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What documents will I need to make application for Alabama certificate of title?

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: (a) 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; (b) 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.

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.

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.

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.

Applications for Alabama certificate of title must be made through a Designated Agent of the Department. Designated Agents include: County License Plate Issuing Officials, licensed Alabama motor vehicle dealers, and financial institutions located in Alabama such as banks and credit unions.

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.

To correct an error on the face of an Alabama title, the owner or lienholder of record, must make application for a new certificate of title through a designated agent. Designated agents must submit the Application for Corrected title, the current certificate of title, and a statement on letterhead that supports the corrections requested on the title application to the department for processing. An MVT 5-7, Affidavit to Correct an Assignment on a Certificate of Title, cannot be used to correct information recorded on the face of the AL title.

To correct an error in a title assignment, the MVT 5-7 Affidavit to Correct an Assignment on a Certificate of Title must be completed and submitted with the title application.

See Administrative Rule: 810-5-75-.39 Corrections to Title Documents, for more details.