Registration Renewals

You need to renew your car registration and vehicle tags each year in Alabama. The state has a staggered registration system, January through November, so you'll renew your tags in your assigned month.

The Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) makes assignments based on the first letter of your last name. If you need to know which month to renew, either check the sticker on your tag (license plate) or call your local tag office to determine your renewal period. You have until the last day of that month to register without penalty.

You can renew your registration in person at your local tag office or by mail if the tag has not expired. In some counties, you can also renew online.

Some counties send out renewal reminder notices in the mail. However, if you don't receive a notice or you lose it, you will still be held responsible for renewing on time. The MVD will assess a $15 penalty if you fail to renew during your registration period.

Leased, Commercial, and Fleet Vehicles, and the IRP

The state renews registrations for leased, commercial, and fleet vehicles during the months of October and November, with the last day of registration being November 30.

Vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP) are assigned renewal months by the Department of Revenue.