Alabama License Plate Lookup /Cancel Vehicle Registration Online

How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Alabama in 2026

Alabama does not provide an online system for canceling vehicle registration. Registration cancellation must be completed through your county licensing office in person.

The Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division oversees all vehicle registration matters, but processing occurs at the county level through designated licensing officials.

When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed

Canceling your vehicle registration becomes necessary under several circumstances:

Selling or donating your vehicle to another party
Relocating permanently to another state
Disposing of the vehicle at a salvage yard or scrap facility
Vehicle has been stolen and not recovered
Vehicle is totaled by insurance and declared a total loss
Storing the vehicle long-term without operation
Canceling insurance coverage with no intention to operate the vehicle

In-Person Processing at County Licensing Office

The standard procedure for canceling vehicle registration requires visiting your designated county licensing office.

Required Actions:

Present valid identification
Submit your current registration certificate
Surrender license plates if required by your specific situation
Complete any forms requested by the licensing official
Obtain receipt documenting the cancellation transaction

Petition for Refund of Registration Fees

If you cancel your registration before the annual period expires, you may qualify for a partial refund of unused registration fees.

Refund Eligibility

The Alabama Department of Revenue considers refund petitions for:

Registration fees paid in error or exceeding the correct amount
Unused portion of registration fees when canceling mid-year
Duplicate fee payments made for the same registration period
Other circumstances where fees were improperly collected

Critical Limitation: Alabama law prohibits refunds for the unused portion of ad valorem taxes. Refunds apply exclusively to registration fees, not to county or municipal taxes assessed on your vehicle.

Refund Process

Step 1: Obtain the Petition Form

Download Petition for Refund of Registration Fees (Form MVR 40-12-23) from the Alabama Department of Revenue website.

Step 2: Complete and Submit Documentation

Submit your completed petition form to your county licensing office with supporting documents:

License plate (if surrendering)
Original registration receipt or certificate
Documentation explaining the basis for your refund request
Proof of transaction error if claiming overpayment

Step 3: Administrative Review

The county licensing official reviews your petition for completeness and forwards it to the Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division. The Department evaluates the petition under applicable administrative rules and issues approved refunds directly to the petitioner.

Governing Laws and Regulations

Registration cancellation procedures are established under Alabama law through several statutes and administrative regulations:

Alabama Code § 40-12-260 governs the transfer and surrender of license plates
Alabama Administrative Code Rule 810-5-1-.468 establishes procedures for refunds of motor vehicle registration fees
Alabama Administrative Code Rule 810-5-1-.469 addresses suspension, cancellation, and revocation of vehicle registration
Alabama Code Title 32, Chapter 7A establishes mandatory automobile liability insurance requirements

Government Agencies

Alabama Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Division

Alabama Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Division
P.O. Box 327640, Montgomery, AL 36132-7640
Phone: (334) 242-9000
Official Website: Alabama Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle

Online Services Portal:
MyDMV Alabama

County Licensing Offices

Vehicle registration cancellation is processed exclusively through county licensing offices operated by probate judges, revenue commissioners, or license commissioners. The following offices serve Alabama's major population centers:

Jefferson County License Commissioner
716 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205) 325-5171
Official Website: Jefferson County Revenue Department

Mobile County License Commission
3925 Michael Boulevard, Suite F, Mobile, AL 36609
Phone: (251) 574-8555
Official Website: Mobile County License Commission

Madison County License Department
1918 North Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 532-3315
Official Website: Madison County License Department

Montgomery County Probate Court
101 South Lawrence Street, 2nd Floor, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 832-1233
Official Website: Montgomery County Probate Court

Shelby County Revenue Commissioner
102 Depot Street, Columbiana, AL 35051
Phone: (205) 670-6900
Official Website: Shelby County Revenue Commissioner

Tuscaloosa County Revenue Commissioner
2501 7th Street, Suite 300, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone: (205) 464-8270
Official Website: Tuscaloosa County Revenue Commissioner

Baldwin County License Commissioner
1100 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL 36532
Phone: (251) 928-3002
Official Website: Baldwin County License Commission

Lee County Revenue Commissioner
215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801
Phone: (334) 737-3660
Official Website: Lee County Revenue Commissioner

Morgan County License Commissioner
302 Lee Street NE, Suite 9, Decatur, AL 35601
Phone: (256) 351-4657
Official Website: Morgan County License Commissioner

Etowah County License Commissioner
800 Forrest Avenue, Room 104, Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: (256) 549-5395
Official Website: Etowah County License Commissioner