Transferring a Car Title in Alabama
Steps and fees to transfer a vehicle title in Alabama when you buy, sell or inherit a car, and the deadline to register after moving.
Short answer: Title applications are made through a designated agent of the Alabama Department of Revenue: a county license plate issuing official, a licensed Alabama dealer, or an Alabama bank or credit union. Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle FAQs (title application, fees, 20-day registration, deceased owner)
| Transferring a car title | Title applications are made through a designated agent of the Alabama Department of Revenue: a county license plate issuing official, a licensed Alabama dealer, or an Alabama bank or credit union. The applicant surrenders the title (or manufacturer's certificate of origin) in the applicant's name or assigned to the applicant, with any documents supporting the transfer. The title application fee is $15 for a motor vehicle, plus a $1.50 designated-agent commission; license plate officials may add another $1.50, and some counties charge local fees. A person who acquires a new or used vehicle must get a license plate within 20 calendar days of acquisition, and a title application must be completed before the vehicle can be registered. When the owner has died, the person signing for the estate provides letters testamentary or letters of administration if the estate is probated, or a Next of Kin Affidavit (MVT 5-6) and a copy of the death certificate if it is not. Other FAQ pages used: https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/faqs/where-do-i-apply-for-an-alabama-certificate-of-title/ ; https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/faqs/i-just-acquired-a-vehicle-how-many-days-do-i-have-to-title-and-register-this-vehicle/ ; https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/faqs/how-do-i-apply-for-title-if-the-owner-is-deceased/ |
|---|---|
| Registering after you move | A new resident with a valid license from the previous state may drive without an Alabama license for 30 days after becoming a resident. Out-of-state license transfers must be done at an ALEA office; a holder of an out-of-state license that has not been expired more than one year does not have to take the driver exam, and all other licenses must be surrendered. The owner of a non-commercial vehicle with a valid registration from another state has 30 days from the date the vehicle enters Alabama to register it (Ala. Code § 40-12-262). Alabama does not require emissions testing, and the licensing official inspects the vehicle before issuing a registration. Registration rule: https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/faqs/i-just-moved-to-alabama-how-long-do-i-have-before-i-must-register-my-vehicle/ ; emissions and inspection: https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/faqs/what-are-the-prerequisites-for-registering-a-vehicle-in-alabama/ |
More Alabama car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Alabama
- Driving Without Insurance in Alabama
- SR-22 Insurance in Alabama
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Alabama
- All Alabama car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
How do you transfer a car title in Alabama?
Title applications are made through a designated agent of the Alabama Department of Revenue: a county license plate issuing official, a licensed Alabama dealer, or an Alabama bank or credit union. The applicant surrenders the title (or manufacturer's certificate of origin) in the applicant's name or assigned to the applicant, with any documents supporting the transfer. The title application fee is $15 for a motor vehicle, plus a $1.50 designated-agent commission; license plate officials may add another $1.50, and some counties charge local fees. A person who acquires a new or used vehicle must get a license plate within 20 calendar days of acquisition, and a title application must be completed before the vehicle can be registered. When the owner has died, the person signing for the estate provides letters testamentary or letters of administration if the estate is probated, or a Next of Kin Affidavit (MVT 5-6) and a copy of the death certificate if it is not.
How long do you have to register your car after moving to Alabama?
A new resident with a valid license from the previous state may drive without an Alabama license for 30 days after becoming a resident. Out-of-state license transfers must be done at an ALEA office; a holder of an out-of-state license that has not been expired more than one year does not have to take the driver exam, and all other licenses must be surrendered. The owner of a non-commercial vehicle with a valid registration from another state has 30 days from the date the vehicle enters Alabama to register it (Ala. Code § 40-12-262). Alabama does not require emissions testing, and the licensing official inspects the vehicle before issuing a registration.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.