How to transfer a car title in Alabama
For private sellers and buyers in Alabama. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Alabama, the seller signs the assignment on the back of the title. No notary is needed. The buyer takes the title and a bill of sale to a Designated Agent, registers within 20 days of the sale and pays the $15 title fee, a $1.50 commission and sales tax.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Alabama?
Seller
- Sign the assignment on the back of the title. No notary is needed.
- Write the buyer names exactly as they will appear on the title application, joined by AND or OR as on the application.
- Give the buyer a bill of sale with the date, price, names, addresses, vehicle details and both signatures.
Buyer
- Take the assigned title and the bill of sale to a Designated Agent, such as your county license plate office.
- Register within 20 days.
- Pay the title fee, the agent commission and the sales tax.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division before you go: revenue.alabama.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Alabama?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the title.
Sign the assignment on the back. Alabama does not require a notary.
revenue.alabama.gov checkedStep 2 · Seller
Match the names.
The buyer names in the assignment must match the title application exactly, including AND or OR.
revenue.alabama.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Write a bill of sale.
Include buyer and seller names and addresses, the date, the vehicle details and both signatures.
revenue.alabama.gov checked
We have not confirmed whether Alabama requires a bill of sale. Check with the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division before you sell.
Alabama bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Alabama?
Step 1 · Buyer
Go to a Designated Agent.
Your county license plate office, a licensed dealer, or an Alabama bank or credit union.
revenue.alabama.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Register within 20 days.
The title application serves as your permit until the car is registered.
revenue.alabama.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Pay the fees and tax.
The title fee, the agent commission, and state plus local sales tax.
revenue.alabama.gov checked
After ALDOR processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Alabama guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in Alabama · Steps to buy a car in Alabama
- Alabama bill of saleWhen you need one and what to include
- Replace a lost title in AlabamaReplacement title (MVT 12-1)
- Car title after a death in AlabamaThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in Alabama?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title application fee | $15 | Buyer | revenue.alabama.gov Checked |
| Designated agent commission | $1.50 | Buyer | revenue.alabama.gov Checked |
| Sales tax | 2% state, plus local rates | Buyer | revenue.alabama.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $16.50 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Alabama Department of Revenue.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Alabama are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Application for Replacement Title (MVT 12-1).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
Does an Alabama title need a notary?
No. Alabama does not require the title assignment to be notarized.
revenue.alabama.gov checked
Who is a Designated Agent?
A county license plate office, a licensed Alabama dealer, or an Alabama bank or credit union.
revenue.alabama.gov checked
Do the names have to match?
Yes. The buyer names in the assignment must match the title application exactly, including "AND" or "OR".
revenue.alabama.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Alabama sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.