Vehicles/RVs/Trailers Subject to Titling

Alabama titles vehicles or RVs that are not more than 35 years old. With the exception of utility trailers, Alabama titles trailers (including travel/folding/collapsible camping trailers) that are not more than 20 years old.

Fees

  • Vehicle/RV/Trailer title application (including replacements): $18.00
  • Lien Release title application: $3.00

Helpful Links

What do I do if I lost my title?
The owner(s) may come in to one of our offices to apply for a replacement title. Please bring the VIN of the vehicle and driver license(s).

The owner(s) may apply for a replacement title online via the Department of Revenue.

What do I do if I lost my title and there was a lien on the vehicle?
If the lost title had a lien on it, you will need to bring with you (or mail with the Replacement Title Application) a lien release letter from the lienholder.

Seller’s Signature Requirements
The proper assignment of title by the registered owner or selling dealer is a necessary part of the transfer of a vehicle. The signature of the seller must meet the Revenue Department’s requirements for transfer of title.  Seller must sign exactly as name shown on face of title e.g. Blackwood James M on face of title should sign legal signature as James M. Blackwood.  However, James Marshall Blackwood is also an acceptable signature.  The listing of Davis Wm T on face of title should sign legal signature as William T. Davis.

Buyer’s Name and Signature Requirements
The signature of owner must be the individual owner signature or a Power of Attorney

  • If joint ownership is reflected as and, then BOTH owners must sign the title/title application. If joint ownership is reflected as or, then only one owner must sign the title/title application. If joint ownership is reflected as and/or, then only one owner must sign the title/title application.
  • No more than two owners shall be listed on an application for certificate of title.

A title has one owner, who is now deceased, how do I transfer the title?

  • The title must be changed out of the deceased owner’s name.
  • If the owner had a will that was or will be probated, the executor/administrator must provide a copy of the Letter of Testamentary and sign as seller in place of the owner. The name of the executor/administrator on the Letter of Testamentary must be printed exactly the same on the title.
  • If the owner did not have a will or had a will that will not be probated, the next of kin must complete the Affidavit for a Vehicle with a Deceased Owner form and supply a copy of the death certificate for the owner. The next of kin will sign as seller in place of the deceased owner.

A title has two owners joined by and, one is now deceased, how do I transfer the title?

  • The deceased owner’s name must be removed from the title.
  • If the owner had a will that was or will be probated, the executor/administrator of the estate must provide a copy of the Letter of Testamentary and sign as seller in place of the deceased owner. The name of the executor/administrator on the Letter of Testamentary must be printed exactly the same on the title.
  • If the owner did not have a will or had a will that will not be probated, the next of kin must complete the Affidavit for a Vehicle with a Deceased Owner form and supply a copy of the death certificate for the owner. The next of kin will sign as seller in place of the deceased owner.

A title has two owners joined by or, one is now deceased, how do I transfer the title?

  • The deceased owner’s right to the vehicle is now forfeited to the surviving owner.
  • The surviving owner does not have to transfer the title into only their name; the title can be left as is.
  • If the surviving owner wants to remove the deceased owner’s name from the title, then they must bring the title and a copy of the death certificate to one of our offices.

  • Beginning October, 2015, Act 2015-362 requires that any change to the owner’s legal name (marriage, divorce, court order, etc.) must be reflected on a new Alabama title before registration renewal of the motor vehicle.
  • You must bring appropriate documents that support the name change.

How do I add a lien to my vehicle?

  • If the lienholder is an Alabama Designated Agent, then they must add the lien to your title.
  • If the lienholder is not an Alabama Designated Agent, then the owner(s) must bring the title and lienholder information to our office.

I recently paid off my vehicle. How do I remove the lien from my title?

  • The owner(s) must bring the title and lien release letter, if applicable, to our office in order to remove the lien.