How to Transfer a Car Title in Alabama: Step-by-Step
How to Transfer a Car Title in Alabama: Step-by-Step
The Alabama Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will title and register your car. But before you run off to the MVD, you must gather some documents to make the process go smoothly. Also, you must bring the vehicle at the time of titling it. You can title a car purchase in state or out of state if you can provide the documents required by the MVD.
Alabama Title Transfer For Used Cars
When you purchase a car in Alabama, to title, it will depend from whom you bought the car. A car dealership will submit all the documents to the MVD. However, if you purchase the car from a private vendor, you must submit the appropriate documents to the MVD.
Car Dealer Purchase
When you buy a used or new car from a dealership, the cost usually incorporates the title and registration fees. For this reason and after completing the sale, the dealer will forward all the necessary documents for the Alabama title transfer and registration. Some dealers can process the title transfer right away.
Private Seller Purchase
To do an Alabama title transfer from a private seller, you must:
- Have the seller assign the title certificate to you
- Obtain a bill of sale and notarize it
The bill of sale must include:
- Names and addresses of both seller and buyer
- Date of sale
- Vehicle description:
- VIN
- Car make
- Model
- Year
- Series number
- Body type
- Odometer reading at the sale
- Notarized signature of seller
Alabama Title Transfer for Inherited Vehicles
After getting a car from a family member or estate, to do an Alabama title transfer, you must submit some documents to the MVD. The required documents will include:
- A completed title certificate
- A completed Affidavit for Assignment of Title for a Vehicle From a Deceased Owner Whose Estate Does Not Require Probate
- Pay the appropriate fee
Alabama Title Transfer For Gifted Vehicles
To title a gifted car, the process is the same as buying a car. The gifter will act as the seller and the receiver as the buyer.
Once the certificate of title is signed, you can submit it and the fee to the MVD for your new title.
Alabama Title Transfer Fees
The MVD has fees associated with a title transfer. The MVD will only collect the fee if all the necessary documents are submitted. So, the Alabama transfer title fees are:
- Title application: $15
- Duplicate title: $15
- Processing fee: $1.50
Alabama Title Replacement
You can replace a lost or stolen title by applying for a duplicate title. When you apply:
- Complete Application for Replacement Title
- Make check or money order to the Alabama Department of Revenue
- Pay fee
