Registration FAQs

Where do I get a title for my vehicle?

Go to your local tag office to begin the title and registration process.

Do I need a title for my ATV, boat, or RV?

In Alabama, titles are not required for ATVs or boats. They are also not required on pre-1989 mobile homes, travel trailers, or RVs.

Does a horse and buggy need a title?

Animal-powered vehicles do not require a title.

I just bought a mobile home. Do I need a title for it?

If you bought your mobile home new after January 1, 2004, you placed it on your land, and you have had a real property deed issued through your county, then you do not need a title for the mobile home.

Where can I get find out more about titles?

The Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicles Division offers more information about titling your vehicle.

Will you send me a renewal notice when it's time to renew my tag?

It depends on the county in which you live; some counties mail renewals, others do not. Contact your local tag office for more information.

It's been awhile and I haven't received my registration yet. What do I do?

If you've waited the stated length of time for your transaction and still have not received your documents, contact your local designated agent to assist you.

I don't have time to stand in long lines. Can I renew my tag online?

Only some Alabama counties offer online registration.

Do I keep my license plate when I sell my car?

No. Since January 1998, the license plates stay with the person who purchased the vehicle and can be tranferred to another vehicle. The state transfer fee is only $1.25, but some counties have instituted a local issuance fee of $5 or more, so check with your local tag office.

What about nonoperational vehicles?

If you place your vehicle in storage or take it off the road for an extended period of time, you'll need to cancel your registration to avoid the fees. Surrender your plates and registration at any Motor Vehicle Tag and Title office.

To re-register your vehicle, head back to the motor vehicle office with this Affidavit of Non-Use to avoid penalties. You might also want to bring some proof of non-use, like a storage receipt or statement of military deployment.

Do I have to register my golf cart or my son's scooter?

For these to be street legal they must be registered and tagged, but it's not necessary if you are only using them on your property. To be declared street legal, they must also meet all federal and state safety, emissions, and antitheft standards.

How do I get a duplicate title?

Complete an Application for Replacement Title, along with the appropriate documentation and fees, and the Motor Vehicle Division will mail a duplicate to you.

How do I get a duplicate registration?

Just go to the tag office where you got the original registration, produce a photo ID, and a duplicate registration will be given to you at no cost.

I lost my tag (or it was stolen). What should I do?

If your license plate was stolen, you must file a police report and take a copy of that report with you to your local tag office. You'll need to complete an Application for Replacement Title and pay a $2 replacement fee.

Is there more I should know about registration?

For more information about the vehicle registration process, consult the Motor Vehicle Division.

I’ve heard the IRS honors a tax deduction that has to do with my vehicle registration fees. Is this true?

Yes. The scoop is that the IRS counts a vehicle registration fee that's based on your vehicle's value as a personal property tax, which is deductible. This is true even if your state calls the fee a "registration fee" or a "vehicle use fee." Check out page 146 of the IRS's Publication 17 for more details.

But before you start entering your registration fees on line 7 of the 1040A form, double check to make sure your state calculates the car registration fee based on the car's value. For example, if your state charges you 1% of the car's value each year as a vehicle fee, and you pay $100 based on your car's value ($10,000), then you can deduct $100. If your state charges you for 1% of the car's value, plus a bunch of other miscellaneous fees, then you can still only deduct the $100. The fees might be itemized on your vehicle registration card or registration renewal form.

Other states ignore the car's value and charge only based on the vehicle weight; in those cases, you can't take the deduction.

If you aren't sure about whether the state charges this fee or you can't find the fee, contact your local motor-vehicle office. If you have questions about taking the deduction, call a tax professional or the IRS.