On 1975 and newer vehicles you must apply for title transfer by
bringing the current Alabama title (signed correctly by the previous owner)
along with the bill of sale, tag number or previous tag receipt. On vehicle
models prior to 1975, transfer can be made with a bill of sale, tag receipt or
tag number. Transfers can be made at all offices of the License Commissioner.
For additional information, please Click
Here
to read the flier "Just Bought a Vehicle."
I just bought a new (or used) car from a dealer. Will they handle all the
paperwork?
The dealer is required to complete your application for title and collect
sales tax due at their location. However, you must bring the yellow copy of the
title application to the License Commissioner’s Office to actually register
the vehicle. It is your responsibility to make sure the vehicle is registered.
The vehicle is not properly registered by simply transferring an old tag to a
new vehicle.
I am a Mobile County resident, and I just acquired a vehicle.
How many days do I have to title and register this vehicle?
Alabama law provides that any person acquiring a new or used
motor vehicle shall within 20 calendar days from the date of acquisition, obtain
a license plate. In order to register a vehicle subject to the Alabama title
law, a title application must be completed before a registration can be
processed.
Why are there differences in the cost of renewing my tag from year to year?
There may be several reasons for differences in the cost of your
tag renewal. Normally, a vehicle’s value will depreciate, reducing the
assessed value of the vehicle. You may have moved into a new jurisdiction with a
different tax rate. The tag you bought last year may have been pro-rated for a
partial year. If so, your assessment this year will be higher since it will
reflect a full year. Occasionally, the company which provides market values to
the Department of Revenue assigns the same or higher values if a vehicle is a
popular used vehicle.
What is the penalty for late renewal of a tag?
You should renew your tag by the last business day of your
renewal month. The penalty for failure to renew within the time allowed by law
is $15.00 plus 12% annualized interest to the date of payment.
Can I pay for and renew a tag for someone else?
Yes, if you have permission from the individual and you obtain a
copy of their drivers license card if paying with a personal check. We consider
possession of the courtesy renewal reminder card as tacit approval from the
registered owner to renew the registration.
Will you accept a check for payment?
Yes. In response to an overwhelming number of returned checks,
the License Commissioner’s Office has check acceptance procedures as follows:
1. Checks
are made payable to Mobile County License Commissioner
2. Complete name and a Mobile County address MUST be
imprinted on check (no exceptions).
3. Starter kit checks or counter checks are not accepted.
4. Alabama driver’s license MUST be presented to
the clerk.
5. If transacting business for relatives, and paying with
your check, name and address on check MUST agree with information in
tag computer. Copies of Alabama driver’s license for presenter and
registrant must be presented.
6. If transacting business for someone other than yourself
and paying with their check, a copy of the customer’s driver’s license
will be required, as well as photo ID of person presenting check.
7. If you write a check to the License Commissioner’s
Office, and it is returned for any reason, you will lose your privilege to
write checks to this office in the future.
8. Other restrictions may apply.
What credit cards do you accept?
Visa and MasterCard only. The name on the credit card must be
the same as name of registrant.
I’ve lost my title. How do I get a replacement?
An individual who no longer can find his/her title must apply
for a replacement title by completing a form Click
Here and mailing it directly to the Alabama
Department of Revenue, Post Office Box 327699, Montgomery, AL 36132. Cost for a
replacement title is $15.00. The Department of Revenue will accept money orders
or certified funds. Personal checks are not accepted. In order for someone to
sell a vehicle, the seller must provide a clear title to the buyer within 20
days from the date of purchase. A vehicle cannot be registered until a title has
been provided to the buyer.
How is property tax collected on your vehicle?
Property taxes are collected in advance.
Renewal
Example: Bob Smith renews his tag in September 2005. He will
now pay taxes in advance for September 2005 through August 2006.
Purchasing a new car:
Private individuals buying a new car or pick-up truck (under
8,000 pounds GVW) for personal use will have their taxes deferred until their
next registration or renewal month. When you purchase a new vehicle you don’t
pay your taxes until your renewal month. You then pay taxes due from the date
of purchase as well as taxes for the following year.
Example: Mary Jones purchases a new vehicle in September
2005. If Mary traded in a vehicle, she will take the tag off the trade-in
vehicle and go to the nearest License Commissioner’s office to register the
new vehicle in her name. She will pay the transfer fee, but she will not be
required to pay property tax at that time. She may qualify for a credit
voucher for prepaid taxes on the trade-in vehicle. When Mary renews her tag in
August 2006, she will pay property tax from September 2006 through July 2007
and for the following year (August 2005 through August 2006. In August 2006,
she will pay the following 12 months.
Purchasing a used vehicle:
For an individual purchasing a used vehicle, it is important
to obtain the most current tag receipt for that used vehicle and bring it with
you when you register the vehicle. Used vehicles must be addressed on a case
by case basis. Property taxes are based on the make, model and age of the
vehicle. Property taxes must be collected in advance. If back taxes are due,
they must also be paid at the time of registration.
Exception: A 2005 Alabama law change requires that a
customer who purchases a new or used vehicle during his/her renewal month will
no longer have his/her taxes deferred to the next year. The customer will pay a
total of 13 months registration fees and taxes.
Example: Mr. Anderson acquires a vehicle on January 5,
2006 (during his renewal month). Registration fees and taxes would be
collected for the period January 1, 2006 through January 31, 2006. Fees and
taxes for the registration year February 1, 2006, through January 31, 2007
would also be collected.
How do I obtain a copy of my tag registration receipt?
• If you have lost your tag registration receipt, you may obtain a
duplicate copy at the Michael Square office (corner of Azalea Road and Michael
Boulevard).
• Only the registered owner can apply by completing the Request for Motor
Vehicle form (Drivers Privacy Protection Act).
• An Alabama driver’s license or picture I.D. will be required.
• Fee: $1.00 per copy
• For additional questions, please call Customer Service Department at
(251) 574-8563.
When I sell or dispose of my vehicle, does the license plate remain on the
vehicle?
Effective January 1, 1998, license plates are to be removed by the registrant
upon sale or disposal of the vehicle, for possible transfer to a replacement
vehicle.
Obtaining a Receipt for Credit
In
order to receive a Receipt for Credit (Click Here for
the form) one of the following criteria must be met: