Alabama Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Car Title In Alabama

Do you need to know how to transfer a car title in Alabama? If you are buying or selling a car in the state, this FAQ will provide you with the information needed to transfer ownership of the vehicle in question.

While all sales of cars in Alabama are reported to the Alabama Department of Revenue, it is your County Office that handles all the transactions for drivers licenses, registrations, and titles.

When you need assistance, call the County Office that you live in for answers that are accurate to your situation.

What Is A Car Title?

The car title is the document that declares legal ownership of a car, truck, boat, motorhome, and even mobile homes. It tracks the ownership of the vehicle by using the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number to maintain a unique file for that automobile.

The title is issued to the current owner of the vehicle or to the financial institution if there is a loan on the car.

What Title Transfer Forms Do I Need?

When buying or selling a car in Alabama, the title must be transferred to the new owner. Both parties must fill out the transfer of ownership on the title and fill out the Application for Replacement Title.

Bring the Application and the original title to the County Office where the new owner resides along with:

• Proof of Alabama auto insurance.
• Driver’s license of the new owner.
• Proof of residency.
• Payment for fees and applicable taxes.

Make sure to fill out the VIN, odometer reading, sale price and date when completing the title transfer forms. Every person that is listed as owner on the original title must sign and print their name for the sale to be valid.

If the buyer wishes to have more than one name on the new title, all parties must sign and print their names.

Where To Apply For A Title Transfer In Alabama

You will need to complete the transfer at the County Office. It is best for both the buyer and seller to be present to avoid any problems with incomplete or inaccurate paperwork.

Call your office or check their website for hours of operation. In more rural towns the office might close for lunch or road tests.

Alabama Online Title Transfer Options

Can I complete an online title transfer in the state of Alabama?

While there is an electronic titling system in Alabama, it is only available to financial institutions who provide auto loans and authorized car dealerships.

If you are purchasing a vehicle from a private party, you have to complete the title transfer in person.

Required Title Transfer Documents In Alabama

Do I need to bring the car to the county office when transferring the title?

If the car has never been registered or titled in Alabama, it must be inspected when it is titled the first time. You do not need to present the car for inspection if it is simply being titled in a different county.

How Much Does It Cost When Transferring A Car Title In Alabama?

There is a title fee of $18 plus sales tax calculated on the purchase price of the car.

The current rates are 2.6% for private sales and 3.1% for dealer sales. Your local county may assess usage fees or other service fees. You will be paying for registration and plates at the same time.

Check with your county office for accepted forms of payment. They may require a cashiers check or credit card or only accept cash and checks.

What To Do When You Make a Mistake On The Title Transfer Application

It is very important that the VIN, odometer reading, and personal information listed on the title and title application are 100% accurate. If you make a mistake on the original title, do not try to erase it or use white out.

Bring the document to the County Office for assistance. You may have to file for a duplicate title and wait for it to arrive to continue with the transfer.

How Many Days Do I Have To Transfer The Title When Buying a Car?

You must apply for a new title and register the car within 20 days of purchase.

Alabama DMV Hours And Contact Information

If you have more questions about how to transfer a car title in Alabama, call your local county office or check out their website for more information.

For more information on questions specific to your title transfer scenario, clarification on the title transfer process in the state of Alabama, or for AL DMV hours and to find the DMV location nearest to you, visit the official Alabama Law Enforcement Agency website by clicking here.

Common Questions About Alabama Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of Alabama.