License Plates & Placards in Alabama

SUMMARY: Alabama License Plates

You can apply for vehicle tags in Alabama by registering your vehicle in person at a DMV office. When you renew your registration, you'll also be renewing your license plate. In some cases, you can transfer your plate when you get a new vehicle. If your tags are ever damaged, stolen, or lost, you'll be able to order replacement plates or stickers.

You'll find more information about Alabama license plates and tags below.

Looking for specialty plates? See our pages about Specialty Plate Types and Specialty Plate Applications for details.

NOTE: Need help applying for disabled parking? Visit our Disability Placards and Plates guide for information.

Types of Alabama License Plates

If you live in AL, your vehicle must have a license plate from the Alabama Department of Revenue (DOR).

You will be issued a license plate for the back of your vehicle with stickers showing the month and year your tags expire.

 You can also apply for:

Temporary License Plates

When you buy a car in Alabama, you can get a temporary tag from your vehicle dealer or financial institution to use until your permanent plate arrives.

The temporary tag is valid for 20 days and must be displayed in your back window until you receive your license plate.

Apply for License Plates

You'll apply for your license plates in AL by registering your vehicle with the AL DOR.

To avoid late fees or citations, you must register within:

  • 30 days of moving to Alabama.
  • 20 days of buying a vehicle.

Learn more from our Vehicle Registration page, where you'll find information about documentation, fees, and other requirements.

Renew Vehicle Tags

To make sure your AL tags are valid, you must renew them by renewing your vehicle registration, which may be done:

  • Online.
  • By mail.
  • In person.

The AL DOR will send you a renewal reminder before your tags expire.

After you renew, you'll get a new expiration sticker to place over the old sticker on your plate.

Find complete details on our Registration Renewal page.

Replace AL License Plates

If your Alabama license plate or decals are damaged, lost, or stolen, you can request replacements from the AL DOR.

You will need:

Submit your application in person at your local Alabama DOR licensing office.

NOTE: The AL DOR will report lost or stolen tags to the police for you.

If you find your license plates after ordering replacements, you must surrender them to the AL DOR immediately.

Transfer & Surrender Tags

When you sell, trade, donate, or otherwise no longer use your vehicle, you'll need to remove the license plate and either transfer it or surrender it to the AL DOR.

Transfer License Plates

You may be able to transfer a license plate from one vehicle to another. The transfer fee is $1.25, plus any local fees or taxes due.

Contact your local licensing office to see if you can transfer your tags.

Surrender License Plates

You DO NOT have to surrender your license plates if you move to another state.

However, the Alabama DOR may require you to surrender your tags if you:

  • Cancel your car insurance.
  • Get a new type of license plate.

You MUST surrender any license plates you find that have previously been reported lost, stolen, or damaged.

Fees for Alabama License Plates

The fees below DO NOT include service fees, taxes, or fees for other transactions, such as titling a vehicle, that may be required for vehicle registration.

  • Standard license plates: $23 (annual fee).
    • You may pay a prorated fee the first time you register your vehicle in Alabama.
  • Replacement license plate: $2.
  • Replacement decal: $2.
  • Transfer fee: $1.25.

Forms

MV 40-12-265-1
Application For Replacement Credentials
Request replacement Alabama license plates, decals, OR registration receipt from the Motor Vehicle Division.
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