License Plates & Placards in Alabama

Personalized License Plates

Personalized license plates can add another level of uniqueness to your vehicle. You can search for, and reserve, a personalized license plate online at the Department of Revenue for a reservation fee of $2.

If this license is available, the department must approve it. You have five days from requesting a specific message to visit your local tag office, place your order for that tag, and pay the appropriate fees.

You will be given a temporary tag along with the month and year decals to be placed on the new tag when it arrives within four to six weeks.

For a personalized license plate, you must pay the standard registration fees based on your type of vehicle, plus an additional yearly fee of $50 for passenger cars or motorcycles.

Distinctive License Plates

Another option you have for licensing your car is one of many distinctive plates offered by various organizations. If you want to show support for the military, education, wildlife, a college, or even a sorority, Alabama has license plates to help. Visit the Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Division and click on the "License Plate Information" tab to select your choice of tags.

Some distinctive plates are not available to the general public. You must belong to a particular organization to purchase its distinctive license plates.

Disabled License Plates and Placards

If you are disabled, you can apply for a special license plate or placard that entitles you to park in disabled-access parking spaces. You must own or partially own the vehicle you wish to license if you want a license plate; otherwise, you'll need to get a placard―the portable plastic license to hang from the rearview mirror. The placards can be used in any vehicle transporting disabled passengers.

You will need to complete Form MVR-326-230 (Application for Disability Access Parking Privileges). License plates are $23 for cars and $15 for motorcycles, while placards are free.

The application process includes your doctor certifying that you have difficulty walking or breathing while walking.

The placards and license plates are subject to renewal every five years, but after you complete the first application, you can save time and effort by certifing yourself if you have a long-term disability. To recertify, just use the same MVR form listed above, and sign it at the bottom in the recertification box.

Antique Vehicle (Vintage) License Plates

Requirements:

• You must be an Alabama resident.

• Your vehicle must be at least 30 years old.

• You cannot use the vehicle for commercial purposes, or for general purposes such as driving to work, school or running errands.

• Your vehicle is a private passenger car, truck (under 26,000 pounds), motorcycle, or fire truck with its original body, chassis, engine and transmission. The state will accept replicas and close approximations to the original model's body and parts.

How to Apply

Complete the aptly named Application for Vintage Vehicle License Plates, and submit it along with the appropriate fee to your nearest Motor Vehicle Title and Tag office.

Surrendering License Plates if You Move

The state does not require Alabama residents to return their license plates after relocating to another state. Learn more on our AL License Plate Surrender page.

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