In Alabama, you have 20 calendar days from the date of purchase or acquisition to register a vehicle without penalty. The deadline is the same whether you've newly purchased the vehicle or transferred ownership between family members.

NOTE: If you are a new resident relocating to Alabama from another state, however, you have 30 days to transfer your out-of-state vehicle registration.

Completing Alabama Car Registration

If you've purchased your vehicle through a licensed motor vehicle dealer, a representative from the dealer's office will handle most of the vehicle registration paperwork. If you've purchased the vehicle from a private party or you're transferring ownership of a vehicle between family members, this process is your responsibility.

Vehicle registration is completed through the offices of AL Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) county license plate officials (rather than the DPS, which handles driver license issues).

In order to register your vehicle, you will need to present:

• Your drivers license or a state issue ID.
• A notarized bill of sale.
• The properly signed vehicle title.

A designated agent or appointed deputy must inspect the vehicle prior to issuing the registration. You don’t have to worry about emissions or smog: the inspection is simply a general safety check, it is not emissions testing or a smog check. No inspection is required for a registration renewal, however.

Car registration costs $23 per year and may be prorated if necessary. There is a $15 title application fee if this step is also needed. In addition, please keep in mind that you may be charged a $15 late fee if you fail to register your vehicle within the correct timeframe.

Once you receive your registration receipt, you should keep this document in your vehicle. If you are stopped for a traffic violation, you may be asked to present it to the law enforcement officer. There is a $50 fine for failure to present evidence of current vehicle registration.

Auto Insurance and Vehicle Registration

Although you are not required to show proof of insurance in order to during the register car process, please keep in mind that Alabama does have a minimum liability insurance law. It is against the law to operate a vehicle that is not properly insured. When you sign your vehicle registration receipt, you are affirming that the vehicle you wish to register has the necessary car insurance coverage.