Last Update: September 16, 2026

Change Information on Vehicle Registration in Alabama

Vehicle registration information in Alabama may need to be updated after an address change, a legal name change, incorrect registration details, a vehicle purchase, a move into Alabama, or a plate transfer. In Alabama, registration transactions are generally handled through the county license plate issuing office. When title information must also be corrected, filing is handled through a designated agent of the Alabama Department of Revenue.

Alabama Vehicle Registration Changes that Commonly Require Action

A registration review may be required when any of the following occurs:

• A physical address or mailing address has changed, as reflected in Alabama’s address update instructions and the state’s Application For Replacement Credentials, which includes both physical and mailing address fields.
• A legal name has changed because Alabama requires the current legal name on the title record and the registration record to match under Administrative Rule 810-5-75-.40.
• The registration receipt contains incorrect information, which is specifically recognized on the state’s Application For Replacement Credentials under the reason Incorrect.
• A vehicle has been purchased, transferred, or newly brought into Alabama, as described in Alabama’s registration requirements and registration guidance.
• A plate may need to be transferred to another vehicle, as stated in Alabama’s registration guidance, which explains that plates are removed upon sale or disposal and may be transferable to a newly acquired vehicle.

Where to File an Alabama Vehicle Registration Change

Routine registration changes are generally handled through the local county office.

When the issue extends to the title record, Alabama requires additional action through a designated agent. That distinction matters because the state’s administrative rule provides that the current legal name shown on the title and the registration must match.

Alabama Address Changes on Vehicle Registration

Alabama provides an official process for address changes through My Alabama Taxes and the department’s paper change-of-address procedure.

For registration-related address issues, the county licensing office remains the primary local filing point because county officials issue registrations. When a current registration receipt must be reissued because the information shown is incorrect, the replacement credentials form may be used through the local licensing official.

Alabama Name Changes and Title-Linked Corrections

A legal name change should be reviewed as both a title matter and a registration matter when the existing vehicle records no longer match the current legal name. Alabama states that the owner's name shown on a title application must be the current legal name and must agree with the supporting documents.

If an error appears on the face of the Alabama title, the owner or lienholder of record must apply for a new certificate of title through a designated agent. Alabama does not accept altered title documents; a replacement document is required. When the information shown on a certificate of title needs to be corrected, a new certificate of title is required under the state’s correction rule.

Correcting Incorrect Information on an Alabama Registration Record

When the problem involves incorrect information on the registration receipt, Alabama allows the use of the Application For Replacement Credentials. The form is used to request a replacement license plate, replacement validation decal, or current registration receipt issued by the licensing official. It also directs the applicant to return the application and payment to the local licensing official’s office.

When the problem involves incorrect information on the title itself, Alabama directs the filer to apply for a corrected title through a designated agent. The state’s Form MVT 5-7 is used to correct an error in a title assignment, while information recorded on the face of the Alabama title requires a new, corrected title application.

Alabama Deadlines for Vehicle Registration Changes

Several Alabama deadlines may affect a registration update:

• A newly acquired vehicle must generally be registered within 20 calendar days from the date of acquisition.
• A non-commercial vehicle entering Alabama with a valid out-of-state registration must generally be registered within 30 days after entering the state.
• A valid plate may, in some cases, be transferred to a newly acquired vehicle, and an untimely transfer may result in a penalty.
• Alabama requires liability insurance for a vehicle that is operated, registered, or maintained in registration status under Section 32-7A-4.

A $15 penalty plus interest may apply for delinquent registration of a newly acquired vehicle, failure to timely transfer a valid plate to a newly acquired vehicle, failure to renew in the designated month, or failure to register after moving into Alabama.

How Much Does It Cost To Change Vehicle Registration Details in Alabama?

Alabama vehicle registration and title records are administered by the Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR), which publishes flat state-level fees for title transactions and registration fee ranges by vehicle type. The current amounts for the most common changes are listed in the table below.

Contact Information

Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division
2545 Taylor Road, Montgomery, AL 36117
Phone: (334) 242-9000
Official Website: Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division