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View All Title Applications, Titles FAQs

How do I apply for title if the owner is deceased?

If transfer involves a deceased owner and owner’s estate has been or will be probated, then the individual signing on behalf of deceased owner’s estate must provide copy of letters testamentary or letters of administration issued by the probate court.

If transfer involves a deceased owner and owner’s estate has not and will not be probated, then the individual signing on behalf of deceased owner’s estate must provide a Next of Kin Affidavit (MVT 5-6) and a copy of the deceased owner’s death certificate.

See Administrative Rule: 810-5-75-.09 Transfer of Title For A Vehicle From A Deceased Owner, for more details.

If transfer involves a deceased owner and owner’s estate has been or will be probated, then the individual signing on behalf of deceased owner’s estate must provide copy of letters testamentary or letters of administration issued by the probate court.

If transfer involves a deceased owner and owner’s estate has not and will not be probated, then the individual signing on behalf of deceased owner’s estate must provide a Next of Kin Affidavit (MVT 5-6) and a copy of the deceased owner’s death certificate.

See Administrative Rule: 810-5-75-.09 Transfer of Title For A Vehicle From A Deceased Owner, for more details.

Related FAQs in Title Applications, Titles

ALDOR’s titling system, ALVIN, features a VIN decoder that populates this information.

However, there will be occasion where it will not be pre-populated. Sometimes it will populate the information after a vehicle trim is selected.

It is recommended to look up the vehicle year, make, model, and specifications in a Google-type search to see if you are able to find the unladen weight or GVWR.

Another alternative is the NHTSA VIN decoder (https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/). It will sometimes provide this information for vehicles.

If all else fails and you still can’t determine the unladen weight, then you can enter the same amount as was entered or pre-populated for the GVWR.

Yes, the lienholder’s name on the title application must agree exactly with the lienholder’s name provided on the back of the MSO or title.

The name of the owner(s) to be shown on the application for certificate of title must be the current legal name of the owner(s) of the motor vehicle, manufactured home, or vessel for which a certificate of title is requested. Owner name(s) on the title application must agree with the name on supporting documents. The seller information listed on the title application must agree with supporting documents.

In lieu of handprinted names and signatures, an electronic signature is acceptable when authorized by the department.

See Administrative Rule: 810-5-75-.40 Requirements for Names and Signatures on Title Applications, Title Assignments, and Motor Vehicle Registrations, for more details.

An applicant for Alabama certificate of title must surrender the following documents to the designated agent in order to complete an application for Alabama certificate of title:

  • the outstanding manufacturer’s certificate of origin or certificate of title that is either in the applicant’s name or assigned to the applicant and any documents which support the transfer of the vehicle to the applicant;
  • if the vehicle is currently registered in a jurisdiction which does not title such vehicles, the applicant must surrender the outstanding registration documents which substantiate ownership of the vehicle.

Additional documentation may be required if it cannot be determined whether the vehicle meets federal and state safety, emissions and anti-theft standards.

The title application fee is $15 for each application for Alabama certificate of title for a motor vehicle.

The title application fee is $20 for each application for Alabama certificate of title for a manufactured home.

Designated agents shall add the sum of $1.50 as the commission for each application processed.

License Plate Issuing Officials may also collect an additional $1.50 commission for each application processed to defray the cost of processing and mailing title applications. Certain counties may also have local fees which are due when an application for title is processed by that License Plate Issuing Official. Please contact the County License Plate Issuing Official to determine if any local fees apply.

The titled owner(s) or recorded lienholder can apply for a replacement title online by using the Public Title Portal. Once the title application is complete, it can be electronically uploaded and submitted for payment. The application fee is $15 and is non-refundable. The electronic application must be submitted to ALDOR for processing and review.

In addition, an application for replacement title can be processed by any designated agent.