Vehicle Tags Schedule

Alabama law requires annual renewal registration of vehicles each year. A registrant's vehicle tax year is determined on a staggered basis and is based on the registrant's first letter of his last name.
Renewal Month
First Letter of Last Name or Category
January
A and D
February
B
March
C and E
April
F, G, and N
May
H and O
June
M and I
July
P and L
August
J, K, and R
September
Q, S, and T
Oct & Nov
National Guard, Heavy Trucks, Commercial and Fleet Vehicles

Residents of Houston County need the following items to renew their registration:

  • Courtesy Mail Renewal Notice, or
  • Previous Year's Tag And Tax Registration Receipt, or
  • Alabama Metal Tag Number, and
  • Alabama Driver's License Number or Alabama ID Card Number, and
  • Proof of Valid Alabama Insurance (NAIC, VIN, Policy Number, Dates)

Each of the first three items above display a registrant's renewal month and serve as renewal reminders for vehicle owners. A mail reminder is sent to the owner's last known county address at the beginning of the scheduled renewal month. It is the owner's responsibility to renew his vehicle registration during the designated month, even if the courtesy reminder does not arrive by mail.

An Alabama resident who moves to our county from another Alabama county will be required to register his vehicle in Houston County during his annual renewal month. The current tag and tax registration receipt copy, or the courtesy mail renewal notice received from the previous county, should be brought to our office for registration in this county. Each registered owner or co-owner should also bring their valid Alabama driver's license or photocopy to comply with Act 2011-688 related to Mandatory Liability Insurance compliance. Proof of insurance will be required by evidence that includes the provider's NAIC, policy number, VIN, and current effective date. Proof of residency may also be required.

The best time to renew your tag in person is between the 11th and 25th of the month. Mondays and Thursdays are high-activity days in the office, along with the first working day following holidays.

The Westgate Library is open every Friday, January - October 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for renewals, vehicles purchased from Alabama dealers, and vehicles purchased from an individual with an Alabama title.

Stay connected with Houston County

Sign up to recieve notifications when meeting agendas are posted, job openings are announced, and more.

Subscribe Today

Administrative Building

462 N. Oates St.
Dothan, AL 36303

Monday - Thursday
7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Department Hours May Very
Closed Holidays

County Courthouse

114 N. Oates St.
Dothan, AL 36303

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.