Alabama Vehicle Registration

There’s no better place to find Alabama vehicle registration information and forms -- 4DMV.com is your portal for all DMV-related needs.

Are you anxious to drive around Alabama in that new car of yours? Then you are ready to find all of the information and forms you need for your vehicle registration. 4DMV.com has everything you need for you to register your automobile or truck. For other type vehicles, visit our special vehicle registration section.

AL First Time Vehicle Registration

  • Have you just moved to the state of Alabama?
  • Have you just purchased your vehicle?
  • Do you have a vehicle that was inherited by you?
  • Do you have a vehicle that was gifted to you?
  • Do you have a vehicle you’ve never registered before?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you will need to complete a first time vehicle registration. If you have just moved to Alabama, you have 30 days to register the vehicle from the time you enter the state. If you’ve just purchased your vehicle, you have 20 days from the date of its purchase.

Insurance

Insurance is a requirement for all vehicle owners. 4DMV.com’s comprehensive online Insurance Center can provide you with state-specific information to help you obtain the best insurance rates possible.

Getting Your Vehicle Registration Paperwork Together

Titling and vehicle registration should be handled by the dealer if you purchased your vehicle from a dealership. All others will need the following to complete the process themselves:

  • Vehicle title.
  • A notarized Bill of Sale.
  • Form MVT 5-6 - This is only necessary if you have inherited the vehicle and are completing your vehicle registration after the original owner’s death.
  • Proof of insurance.
  • Proof of identity.
Vehicle owners that have just relocated to Alabama will want to contact the state’s title and tag office to determine if other documentation is required for vehicle registration.

Calculate Vehicle Registration Fees

The vehicle registration fee is $23 for each vehicle registered. Some vehicle owners may be subject to prorated amounts.

Vehicle owners who don’t complete the vehicle registration process on time may be subject to a $15 penalty fee. Local fees of $5 or more and a $1.25 fee will be charged to all vehicle owners that hold a tag and would like to transfer it to their new vehicle.

License Plates

The state of Alabama allows each vehicle owner to show their interests on the roads with customized license plates. You have the option to purchase personalized license plates, whether it is a vintage plate, a customized plate, or a plate supporting your favorite charity. For more on custom plates, visit 4DMV.com’s license plate resources section.

Get a Vehicle Registration Tax Deduction

Vehicle owners that paid a sales tax on the purchase of their vehicle may qualify for a tax deduction. To learn more about AL tax deductions for vehicle registration, review IRS Publication 17 in chapter 22.