Expired Registration in Alabama
Motor vehicle registration in Alabama is a mandatory legal requirement governed by state statutes and administrative regulations. Vehicle owners must maintain current and valid registration to operate motor vehicles on public roads and highways throughout the state. The Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division administers registration procedures, while the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency enforces compliance with registration laws.
State Code Provisions
Alabama's vehicle registration requirements are established under Title 32 of the Alabama Code, which governs motor vehicles and traffic regulations. The primary statutory provisions address registration procedures, display requirements, penalties for non-compliance, and enforcement mechanisms.
Registration Terms and Expiration
Registration Renewal System
Alabama registers vehicles under a staggered registration system, with renewal months assigned from January through November based on the vehicle owner's last name.
Standard Vehicle Registration Renewal:
- Renewal months are determined by the first letter of the owner's last name
- Registrations expire on the last day of the designated renewal month
- Example: An owner whose last name begins with F, G, or N must renew registration in April; the current registration expires on April 30
- Alabama does not provide a grace period for expired registration. Once registration expires, vehicle owners may not legally operate the vehicle on public roads until registration is renewed
Special Vehicle Categories:
- Leased, commercial, and fleet vehicles are subject to renewal in October and November
- Registrations for these vehicle types expire on November 30
- Vehicles registered pursuant to the International Registration Plan (IRP) are assigned renewal registration months by the Alabama Department of Revenue
Penalties for Expired Registration
Administrative Penalties
A penalty of fifteen dollars ($15) shall be assessed for late registration of a motor vehicle, as established in Alabama Administrative Code Rule 810-5-1-.211. Late registration includes:
- Failure to register a newly acquired vehicle within 20 calendar days of purchase or acquisition
- Failure to renew registration in the designated renewal month
- Failure to timely transfer a valid license plate to a newly acquired vehicle
Interest Charges
In addition to the $15 penalty, interest charges accrue on unpaid penalties and registration fees beginning on the 31st day.
Government Agencies
Alabama Department of Revenue
375 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 242-9000
Official Website: Alabama Department of Revenue
Motor Vehicle Division - Montgomery Office
2545 Taylor Road, Montgomery, AL 36117
Phone: (334) 242-2677
Official Website: Alabama Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle Division
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 676-6000
Official Website: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
ALEA Department of Public Safety
301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 676-7000
Official Website: ALEA Department of Public Safety
ALEA Highway Patrol - Montgomery Office
301 South Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 675-0201
Official Website: ALEA Highway Patrol
