How to register a car in Alabama

All vehicles in Alabama must be registered in order to be legal on the roads. The process is different whether the vehicle was purchased from a private seller or dealer, and whether you are a resident or have just moved to Alabama.

Before any type of vehicle can be registered, it must have Alabama title and insurance. If you are new to Alabama, the vehicle must be registered within 30 days. If you are an Alabama resident, you have 20 days to register a vehicle once you own it.

Registration of a foreign vehicle

• Present the Title, the owners indicated in the Title must be present, or there must be a power of attorney.
• Show vehicle registration from previous state
• Complete the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check
• Pay registration fees

Registering a vehicle purchased from a dealer

• Submit a yellow copy of the Declaration of Ownership, Vehicle Ownership or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin.
• Have a bill of sale with sales tax information
• Submit Dealer Certificate
• Provide any license plates if applicable
• Last registration, if applicable
• A valid Alabama driver's license showing residence in the county where you are registering the vehicle.
• proof of insurance
• Transfer license plates, if applicable
• Odometer disclosure statement for vehicles less than 10 years old and weighing less than 16,000 pounds
• Pay registration fees

Registration of a car purchased from a private person

• Submit title completed by previous owner
• Bring back all the old license plates
• Carry over your license plates, if applicable
• Show an Alabama driver's license showing residence in the country where you are registering the vehicle.
• Latest registration documents
• Odometer reading for vehicles less than 10 years old and weighing less than 16,000 pounds.
• Pay registration fees

Military personnel have different laws when it comes to vehicle registration. Non-Alabama military personnel are not required to register a vehicle if you have a valid registration in your state along with valid insurance. If you would like to register your vehicle, please follow the out-of-state vehicle registration instructions.

Military personnel residing in Alabama can register their vehicles by following the procedure for Alabama residents. Out-of-state Alabama residents can register their vehicle by mail or fill out a power of attorney form and ask a family member in Alabama to register the vehicle in your name.

Registration fees vary depending on a number of different factors, including:

• Vehicle type, such as truck, motorcycle, motorhome, car, etc.
• Vehicle weight
• Registration renewal month
• County taxes and fees

Alabama does not require an emissions check when registering your vehicle; however, they require VIN verification for out-of-state vehicles before registration can be completed. This is necessary in order for the VIN to match the number on the out-of-state titular vehicle.

Visit the Alabama DMV website to learn more about what you can expect from this process.