Alabama License PlateAlabama license plates are aluminum plates or tags that display the unique identification numbers issued to vehicles during registration. This makes it possible for the easy recognition of vehicles and their registrants. In accordance with the Code of Alabama, all motor vehicle owners operating motor vehicles within the state are required to obtain license plates or tags from the Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR). In Alabama, license plates are needed for vehicles like trucks, tractors, buses, motorbikes, trailers, and taxis.
The Alabama Department of Revenue issues license plates under the following categories:
A typical Alabama license plate consists of a combination of letters and numbers with the word "ALABAMA" fully displayed in between the bolt holes. The vehicle's registration sticker is in the top right corner, while Alabama's "Heart of Dixie" logo, which represents their cultural significance, can be found in the bottom right corner of the plate.
Alabama License Plate Design and FormatsAn Alabama standard license plate displays a maximum of seven alpha-numeric characters. The state implemented a county code system in 1941 to identify the county where a license plate was issued. A typical license plate format begins with the county code, and may be followed by 4-6 characters. For example, license plates issued in Jefferson County begin with a number 1 prefix and may be followed by six alphanumeric characters. Lauderdale County license plates begin with the number 44, and are followed by five alphanumeric characters.
Alabama distinctive license plates have a maximum of 5-6 alphanumeric characters, depending on the quantity class. The maximum number of alpha-numeric characters allowed on quantity class 1 distinctive license plates is five, while quantity class 2 distinctive license plates can have up to six. The course supported by a distinctive license plate is usually displayed at the bottom of this type of license plate.
The Alabama Code requires that a new license plate design be issued every five years. The current standard license plate, issued in 2022, has a beach motif as the background, with the word "Alabama" displayed between the bolt holes and www.alabama.travel displayed in white beneath the number plate.
Photos of standard license plates used on passenger vehicles and motorcycles:
Photos of distinctive license plate formats issued to motor vehicles in Alabama:
Alabama Vanity License PlateVanity license plates are customized or personalized plates or tags that contain a combination of letters and numbers chosen by a license owner to convey a unique message. In Alabama, the chosen combination must be approved by the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue before it is issued to the license owner. The Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR) does not disclose the number of vanity license plates they offer. However, the most prominent types are:
Most Popular Alabama Special Plate NumbersThe most common themes of distinctive license and personalized license plates in Alabama are:
Alabama License Plate LookupA license plate lookup entails the sourcing of key data about a vehicle and its owner by using the vehicle's license plate number. It is an essential tool for verifying vehicle history such as mileage, ownership records, or registration details. In addition, it ensures that a vehicle is fully compliant with the law and is free from legal issues. In Alabama, you can conduct a license plate search by contacting the Department of Revenue's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). The Division will provide detailed information to persons who are eligible to receive records such as law enforcement officers. Alternatively, Recordsfinder and other third-party websites can provide simple information on vehicles' make and model when you perform a free license plate lookup.
It is worth noting that under state law, the Alabama MVD is restricted from revealing the residential address and motor vehicle liability insurance details of registered vehicle owners, unless requested by law enforcement agencies, recognized courts, government agencies, or other authorized parties.
Reverse license plate number search and license plate lookup are synonymous terms that refer to the process of obtaining information about vehicles through their license plate numbers. RecordsFinder offers a reliable means for conducting a reverse license plate number search while adhering to both state and federal privacy laws . Any request that violates these regulations will not be processed.
What Do I Need to Get a License Plate in Alabama?The Alabama Department of Revenue, through its Motor Vehicle Division, will issue license plates to a vehicle owner who fulfills the following requirements:
To register a vehicle in Alabama, the vehicle registrant must first receive a certificate of title from the dealer or individual from whom the vehicle was purchased. If the vehicle was purchased from an Alabama licensed vehicle dealer, the vehicle owner must submit the following documents to their local county license plate issuing office for the purpose of registering their vehicle:
Registrants who purchased their vehicles from private individuals must present the following documents for registration:
Registrants who have fulfilled the necessary requirements and paid the applicable fees will be issued their license plates and vehicle registration stickers.
Differences Between a Passenger License Plate and Commercial License Plate in AlabamaA passenger license plate is typically assigned to vehicles used for personal transportation and commuting. A commercial license plate, on the other hand, is issued to vehicles that convey goods, services, or people for compensation. In Alabama, commercial license plates are issued based on both vehicle functionality and weight. A commercial vehicle is defined in section 32-9A-1 of the code of Alabama as one with a gross weight rating or combination weight of more than 10,000 lbs. Also, the combination of a truck and trailer with a gross weight exceeding 26,000 lbs is an example of vehicles that require a commercial license plate. Besides weight, the following additional conditions may qualify a vehicle for a commercial license plate:
| Features | Passenger License Plate | Commercial License Plate |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Use |
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| Number Plate Arrangement |
Single number county code:
Double number county code:
* Alabama does not have a sequential combination of numbers and letters |
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| Design and Color |
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How To Renew License Plate in AlabamaThe Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR) renews vehicle registrations, including license plates, once a year from January through November. The state follows a staggered system to determine the specific month for vehicle registration and license plate renewal. This system assigns a particular month based on the first letter of the owner's last name in the following way:
| Month | First Letter of Last Name |
|---|---|
| January | A and D |
| February | B |
| March | C and E |
| April | F, G, and N |
| May | H and D |
| June | M and I |
| July | P and L |
| August | J, K, and R |
| September | Q, S, and T |
| October | U, V, W, X, Y, and Z |
| November | National Guard, leased, fleet and commercial vehicles |
A vehicle owner may choose to renew their vehicle registration online or in person. For online renewal, you can visit the Department of Revenue's website to view the local vehicle licensing offices that permit online renewals of license plates or tags. To ensure a successful renewal of your license plate online, you must provide the PIN issued in the renewal notice, license plate number, and renewal fees. Upon the completion of your license plate renewal, it is essential to keep the confirmation number and printed receipt until the arrival of the new vehicle license plate. Typically, new license plates and decals arrive within 3-7 business days.
