- Beginning January 1, 2012
no certificate of title will be issued for any motor vehicle more than thirty-five (35) years old. - Effective January 1, 2012
no certificate of title will be issued for any trailer, semi-trailer, travel trailer or pop-up camper more than twenty (20) years old. - Effective January 1, 2013
no certificate of title will be issued for a motor-driven cycle as defined in Section 32-1-1.1, Code of Alabama, 1975. A motor-driven cycle is defined as every motorcycle, including every motor scooter, with a motor which produces not to exceed five brake horsepower not to exceed 150 cubic centimeter engine displacement and weighs less than 200 pounds fully equipped, and every bicycle with motor attached.
All vehicles brought into Alabama require visual inspection. Odometer reading must be shown in each title assignment on vehicles within twenty model years beginning with 2011 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:
Surrender Valid Certificate Title and Current Tag 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 lien holder, then a title confirmation statement should be provided and include information listing owner, vehicle, lien holder, electronic title, and title number. The Motor Vehicle Division office fax number is 334-702-0032. In many states the owner listing on the face of the title differs from payment books and tag receipts.
Provide Physical Inspection of the Vehicle
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 Administration Building or State Form MVT 5-9 may be completed by a governmental law enforcement officer in Alabama. Utility trailers pulled by a bumper hitch are exempt from physical inspection.
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 'and' or by the absence of a conjunction, then each owner must sign the title application. If joint ownership is reflected by 'or' or 'and/or', then only one owner must be present. If an owner is unavailable, then he may appoint another person by using the Power of Attorney. 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 lessee the title and grant Power of Attorney 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.
Registration Fees
Alabama title fee is $25.00. 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 $36.25. 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.
Providing Proof
Provide Proof of Liability Insurance and each Owner's valid Alabama Drivers License or ID Card.
The owner provides evidence that they are in compliance with Alabama law related to liability insurance coverage on their vehicle. A valid out-of-state driver's license or state issued id card may by presented by a new resident within the required days to change to an Alabama drivers license.
