Titling a Car in Alabama After Moving From Another State
Last verified: November 2026 against Alabama Department of Revenue sources
When you move to Alabama with a car registered in another state, you register it in the county where you live within 30 days of the car entering Alabama.
A car you already used in your old state owes no Alabama sales or use tax. Here is what to do.
Step by step
- 1
Insure the car in Alabama
The vehicle must be covered by an Alabama liability insurance policy before it can be registered.
- 2
Register within 30 days
Ala. Code 40-12-262 gives the owner of a non-commercial vehicle with a valid out-of-state registration 30 days from the date the vehicle enters Alabama to register it.
- 3
Go to your county licensing official
Register in the county where you live. Your residence is judged by things like where you vote, where your license was issued, and where you work, and the official may ask for a legal resident affidavit (Form MVR-15).
- 4
Apply for an Alabama title
The title application comes before the registration. The fee is $15, plus a $1.50 agent commission and any other commission or local fees the office charges.
- 5
Pay the plate and ad valorem tax
If the car was substantially used in another state, shown by an out-of-state registration or title, no sales or use tax is due. You pay the $23 plate fee plus issuance fees and the ad valorem tax.
What to bring
- Your out-of-state title or registration
- Proof of Alabama liability insurance
- A legal resident affidavit (Form MVR-15), if the licensing official asks
- Payment for the $15 title fee and commissions
- Payment for the plate and ad valorem tax