How Much Does It Cost to Get a License Plate in Alabama in 2025?

Factors That Influence the Total License Plate Cost in Alabama

The cost of obtaining a license plate in Alabama is influenced by several factors, which include:

• Vehicle Type: The type of vehicle you own, such as a passenger car, motorcycle, or commercial vehicle, affects the cost. Larger vehicles or those used for commercial purposes typically incur higher fees.
• Vehicle Weight: Heavier vehicles may be subject to additional fees due to their impact on road infrastructure.
• County of Registration: Different counties in Alabama may have varying local fees that contribute to the overall cost.
• License Plate Type: Standard, specialty, and personalized plates each have different fee structures.
• Registration Period: The length of the registration period can affect the cost, with longer periods generally incurring higher fees.

Specialty License Plates in Alabama

Alabama offers a variety of specialty license plates that allow vehicle owners to support causes, organizations, or display their affiliations. The costs associated with specialty plates include:

• Initial Issuance Fee: Typically ranges from $50 to $100, depending on the specific plate.
• Annual Renewal Fee: Specialty plates often require an additional annual fee, which can range from $25 to $50.
• Additional Contributions: Some specialty plates may include a contribution to a specific cause or organization, which is included in the initial and renewal fees.

Examples of specialty plates include collegiate plates, military plates, and plates supporting charitable organizations.

Personalized License Plates in Alabama

Personalized license plates allow vehicle owners to create a custom message or combination of letters and numbers. The costs associated with personalized plates are as follows:

• Initial Personalized Plate Fee: $50, in addition to the standard registration fee.
• Annual Renewal Fee: $50, which is added to the regular renewal fee.

Personalized plates are subject to availability and must adhere to the Alabama Department of Revenue's guidelines regarding appropriate content.

Alabama License Plate Renewal Fee

The renewal of a license plate in Alabama involves several fees, which may include:

• Standard Renewal Fee: Typically ranges from $20 to $100, depending on the vehicle type and weight.
• Local Fees: Additional fees may be imposed by the county of registration.
• Late Renewal Penalty: A penalty fee may be applied if the renewal is not completed by the expiration date.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to renew their plates before the expiration date to avoid penalties and ensure compliance with state regulations.

Alabama License Plate Replacements Fee

In the event that a license plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement can be obtained. The fees associated with replacing a license plate in Alabama are as follows:

• Replacement Fee: $2 for a standard plate.
• Additional Fees: Specialty or personalized plates may incur additional costs for replacement, typically mirroring the initial issuance fee.

Vehicle owners must provide proof of registration and may be required to file a police report if the plate was stolen.

How Much Is the Tag Transfer Fee in Alabama

When transferring a license plate from one vehicle to another, the following fees apply:

• Tag Transfer Fee: $1.25, which allows the transfer of the existing plate to a new vehicle.
• Additional Registration Fees: Depending on the new vehicle's type and weight, additional registration fees may be required.

The transfer process requires the completion of specific forms and may necessitate a visit to the local county licensing office.

Exemptions and Discounts

Certain exemptions and discounts are available for license plate fees in Alabama, including:

• Military Exemptions: Active duty military personnel may be eligible for exemptions or reduced fees on certain specialty plates.
• Senior Citizen Discounts: Some counties offer reduced fees for senior citizens, though this varies by location.
• Disability Exemptions: Individuals with qualifying disabilities may be eligible for reduced fees or special plates at no additional cost.

Eligibility for exemptions and discounts requires appropriate documentation and verification by the Alabama Department of Revenue or local county offices.