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NEW RESIDENTS

HELPFUL STATE OF ALABAMA LINKS

 

Check Status of Electronic Title

Search for Personalized Tags

Specialty Plates

Title Processing Time Frame

Collegiate Plates

Generic Specialty Plates

Vehicle Information Check

Military Plates

Generic Racing Plates

Antique Plates (Trucks)

Antique Plates (Cars)

Antique Plates (Motorcycles)

Title Forms

Registration Forms

Liability Insurance

Title FAQS

IRP/IFTA Forms

Registration FAQS

 

NEW RESIDENTS

 

CHANGE IN TITLE REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLES WITH AN OUT OF STATE LIEN

 

PER THE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT, SECTION 32-8-31 (4), CODE OF ALABAMA 1975, HAS BEEN AMENDED SO THAT NO CERTIFICATE OF TITLE SHALL BE ISSUED FOR A VEHICLE FOR WHICH THE ALABAMA LICENSE PLATE ISSUING OFFICIAL HAS VERIFIED THAT THE CURRENT OWNER OR OPERATOR IS RECORDED AS THE OWNER OR OPERATOR ON A CURRENTLY EFFECTIVE CERTIFICATE OF TITLE ISSUED BY ANOTHER STATE AND THE CERTIFICATE OF TITLE IS BEING HELD BY A RECORDED LIENHOLDER.

  • The license plate issuing official shall obtain a copy of the out of state certificate of title or printout of the electronic out of state certificate of title and verify that the owner or operator registering the vehicle is recorded on the out of state certificate of title or printout.

 

VEHICLE INSPECTION

PER CODE OF ALABAMA RULING 810-5-5.13, a physical inspection of a motor vehicle and verification of the vehicle identification number and the descriptive data shown on the application is required only for first certificates of title, including certificates of title for the following:

(a)  New Vehicles - Application for first title.

(b)  Out-of-State Vehicles - Brought into   Alabama requiring registration and titling in this State and surrendering of out-of-state title.

(c)  Other Vehicles - Not currently titled in Alabama and subject to registration and titling in this State.

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE

Beginning June 1, 2000, motorists will be required to carry liability insurance on each motor vehicle. Failure to show proof of coverage at traffic stops could result in a fine of up to $500. Proof of insurance is not required to register a motor vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2001, an insurance certification was incorporated into the motor vehicle registration form which the customer sign before registration is complete."

ALABAMA TITLES

Newcomers must register their vehicles within 30 days of entering the state of Alabama. This involves bringing in a copy of the front of the title and the vehicle to our office. The vehicle is needed to verify the VIN on the vehicle matches the VIN on the title. The vehicle will be registered in Lee County, AL:

  • As soon as the current owner or operator is verified as the owner recorded on the current title.
  • The VIN is verified between the vehicle and title.

After transferring title, the vehicle will be registered and ad valorem tax and tag fees will be calculated.

  • Ad valorem taxes for personal vehicles are based on 15% of the appraised value which, is calculated by the State of Alabama.
  • Recreational vehicles, motorcycles and vehicles used for commercial purposes are taxed at 20%. 

Required documentation for an Alabama title is listed below.

No Lien

  • Original title from other state

Financed 

  • Copy of front of title.
  • Account number where payments are made.

Leased with a lien

  • Copy of title.
  • Power of attorney from lease company to the customer.
  • Account number where payments are made.

Leased without a lien

  • Original title.
  • Power of attorney from the lease company to the customer

NOTES:

  • If the vehicle is not in your name, you will need a Power of Attorney from the owner
  • A copy of your last registration may be required if the VIN is not legible on the title copy

 

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NEW/USED VEHICLES

VEHICLE INSPECTION

PER CODE OF ALABAMA RULING 810-5-5.13, a physical inspection of a motor vehicle and verification of the vehicle identification number and the descriptive data shown on the application is required only for first certificates of title, including certificates of title for the following:

(a)  New Vehicles - Application for first title. 

(b)  Out-of-State Vehicles - Brought into   Alabama requiring registration and titling in this State and surrendering of out-of-state title.

(c)  Other Vehicles - Not currently titled in Alabama and subject to registration and titling in this State.

 

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AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE

Beginning June 1, 2000, motorists will be required to carry liability insurance on each motor vehicle. Failure to show proof of coverage at traffic stops could result in a fine of up to $500. Proof of insurance is not required to register a motor vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2001, an insurance certification was incorporated into the motor vehicle registration form which the customer signs before registration is complete."

 

NEW PURCHASE

In order to avoid a $15 late registration fee, newly acquired vehicles must be registered within 20 calendar days of purchase.

Documentation needed for the purchase of a new/used vehicle depends on who the vehicle was purchased from.

Customers with vehicles purchased from an Alabama Dealer:

  • the application for title
  • bill of sale is required.

Customers with vehicles purchased from out of state dealers:

  • will be required to pay sales tax
  • possibly apply for a title for the vehicle

Customers with vehicles purchased from an individual:

  • will be required to pay sales tax
  • apply for a title.
  • If the vehicle was last registered in Alabama, ad valorem taxes will have to be brought current before the vehicle can be registered.

 

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Required documentation is listed below.

