Other Alabama Registrations: Motorcycles, Boats, and More

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Those wanting to register a motorcycle, boat, or something else will complete the steps for other Alabama registrations which we detail in this guide. Getting these items titled and registered is essential if you take them on state roads, waterways, and in-between.

Follow along in the sections below for your vehicle type.

Registering a Motorcycle in Alabama

Follow these steps to register a motorcycle in Alabama:

  1. Obtain the motorcycle’s title: If you’ve just purchased the motorcycle, you’ll need to make sure you have the title transferred to your name. If you’re not sure how to do this, contact the seller or your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for guidance.
  2. Get insurance: Alabama law requires that all motorcycles on the road carry liability insurance. Contact an insurance company and obtain proof of insurance, which you will need to present when registering your motorcycle.
  3. Gather your documents: When you’re ready to register your motorcycle, you’ll need to bring the following documents to your local county probate court office:
    • The motorcycle’s title, signed over to you
    • Proof of insurance
    • A form of government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license
  4. Pay the registration fee: The cost to register a motorcycle in Alabama varies based on the motorcycle’s weight and year. You can check the fee schedule on the Alabama Department of Revenue website to find out how much you’ll need to pay. When you go to the probate court office to register your motorcycle, you’ll need to bring payment for the registration fee.
  5. Receive your license plate and registration sticker: After you’ve completed the registration process and paid the fee, you’ll receive a license plate and registration sticker to affix to your motorcycle. You’ll need to renew your registration annually to keep your motorcycle legal on the road.

Keep in mind that some counties in Alabama may have slightly different registration requirements, so it’s a good idea to check with your local probate court office to make sure you have all the necessary documents and information.

Alabama Motorcycle Registration Fees & Taxes

You will pay fees for registration and title at the DPS. The costs will be:

  • $15: application fee
  • $15: registration fee
  • $10: vintage motorcycle registration
  • $15: late registration fee
  • Local county taxes and surcharges: varies by county

Registering a Boat in Alabama

Not every vessel in Alabama requires registration. If you possess a vessel of any of these types, you must register it at the DPS:

  • Sailboats
  • Boats for hire
  • Mechanically propelled vessels

To register a boat in Alabama, you must do so within three days of you purchasing the new vessel. For a used boat, you have 15 days if it is registered in Alabama. If the boat is registered out-of-state, then before you begin to use it.

To register a boat in Alabama, you need to provide the following documents:

  1. A completed Application for Vessel Certificate of Number (Form MVT 5-9)
  2. Proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or manufacturer’s statement of origin
  3. Payment for the registration fee
  4. A hull identification number (HIN) inspection certificate, if the boat is used and does not already have a HIN

You can register your boat in person at your local county probate court office or online through the Alabama Department of Revenue’s online registration portal. Once you have completed the registration process and paid the fee, you will receive a registration number and decal to affix to your boat.

DPS Boat Registration & Fees

At the DPS, you must pay the associated fees in regard to your boat. The fees are:

  • Title: $10
  • Duplicate title: $7
  • Change of Motor: $10
  • Registration of boat (16ft or less): $32
  • Registration of boat (16ft – 20ft) $36
  • Registration of boat (20ft – 40ft): $42
  • Registration of boat (40ft+): $50

Registering a Trailer in Alabama

If you want to register a trailer in the state of Alabama, you’ll start by filling out the Certificate of Title (Form MVT 5-10). Next, you’ll provide proof of ownership, and then pay the title and registration fee. The fee is dependent on the size and weight of the trailer. Also, you’ll need a certificate of inspection from the Alabama Department of Revenue, if the trailer weighs over 2,000 pounds.

You can register your trailer in person at your local county probate court office or online through the Alabama Department of Revenue’s online registration portal. Once you have completed the registration process and paid the fees, you will receive a license plate and registration decal to affix to your trailer. It’s important to note that the process may differ slightly depending on the specific county in Alabama, so it’s a good idea to contact your local probate court office or the Alabama Department of Revenue for guidance on the specific requirements and fees.

Other Alabama Vehicle Registrations – RVs & Motorhomes

The process of registering a recreational vehicle and motorhome is the same as registering a car. So, if you own either vehicle, follow the process as if you were registering your car.