: The designated agent will verify the vehicle identification number; a separate law-enforcement inspection is not required for standard transfers.
• Supporting documents as needed: Bill of sale, name change documents, power of attorney (if someone signs on your behalf), or probate/affidavit documents for inherited vehicles.

Auto insurance is required to register and plate your vehicle; bring proof if you plan to register at the same time. Some counties request additional documentation based on the transaction type.

Step-by-Step: Your First Alabama Title After Purchase

The process below applies to most private-party or dealer purchases when you are titling the vehicle in Alabama for the first time under your name.

1. Confirm the vehicle is eligible for an Alabama title (generally 35 model years old or newer and not exempt).
2. Gather documents: Proof of ownership, ID, odometer disclosure (if applicable), and lien details if financed.
3. Visit a designated agent: Typically your county licensing office; if you bought from an Alabama dealer, they often submit the application for you.
4. VIN verification: The agent will physically verify the VIN matches your documents.
5. Sign the electronic title application (ALTS) and any required forms; provide your address for mailing of the title or recording of an electronic lien.
6. Pay title and related fees; if registering at the same time, you’ll also pay registration and plate fees.
7. Receive your registration and plate (if applicable). The physical certificate of title is mailed to you or held electronically by the lienholder.

Apply within 20 calendar days of purchase to avoid a late penalty. Keep your receipt and any temporary registration documents until your title and permanent plate status are finalized.

Special Situations

New Alabama Residents

If you moved to Alabama with a titled vehicle, you’ll transfer your out-of-state title and register locally. Timely action helps avoid penalties.

• Bring your out-of-state title (or proof of ownership/lienholder information if the title is held by a lender), ID, and proof of Alabama address.
• Complete title transfer through a designated agent, with VIN verification by the agent.
• Register the vehicle and obtain Alabama plates—new residents typically must complete this within about 30 days of establishing residency.

If your lender holds the out-of-state title, the county office can request it or process title transfer using lienholder documentation; coordinate with your lienholder early.

Private-Party Purchase With No Title (Bonded Title)

If you cannot obtain a regular title from the seller, Alabama may allow a bonded title, which protects prior owners and lienholders while allowing you to title and register.

• Confirm eligibility for a bonded title with your county licensing office or ADOR.
• Secure a surety bond (typically 1.5 times the vehicle’s value) and provide supporting proofs of ownership such as a bill of sale.
• Submit the bond and title application through a designated agent; a bonded title is issued for a term (commonly three years), after which a standard title may be available.

A bonded title is a last-resort pathway when normal ownership documents are unobtainable; always try to obtain the prior title first.

Out-of-State Title Transfer (Standard)

Transferring a title from another state to Alabama is straightforward if you have a valid assigned title.

• Bring the out-of-state title, ID, odometer disclosure (if required), and lien information (if applicable).
• Complete VIN verification with the designated agent and submit the application in ALTS.
• Pay fees and register the vehicle to receive Alabama plates.

If there are name discrepancies or liens, bring legal documents (e.g., lien release, name change proof) to avoid delays.

Duplicate/Replacement Alabama Title

If your Alabama title is lost, stolen, or damaged, request a replacement through a designated agent or online options if available.

• Provide vehicle details (VIN), owner information, and any lienholder details; if a lien exists, the lienholder may need to request the replacement.
• Submit the replacement title application and pay the replacement fee.
• Receive the new title by mail, or it will be issued electronically to the lienholder if an ELT is on record.

Only the titled owner or lienholder can request a duplicate; ensure your mailing address is current to receive the certificate.

Salvage and Rebuilt Titles

Vehicles declared a total loss are issued a salvage title; after repairs, you must pass a state inspection before receiving a rebuilt title.

• Obtain a salvage title and keep repair receipts and parts documentation.
• Schedule and pass the rebuilt inspection with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
• Apply through a designated agent for a rebuilt title; the brand will appear on the title and vehicle history.

Driving a vehicle on public roads before a rebuilt title is issued (beyond permitted purposes) can result in penalties; follow ALEA and ADOR procedures closely.

Vehicles Older Than 35 Model Years

Alabama generally does not issue titles for vehicles more than 35 model years old. Registration is still required to operate on public roads.

• Bring a bill of sale and any existing ownership documents to your county office for registration.
• Ask about any local requirements for vintage or antique registration plates.

Because titling rules for antiques can vary by vehicle type and documentation, confirm with your county before you go.

Fees and Timing

Costs and processing times can vary slightly by county and transaction type, but the items below are typical statewide for most standard title transactions.

• State title application fee: commonly about $18.
• Late application penalty: typically assessed if you apply more than 20 days after purchase.
• Duplicate/replacement title fee: a separate fee applies when requesting a replacement.
• Registration and plate fees: in addition to title fees if you are registering at the same time.
• Processing time: allow about 1–3 weeks for the certificate of title to be issued and mailed (electronic lien titles are held by the lienholder).

Some designated agents may charge small service fees. Check with your county licensing office for current fee schedules and accepted payment methods.

Tips and Common Mistakes

A little preparation prevents costly mistakes and delays. Keep these best practices in mind before heading to your county office.

• Verify the VIN on the vehicle matches the title or MSO before you buy.
• Make sure the seller’s name matches the title and that the seller signs and dates the assignment properly; get a bill of sale with price and date.
• If there’s a lien on the prior title, bring a lien release or ensure the lienholder participates in the transfer.
• Don’t wait—apply within 20 days of purchase to avoid penalties.
• For 2011+ vehicles, complete the required odometer disclosure; incomplete disclosures are a common reason for rejections.
• For out-of-state titles held by a lender, contact the lender early so they can provide what the county needs.

When in doubt, call your county licensing office ahead of time to confirm documents for your specific situation.

Contacts and Official Resources

Use these resources to verify eligibility, fees, and inspection requirements, and to locate your local office.

• Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division: revenue.alabama.gov/motor-vehicle
• Your County License Plate Issuing Office: find contact info on your county’s official website or via ADOR’s county office directory.
• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (for rebuilt inspections): alea.gov

Policies can change; always confirm current requirements directly with ADOR or your county office before applying.

Summary

To title a vehicle in Alabama, apply through a designated agent within 20 days of purchase with proof of ownership, ID, and required disclosures; pay the title fee and complete VIN verification. Most vehicles within the last 35 model years require titles, while some older or exempt vehicle types do not. Special cases like bonded, rebuilt, or duplicate titles have additional steps, but your county licensing office and ADOR can guide you through the correct process.