Alabama dealer:

  • Application for Title.
  • Sales invoice (Bill of Sale) to verify sales tax was paid
  • Tag receipt from old vehicle if transferring tag from a trade in.
  • Ask about credit voucher on vehicle traded in or sold.
  • Sales invoice from dealer will need to show trade in listed to receive credit voucher.
  • If not, then you will need written confirmation of disposal of vehicle with dealer.
  • Documentation must be original documents. Faxed copies cannot be accepted.

Out-of-state dealer:

  • Original Title or Application for Title (or MSO/Certificate of Origin if new vehicle).
  • Sales Invoice (Bill of Sale) to see how much sales tax is owed.
  • Tag receipt from old vehicle if transferring tag from a trade in.
  • Ask about credit voucher on vehicle traded in or sold.
  • Sales invoice from dealer will need to show trade in listed to receive credit voucher. If not, then you will need written confirmation of disposal of vehicle with dealer.
  • Documentation must be original documents. Faxed copies cannot be accepted.

Individual (Alabama):

  • Original Title (or Application for Title if financed) Bill of Sale with purchase price and signed by former owner.
  • Tag receipt from old vehicle if transferring a tag from former vehicle.
  • Bill of sale from old vehicle if applying for credit voucher.
  • Ask about credit voucher for vehicle traded in or sold.
  • Vehicle is subject to back taxes up to two years if tag receipt from former owner is not provided.

 Individual (Out of State):

  • Original Title (or Application for Title if financed).
  • Notarized bill of sale with purchase price and signed by previous owner.
  • Tag receipt from old vehicle if transferring a tag from former vehicle.
  • Bill of sale from old vehicle if applying for credit voucher.
  • Ask about credit voucher on vehicle traded in or sold.
  • If vehicle is not titled in other state, a copy of complete registration from other state, signed by previous owner.

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RENEWALS

ONLINE RENEWALS

  • Tags renewals can be made up until midnight of the last day of the month. Anyone renewing after that day will be charged a $15.00 penalty and will be required to come into the office
  • Decals, tags, and tag receipts will be mailed out as soon as possible after they are renewed.
  • A printable receipt will be available for proof of online payment only. Not to be used as a valid tag receipt.
  • Vehicle owner must be a resident of Lee
  • Online customers will be charged a 3% convenience, $.30 processing fee, and a mail fee of $2.00.
  • If your renewal notice or current registration has an incorrect address please contact our office.
  • A change from a regular plate to a personalized must be transacted in our office.
  • A change from personalized plate to regular plate must be transacted in our office.
  • If there is problem processing your renewal, we will attempt to contact you by phone Monday thru Friday between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. If we are unable to reach you we will void your registration and refund your payment.
  • Any transaction requiring an affidavit or supporting documents, please see information below.

You may renew your tags online by clicking here.  

NOTE:  Before renewing online, please read disclaimer below concerning supporting documentation for some renewals

ONLINE TAG RENEWAL REQUIRING SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

IF YOUR TAG RENEWALS INVOLVE THE FOLLOWING, WE WILL NEED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS BEFORE MAILING YOUR TAG. YOU MAY SUBMIT PAYMENT FOR THESE TYPE RENEWALS ONLINE, BUT THIS OFFICE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO WITHHOLD MAILING OF TAGS &/OR DECALS UNTIL DOCUMENTATION IS RECEIVED IN THIS OFFICE.

1.  National Guard Tag � Certificate of Eligibility from Guard Unit

2.  US Reserve Tag � Certificate of Eligibility from Reserve Unit

3.  FOP Tag � Current Membership Card

4.  Firefighter Tag � Letter from Chief stating eligibility

5. Military Ad Valorem Tax Exemption � Form from JAG office stating eligibility and home of record. We also require a copy of your current LES

 

RENEWAL BY MAIL

  • A registration courtesy reminder is mailed for each vehicle that is currently registered in Lee County.
  • The reminders are mailed the first few days of each renewal month.
  • Although these courtesy reminders are mailed, it is still the responsibility of the vehicle owner to make sure the vehicle is registered and fees paid on time.
  • Before mailing, the owner of record will need to sign the card and fill in their drivers license number
  • Late renewals cannot be handled by mail. Owner will need to come into the office the handle late registrations

 

RENEWAL IN PERSON

  • Please bring your courtesy reminder or a copy of the last registration with you when renewing in person.
  • The drivers license number of the owner of record is also required.
  • The best time to renew your tag in person is between the 11th and 25th of the month.  Mondays and Fridays are high activity days in the office, along with the first working day following holidays.
  • Vehicles that are renewed late are subject to a $15 late fee. Vehicles not driven during the expiration/renewal month may sign a non use affidavit to avoid the penalty.
  • All ad valorem tax must be brought current regardless of use of vehicle.

 

NEW RESIDENTS FROM ANOTHER ALABAMA COUNTY

  • Residents moving from another Alabama county will need to bring in the renewal reminder or the previous year's registration in order to obtain Lee county plates. You may wait until your renewal month to switch the registration.

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NEWS

  1. New email service replaces title inquiry telephone service.  Per memo dated April 25, 2008, the Department of Revenue is discontinuing telephone service for motor vehicle title inquiries. All customers are to be directed to send email inquiries to titles@revenue.alabama.gov
  2. The memo states that the Department of Revenue is receiving over 200,000 calls per month on the telephone system and it is impossible to maintain enough staff to handle this volume of calls.
  3. Customers can also check vehicle information on the http://www.revenue.alabama.gov website or follow the links at the top of this page.

 

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