Top1) Determine the Status of Your Registration

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

Renew AL Registration

Renewing your car registration on time is vital. Without a valid registration, you’re driving illegally and could face penalties. In fact, you may not even park your car on a public street without a valid registration.

Having updated, valid insurance is equally important. When you renew your car registration, you may also want to look at insurance quotes to ensure you’re still getting the best deal you can.

To learn more about renewals, skip down to “Check Your Renewal Notice.”

Register a Vehicle in AL for the First Time

If you’ve never registered your car in the state before, you’ll need to get a first-time registration.

Register a Non-Operational Vehicle

Storing your car doesn’t mean you get out of keeping up your tags. You're responsible for fees whether or not you drive your car. Ask your title and tag office for more information.

Top2) Check Your Renewal Notice

Some counties mail out renewal notices. However, if you don't receive a notice or you lose it, you're still responsible for renewing on time. If you need to know which month to renew (renewal assignments are based on the first letter of your last name), either check the sticker on your tag (license plate) or call your title and tag office to determine your renewal period.

Renewal notices contain information like whether you can renew online and what your fees are. They don't, however, contain information about smog and emissions inspections. The state doesn't require them. Even so, you can learn more about your vehicle and its emissions at Smog & Emission Checks.

Top3) Calculate Your Fees

Fees vary depending on your car’s weight and for how long you’re renewing. You’ll also have to pay ad valorem tax and local issuance fees, which your county calculates. If you got a renewal notice, it should state what your fees are on there; otherwise, you must check with your county title and tag office.

Like renewal fees, insurance fees can vary greatly based on factors like traffic citations, make and model, and age of driver.

Avoid Late Fees and Penalties

You have until the last day of that month to register without penalty. There is a $15 penalty if you fail to renew during your registration period.

Top4) Renew Online, In Person or By Mail

Renew Online

Not every county offers online renewal, and steps vary by county. In general, you must:

1. Locate your renewal notice, if you got one. This will tell you whether you may renew online.
2. Know the make and model of your car, and the first four numbers or letters of your Vehicle Identification Number.
3. Have a credit card. Most counties take either Visa or MasterCard.
4. Have your state identification card (driver’s license, non driver ID, or Commercial FEIN number).
5. Have an e-mail address and phone number.
6. Go to your county’s online renewal page. Only those counties marked in blue offer online service.

You'll receive your tags in the mail.

In Person

1. Locate your renewal notice, if you got one.
2. Have your driver’s license or ID card.
3. Make sure you know your car’s VIN.
4. Have a way to pay the fees. Call your title and tag office to find out whether they accept cash or credit cards; every location takes money orders and checks.
5. Take these items to your county title and tag office.

By Mail

1. Find your renewal notice for the fees and forms needed. These vary by county and car. (If you don’t have a renewal notice, contact your title and tag office.)
2. You may need to provide your driver’s license number and VIN; have them ready.
3. Fill out the appropriate forms and send them with check or money order to your title and tag office.
4. Be sure you allow enough time for your title and tag office to process and return your registration before it expires.

Top Affix Your Stickers

You’ll receive your tags either in the mail or in person. Be sure to follow the directions for affixing them to your plates, as doing so will help prevent theft or loss of your new tags.

Top6) Get a Tax Deduction

The IRS allows you to deduct the portion of your registration that is based on value, i.e. the ad valorem tax. Read Publication 17 for more details.

If you have any further questions, please consult a tax attorney.

Top7) Do Your Part to Keep Our Roadways Safe

Having valid registration and insurance is only one component to driving. Car safety should be another major concern. Are you changing your oil, rotating your tires, and tuning up your car as often as you should? Do you drive on your tires until you can see steel poking through the edges? Paying attention to these matters could save you money and wear and tear on your vehicle.

Make sure you have a trusted mechanic waiting in the wings if you have a breakdown. An after-market warranty could save you major bucks if a big system goes wrong. A roadside assistance program is good to have so you’re not waiting by the side of the road forever, too.

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