How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Alabama?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Alabama residents to maintain legal driving privileges. The Alabama Department of Revenue oversees the state's vehicle registration system, while county licensing offices handle registration services on behalf of the state.
Alabama Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Alabama vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Vehicle Insurance: Proof of current liability insurance meeting Alabama minimum requirements
- Vehicle Identification: Registration renewal notice, Alabama license plate number, or previous year's tag and tax registration receipt
- Government-Issued Photo ID: Current Alabama driver's license or state-issued identification card for all registered owners
- NAIC Insurance Information: Policy number, VIN, and effective dates from insurance provider
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Staggered Renewal System: Alabama registers vehicles on a staggered schedule January through November based on the first letter of the owner's last name
- Renewal Responsibility: Vehicle owners are responsible for renewing during their designated month, regardless of whether renewal notices are received by mail
- New Registration: Vehicle owners have 20 calendar days from the date of vehicle purchase or acquisition to register without penalty or interest charges
- New Residents: Must register within 30 calendar days of establishing Alabama residency
Alabama Registration Renewal Schedule
Vehicle registration renewal is determined by the first letter of the registrant's last name according to the following schedule:
| Renewal Month | First Letter of Last Name |
|---|---|
| January | A and D |
| February | B |
| March | C and E |
| April | F, G, and N |
| May | H and O |
| June | M and I |
| July | P and L |
| August | Q and R |
| September | S and T |
| October | U, V, W, X, Y, and Z |
| November | K and J |
Note: Leased vehicles, commercial vehicles, and fleet vehicles renew in October and November regardless of owner's last name.
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Alabama in 2025
2025 Alabama Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
The following table shows the base registration fees established by the Alabama Department of Revenue:
| Vehicle Type | Weight/Classification | Base Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger cars and pickup trucks | All weights | $23 to $105 |
| Motorcycles | All weights | $15 |
| Motor homes | Based on gross weight | $23 to $890 |
| Trucks and truck-tractors | Based on gross weight | $23 to $890 |
| Buses | Based on seating capacity | $47.50 to $210 |
| Taxicabs | Based on weight | $21 to $40 |
| Hearses and ambulances | Based on city population | $15 to $55 |
Trailer Registration Fees
| Trailer Type | Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Commercial trailers | $20 |
| Travel and utility trailers | $12 |
| Rental utility trailers | $15 |
| Permanent trailers | $60 |
Electric Vehicle Registration Fees
Alabama imposes additional annual fees for electric and hybrid vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | Annual Fee | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Battery electric vehicles | $203 | July 1, 2023 |
| Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles | $103 | July 1, 2023 |
| Low speed electric vehicles | $50 | July 1, 2023 |
Additional Mandatory Fees
Registration fees comprise three components:
| Fee Component | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| License plate fee | Varies by plate type | Base registration fee |
| Issue fee | $1.25 | Administrative processing |
| Ad valorem tax | Variable | Property tax based on vehicle value |
Ad Valorem Tax Calculation: Ad valorem taxes are calculated by multiplying the vehicle's market value (as determined by the Alabama Department of Revenue) by the appropriate property classification percentage, then multiplying by the local millage rate.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Alabama
Online Renewal Availability
Online registration renewal is available through participating counties. Vehicle owners should visit the Alabama Department of Revenue Vehicle Licensing Offices directory to determine if their county offers online renewal services.
County Online Renewal Systems
Many Alabama counties provide online registration renewal through various platforms:
ALTagRenewals: ALTagRenewals.com serves multiple counties with 24/7 online renewal capabilities.
Individual County Systems: Counties including Jefferson, Montgomery, Baldwin, Madison, and Shelby operate their own online renewal portals accessible through county websites.
Online Renewal Process
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Vehicle registration must be current or within acceptable renewal timeframe
- Must possess renewal notice with PIN/webcode or driver's license number
- Current Alabama insurance coverage required
Step 2: Gather Required Information
- Tag number and renewal notice PIN/webcode
- Alabama driver's license number
- Current insurance policy information including NAIC number
- Payment method (credit or debit card)
Step 3: Complete Application
- Access county-specific online renewal portal
- Enter vehicle registration and owner information
- Verify insurance documentation electronically
- Review all fees and submit payment
Step 4: Receive Confirmation
- Print temporary registration receipt for immediate use
- New registration decal mailed within 5-7 business days
Alternative Renewal Methods
Mail-In Renewal
Submit the following documents to your county licensing office:
- Completed renewal notice or previous year's registration receipt
- Proof of current Alabama liability insurance with NAIC information
- Payment for all applicable fees
In-Person Renewal
Visit your local county licensing office with:
- Registration renewal notice or previous registration
- Alabama driver's license or state-issued photo identification for all owners
- Current insurance documentation
- Payment for renewal fees
Community Renewal Locations: Many counties offer satellite renewal services at community centers, libraries, and municipal buildings on scheduled dates.
Contact Information
Alabama Department of Revenue
50 N. Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 242-1170
Website: revenue.alabama.gov
County licensing offices handle vehicle registration services statewide. Locate your local office using the Alabama Department of Revenue County Office Directory.
