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How do I obtain an Alabama Motor Vehicle Dealer License?
Applications for an Alabama dealer regulatory license must be submitted to the department electronically. Click here to apply: https://mvlicense.mvtrip.alabama.gov/ Upon submission of the license application, a transmittal sheet will be provided that lists which documents must be mailed to the department.
Note: If there are outstanding liabilities resulting from penalty assessments for license plates, licenses will not be renewed.
Who is required to be licensed?
All new and used motor vehicle dealers, including motorcycle and trailer dealers (excluding trailers not subject to titling), wholesale dealers, and rebuilders. Section 40-12-391, Code of Alabama 1975
What are the dealer license fees?
(Off-site sales licenses must be purchased at least 1 calendar day prior to sale.)
Note: Persons engaged in reconditioning vehicles are required to purchase a rebuilder license.
Are you required to be an Alabama resident to apply for an Alabama dealer regulatory license?
Yes, the applicant must have a place of business in Alabama. Please click on the link below for a list of documents that are acceptable.
https://revenue.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/810-5-12-.01.pdf
What are the bonding requirements?
All licensees are required to submit to the department a continuous bond in the amount of $25,000. All new and used dealers are required by law to become designated agents of the department. The dealer bond also satisfies the designated agent bonding requirement. (Section 40-12-398, Code of Alabama 1975)
What are the insurance requirements?
Each dealer must maintain blanket liability insurance coverage for all vehicles owned or associated with the business. Minimum insurance limits are:
(Section 40-12-392, Code of Alabama 1975)
Where do I get the forms to complete? (bond and insurance form)
You can only obtain the bond and insurance form by applying for a dealer license.
What is the processing time for a dealer license?
Processing time is 7-14 business days from when the documents are received by our Department.
Can I bring my dealer license application to the MVD office and get the license the same day?
You are more than welcome to visit the MVD office and complete your application using our kiosk. However, same day service is not guaranteed.
When will my license be mailed?
Licenses are not mailed. When your application has been approved, you will receive an email instructing you to login to the system and print your license.
How do I reprint my license?
To print or reprint your license, login to the MV license system with your username which is the first 7 digits of your license number without the dashes and your password, click on “My Application” then go to “Docs” and click on the printer icon, then you will click on download or reprint the license.
What do I need to do if I move from my licensed location?
Motor vehicle dealers must electronically update their dealer license information using the Motor Vehicle License Portal. A new insurance certificate must be provided for the new location. Retail dealers must also furnish photographs of the new location and signage.
Is there a charge for each location?
The primary location is included in the license fee. There is a $5.00 charge per additional location. (Section 40-12-395, Code of Alabama 1975)
Is there a fee for making a change to my regulatory license?
A $5 fee is only required when additional locations are added to the license. Also, if the business relocates outside of the county in which the original license is based, the licensee will have to complete a new application and submit a $25 fee. (Section 40-12-395, Code of Alabama 1975)
What are the requirements for an off-site license?
Are all dealers required to be a designated agent?
All retail dealers that are selling to public are required to become a designated agent. Wholesale dealers are not required to become a designated agent.
How do I become a designated agent?
Designated Agent Qualification Requirements:
Is the ALTS training class required for new dealers?
Yes, all new companies are required to attend the ALTS class if you are retail dealer.
Do I have to attend the ALTS class if I am the owner or can I send someone else to attend the ALTS training class?
Any representative of the designated agent can attend. Please ensure that the representative brings a copy of your banking information and your designated certificate or the designated agent number.
How much does it cost to attend the ALTS training class?
There is no cost to attend the class.
When is the next ALTS training class?
Please go the website link below for the next available ALTS training class.
What is my username? (for dealer license renewals only)
Your username is the first seven (7) digits of your license number without the dashes.
What is my password? (for dealer license renewals only)
Passwords are not stored in our system, please click on “Reset Password” an email will be sent with a temporary password and you will be prompt to change it when you logon. You can also click on “forgot password” if security questions have been answered.
How do I obtain an Alabama Dealer, Dealer Transit and Manufacturer License Plate?
After the dealer license has been obtained, the dealer must visit the county licensing office to purchase the appropriate privilege license(s) (Sections 40-12-51, 40-12-62, or 40-12-169). Dealer license plates and manufactured license plates are purchased from the license plate official in the county in which the dealer is licensed to conduct business. The Manufacturer must present their Section 87 license in order to purchase manufacturer license plates.
Who qualifies for each type of license plate?
Dealer and motorcycle dealer plates may be obtained by licensed new and used motor vehicle dealers. Dealer transit and motorcycle dealer transit plates may be obtained by motor vehicle wholesalers, rebuilders, and new and used motor vehicle dealers. Manufacturer plates may be obtained by manufacturers of private passenger automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, truck tractors, or trailers, if the manufacturing facility is located in Alabama. (Section 40-12-264, Code of Alabama 1975)
Are there any restrictions on the number of dealer, dealer transit and manufacturer plates that can be obtained?
Dealer and motorcycle dealer plate restrictions:
Dealer transit and motorcycle dealer transit plate restrictions:
There are no limitations on the number of manufacturer and motorcycle manufacturer plates that can be purchased by manufacturers. (Section 40-12-264, Code of Alabama 1975)
What are the fees associated with the plates?
These fees cannot be refunded or prorated.
Who may legally operate vehicles displaying dealer plates?
Are there limitations on the types of vehicles the plates may be used upon?
If the dealer charges customers a fee for the uses above, dealer plates cannot be displayed on the vehicle.
New or used and wholesale dealers may display standard plates on vehicles in a dealer’s inventory.
Ad valorem tax is not due when this occurs. (Section 40-12-264, Code of Alabama 1975)
Who may legally operate vehicles displaying dealer transit plates?
If the dealer, rebuilder, or wholesaler license is revoked or forfeited, all dealer/dealer transit plates shall be returned to the license plate issuing official within 10 calendar days.
What are permissible uses of dealer transit plates?
If the dealer, rebuilder, or wholesaler license is revoked or forfeited, all dealer/dealer transit plates shall be returned to the license plate issuing official within 10 calendar days.
What are the prohibited uses of dealer and dealer transit plates?
Lost, stolen, mutilated or damaged dealer and dealer transit plates?
If a dealer, dealer transit, or manufacturer license plate is lost or stolen, this fact must be reported to law enforcement and a report maintained for audit purposes.
If a plate becomes mutilated to the point that it is illegible, the plate must be returned to the licensing official, and a replacement plate will be issued upon payment of the appropriate fee.
(Section 40-12-265, Code of Alabama 1975)
If a dealer withdrawn a vehicle from inventory, the licensed dealer shall purchase an Alabama license plate and register the vehicle.
Motor vehicle dealer, dealer transit, motorcycle dealer, motorcycle dealer transit, and manufacturer license plates may not be used in lieu of regular issued license plates as a means of avoiding registration and ad valorem tax requirements.