How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Alabama From Out of State
Registering an out-of-state vehicle in Alabama requires compliance with state regulations administered by the Alabama Department of Revenue. New Alabama residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency in the state, even before obtaining an Alabama driver's license, provided they possess a valid out-of-state license.
Base Registration and Title Fees
The total cost to register an out-of-state vehicle in Alabama consists of state registration fees, title application fees, licensing official fees, ad valorem taxes, and local sales taxes. The Alabama Department of Revenue establishes standardized fee schedules for all vehicle registration transactions administered through county licensing officials.
Standard State Fees
Registration fees in Alabama are determined by vehicle type, weight classification, and intended use. Detailed fee information is available through the Motor Vehicle Registration Fees page.
Registration Fees by Vehicle Type:
| Vehicle Type | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Passenger cars and pickup trucks | $23.00 to $105.00 |
| Motorcycles | $15.00 |
| Buses (based on seating) | $47.50 to $210.00 |
| Taxicabs (based on weight) | $21.00 to $40.00 |
| Hearses and ambulances (based on city population) | $15.00 to $55.00 |
| Trucks and truck-tractors (based on gross weight) | $23.00 to $890.00 |
| Motor homes (based on gross weight) | $23.00 to $890.00 |
| Commercial trailers | $20.00 |
| Travel and utility trailers | $12.00 |
| Rental utility trailers | $15.00 |
| Permanent trailers | $60.00 |
| Battery electric vehicles | $203.00 |
| Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles | $103.00 |
| Low speed electric vehicles | $50.00 |
Additional Registration Fees:
- License plate issuance fee: $1.25
- Standard passenger license plate: $23.00 plus $1.25 issuance fee
Title Fees
Title fees are required for owners of motor vehicles designated 35 model years old or newer and travel trailers designated 20 model years old or newer. Complete title fee information is available through the Motor Vehicle Certificate of Title Fee page.
Title Application Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Original certificate of title | $15.00 |
| Transfer of certificate of title | $15.00 |
| Replacement certificate | $15.00 |
| Notice of security interest | $15.00 |
| Assignment by lien holder | $15.00 |
| Title history | $15.00 |
| Corrected title | $15.00 |
| Salvage title | $15.00 |
| Licensing official fee (title application) | $3.00 |
| Designated agent commission (manufactured homes) | $1.50 |
Ad Valorem Tax
Alabama imposes an ad valorem tax on motor vehicles as a property tax based on the market value of the vehicle. Ad valorem tax is collected at the time of registration and is calculated by multiplying the assessed value by the millage rate of the jurisdiction where the vehicle owner resides. The assessed value is determined as 15% or 20% of the vehicle's market value, depending on the property classification.
Ad valorem tax rates vary significantly by county and municipality. Vehicle owners should contact their local county licensing office to determine the specific ad valorem tax rate applicable to their jurisdiction.
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
Alabama imposes a state sales tax on motor vehicle purchases. The Alabama Department of Revenue administers the collection of sales and use taxes for vehicle registration transactions.
State Sales Tax
The state sales tax on automotive vehicles is 2% of the gross proceeds of the sale. Complete tax information is available through the Sales and Use Tax Rates page.
State Sales Tax Rates for Vehicles:
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Sales Tax - Automotive | 2.000% |
| Consumers Use Tax - Automotive | 2.000% |
| Sellers Use Tax - Automotive | 2.000% |
Local Sales Taxes
Local taxes may apply depending on the county or municipality of residence. Sales and use tax rates vary across municipalities and counties in addition to the state-imposed taxes. Vehicle purchasers should use the Alabama Department of Revenue's address lookup tool to determine applicable local tax rates for their specific location.
Municipal sales tax rates vary by jurisdiction and may range from 0.25% to several percentage points above the state rate.
Vehicle Inspection Requirements and Fees
Alabama does not require annual safety inspections or periodic emissions testing for standard passenger vehicles. The Alabama Department of Revenue confirms that Alabama law does not provide for emissions testing of motor vehicles.
Salvage and Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection
Vehicles with salvage titles or rebuilt from salvage must undergo a special inspection before receiving a rebuilt title and Alabama registration. This inspection requirement applies only to salvage vehicles being restored for road use.
Salvage Vehicle Inspection Fees:
Information on salvage vehicle inspections is available through the Rebuilt (Salvage) Vehicle Inspection Fee page.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rebuilt vehicle inspection fee | $75.00 |
| Rebuilt title issuance | $15.00 |
| Total Inspection Cost | $90.00 |
The inspection fee must be paid in certified funds (cashier's check or money order) at the time of inspection application.
Government Agencies and 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
The Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division issues vehicle titles, maintains vehicle records, administers the Mandatory Liability Insurance law, and issues motor vehicle regulatory licenses. The department oversees all vehicle registration and titling activities conducted through county licensing officials throughout the state.
Alabama Vehicle Licensing Offices
The Alabama Department of Revenue operates vehicle licensing services through county licensing officials in all 67 Alabama counties. Complete office location information is available through the Vehicle Licensing Offices directory.
Jefferson County License Commissioner
716 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, County Courthouse A-100, Birmingham, AL 35203
Phone: (205) 325-5171
Official Website: Jefferson County License Commissioner
Montgomery County Probate Office
101 South Lawrence Street, 2nd Floor, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 832-1233
Official Website: Montgomery County Probate Office
Mobile County License Commission
3925 Michael Boulevard, Suite F, Mobile, AL 36609
Phone: (251) 574-8525
Official Website: Mobile County License Commission
Madison County License Department
1918 North Memorial Parkway, Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone: (256) 532-3325
Official Website: Madison County License Department
Shelby County License Office
104 Depot Street, Columbiana, AL 35051
Phone: (205) 670-6824
Official Website: Shelby County License Office
Tuscaloosa County License Department
2501 7th Street, Suite 100, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
Phone: (205) 464-8282
Official Website: Tuscaloosa County License Department
Houston County Probate Office
462 North Oates Street, Administrative Building, Dothan, AL 36303
Phone: (334) 677-4734
Official Website: Houston County Probate Office
Lee County Revenue Commissioner
215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801
Phone: (334) 737-3655
Official Website: Lee County Revenue Commissioner
Morgan County License Commission
302 Lee Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601
Phone: (256) 351-4770
Official Website: Morgan County License Commission
Etowah County Revenue Commissioner
800 Forrest Avenue, Ground Floor Room 21, Gadsden, AL 35901
Phone: (256) 549-5325
Official Website: Etowah County Revenue Commissioner
