Car Registration Requirements for New Alabama Residents
Persons who relocate to Alabama with a vehicle previously registered in another jurisdiction must complete Alabama registration procedures. The Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division governs the registration process for vehicles brought into the state by incoming residents.
Timeline for New Alabama Residents
Section 40-12-262 provides that owners of non-commercial vehicles with valid registration from another jurisdiction have 30 days from the date the vehicle enters the state to register the vehicle.
Failure to register within this period results in penalties. A $15 penalty plus interest charges applies to delinquent registration of motor vehicles.
Establishing Alabama Residency
Alabama Administrative Code defines residency requirements for vehicle registration purposes. The owner of a motor vehicle must register the vehicle in the county where the owner resides.
Residency is established when an individual maintains a principal place of abode within Alabama. Registration must occur in the county corresponding to the owner's residential address.
Required Documentation for Car Registration in Alabama
Alabama requires specific documentation before processing vehicle registration for out-of-state vehicles. All materials must be presented to complete the registration transaction.
Primary Documents:
- Alabama certificate of title issued by the Alabama Department of Revenue
- Out-of-state certificate of title properly assigned to the applicant
- Proof of Alabama liability insurance meeting state minimum requirements
- Vehicle Identification Number inspection and ownership documentation verification
Additional Materials:
- Bill of sale or other ownership documentation as specified by the Department of Revenue
- Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax receipt (Form 2290) for trucks and truck tractors with gross vehicle weight of 55,000 pounds or more
Insurance Requirements
Alabama law mandates liability insurance coverage for all motor vehicles operated on public highways. The insurance policy must provide minimum coverage amounts:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury/death per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury/death per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage per accident | $25,000 |
Insurance must be issued by a company qualified to provide motor vehicle liability insurance in Alabama. License plate issuing officials verify coverage through the State of Alabama Online Insurance Verification System.
Application Submission Methods
Alabama processes vehicle registrations through county-based licensing offices.
In-Person Submission:
Applicants must visit License Plate Issuing Offices in the county where the owner resides. Each county maintains designated offices for processing registration transactions.
Registration applications are submitted to the licensing official who collects registration fees and issues license plates after verifying all prerequisites.
Registration Fees and Costs in Alabama
Alabama calculates registration fees based on vehicle type and classification. Fee amounts vary according to vehicle specifications.
Additional Costs:
- Title application fee: $15 per application
- Licensing official fee: $3
- Issuance fee: $1.25 for standard passenger plates
- Local ad valorem taxes as determined by the county
- County-specific fees where applicable
Registration fees for trucks, truck-tractors, buses, and commercial vehicles are calculated based on gross vehicle weight.
Contact Information
Alabama Department of Revenue
Motor Vehicle Division
50 N. Ripley St.
Montgomery, AL 36132
Phone: (334) 242-9000
Official Website: Motor Vehicle Division