For in-person renewals, you can visit your county vehicle licensing office with the following documents:
It is important to note that in Alabama, vehicle registration and license plates must be renewed no later than the last day of the renewal month.
How To Transfer a License Plate in AlabamaAlabama permits vehicle owners to transfer their license plate from one vehicle to another, provided that both vehicles fall under the same license registration classification. Furthermore, the license plate must be currently registered in the vehicle owner's name. The owner must go to their county license plate issuing office with the license tag and pay the required local issuance fee along with the state transfer fee of $1.25.
Alabama License Plate Lookup Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Chapter 810-5-1-485 of the Alabama Administrative Code allows certain authorized individuals such as licensed private investigators, law enforcement officers, insurance agents, court representatives, and vehicle owners, to access motor vehicle records from the Department of Revenue for specific permissible uses that comply with the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). Nevertheless, in order to obtain these records, authorized requestors must demonstrate their legal right to access this information.
As a result of the stringent law aimed at safeguarding the personal data of license plate owners, the Department of Revenue may not be able to authorize access to motor vehicle records. Nevertheless, websites like Recordsfinder can provide non-personal details on more than 269 million registered vehicles across the USA simply by using the vehicle's license plate number or VIN. It is worth noting that license plate numbers and VINs are linked in public vehicle records.
To replace a lost license plate in Alabama, you will need to complete the Application for Replacement Credentials (Form MV 40-12-265-1) and then visit the license plate issuing office in your county. It is important to note that depending on your county, you may be required to bring a photo ID, proof of insurance, or driver's license to receive a license plate replacement. In certain counties, such as Shelby county, if you are unable to visit the license plate office yourself, you can appoint someone else to obtain the replacement on your behalf. However, it is crucial that the appointed individual correctly fills out the MVT 5-13 (Power of Attorney form) to ensure the validity of the power of attorney. The cost for a license plate replacement is $2 per plate.
Under the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), law enforcement agencies such as the police have the authority to obtain substantial information about a vehicle and its owner when they run a license plate search. Such information include:
Usually, people use free license plate lookup services to obtain quick key information about a vehicle. When acquiring a used car, you can run a free license plate search to confirm the following:
In Alabama, vehicle registration and license plates are valid for one year and must be renewed latest on the last day of the designated renewal month. There is no grace period for expired registrations, and driving with an expired registration and license plate can result in impoundment and fines. Failure to register on time attracts a $15 penalty plus interest.
Alabama issues a 20-day temporary license plate for those waiting for permanent license plates. Operating a vehicle with an expired temporary license plate or tag is a misdemeanor and can lead to a fine of up to $500.
The license plates of vehicles that are inoperable, stored, or unused must be surrendered to a county license issuing official within 30 days of receiving the MLI verification notice. If the license plate is not surrendered or the Request for Registration Revocation form (MV32-7A-5 ) is not completed within 30 days, the vehicle registration will be suspended. However, if a vehicle registrant is unable to surrender their license plate due to reasons listed on MV Form 32-7A-11, they may be eligible for a "good cause" extension.
Additionally, Alabama strictly prohibits the display of altered or mutilated license plates on vehicles. Therefore, vehicle registrants must surrender their mutilated license plate to the license issuing official to avoid the revocation of their registration.
If a lost license plate is found after a replacement has been ordered, it should not be displayed on another vehicle. Instead, it must be returned to the local licensing authority. Failure to do so is considered a misdemeanor and can result in a fine ranging from $25 to $100.
A vehicle registrant who intends to move out of Alabama to another jurisdiction is not obligated to surrender their license plate to the State of Alabama. However, if a vehicle registrant still has the intention of returning to Alabama and may register their car in the future, they may surrender their license plate voluntarily prior to canceling their Alabama insurance policy to avoid Mandatory Liability Insurance (MLI) issues.
The Alabama Department of Revenue issues license plates in these sizes. They are:
In Alabama, a vehicle registrant will be issued a temporary license plate and temporary registration receipt while waiting for their permanent license plates. The temporary license plate is valid for only 20 days. However, in certain circumstances, a vehicle registration may be extended up to 60 days if there is a valid reason for the delay in issuing the permanent license plate such as:
Vehicles that have been permanently registered in another state can obtain a temporary license plate for up to 90 days by paying a $25 fee for each 30-day period.
You can renew your license plate either online or in-person in Alabama. The following steps are necessary to renew your license plate online:
It is important to note that online license tag renewal is not available in all counties. To renew your license plate in-person, you can visit your county vehicle licensing office with your renewal notice, a valid driver's license, and the applicable fees.
If your Alabama license plate is lost or stolen, you can visit your county vehicle licensing office in-person to request for a replacement. Some counties may allow you to grant another individual the power of attorney to obtain a replacement on your behalf. If you decide to visit your county's vehicle licensing office, you will be required to take the following steps:
It is necessary to fill the MVT 5-13 form to grant your designated individual the power of attorney to obtain your license plate replacement on your behalf.