How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Vehicle in Alabama
If you buy a car directly from a private seller, or finally pay off the loan for a car purchased through a dealership, you will get ownership. Title is a certificate confirming that you are the owner of the vehicle. Vehicle titles are issued through state departments of transportation or departments of motor vehicles. In Alabama, the title is issued through the Department of Revenue.
If your name is lost, damaged beyond recognition, or stolen, you need to replace it. You may also need to replace (change) your title if you purchased a salvage vehicle and made the necessary repairs to make it roadworthy. In these cases, a duplicate header is the solution.
In Alabama, you must have valid ownership if the vehicle is registered in the state, operated in the state, and is under 35 years old (vehicles over 35 do not need ownership to be legal). The state of Alabama also requires other vehicles (besides traditional cars) to have titles. This includes:
- Finished houses (under 20 years old)
- Camping trailers, including folding/retractable campers
- travel trailers
In Alabama, there are two ways to replace a lost, damaged, or stolen vehicle. You can do this by mail, or you can do it in person at the Department of Internal Affairs of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
To replace the title by mail:
- Complete State Title Replacement Application (MTB-12-1 Form)
- Include a $15 title fee.
- Send it to the following address:
Alabama Department of Revenue
Motor Vehicle Division - Header Section
PO Box 327640
Montgomery 36132
AttentionA: You must send a cashier's check or money order. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.
Attention: You will need to specify the reason for the name change (stolen, lost, damaged).
To personally replace a title:
- Visit the county license plate office
- Visit a licensed Alabama auto dealer
- Visit a suitable bank or credit union in Alabama (not all banks or credit unions offer this service).
For more information about replacing a lost or stolen vehicle in Alabama, visit the State Department of Revenue website.
