Alabama allows vehicle owners to transfer an existing license plate from one vehicle to another when purchasing a replacement vehicle. Because Alabama license plates belong to the registered owner rather than the vehicle itself, plates must be removed when a vehicle is sold, traded, or otherwise transferred. Plate transfers are handled through county license plate issuing offices and are one of the most affordable registration transactions in the state, with a state transfer fee of just $1.25 plus any applicable county charges.
Does Alabama Allow License Plate Transfers?
Yes. Alabama law permits license plate transfers between vehicles of the same registration class that are owned by the same person. If you sell your current vehicle and purchase another vehicle that qualifies for the same registration classification, you can typically transfer your existing plate rather than obtaining a completely new one.
The transfer allows you to continue using the registration for the remainder of the current registration period without purchasing another standard plate.
Who Handles Plate Transfers in Alabama?
Unlike states that operate through a centralized DMV, Alabama processes vehicle registration transactions through county licensing offices. Depending on where you live, your plate transfer may be handled by the county probate judge, license commissioner, revenue commissioner, or another county licensing authority.
Because procedures and office hours can vary by county, it is a good idea to contact your local office before visiting.
Step 1: Remove the Plate From the Vehicle You Are Selling
Alabama license plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. When ownership changes, the plate must be removed before the buyer takes possession of the vehicle.
Leaving your plate on a sold vehicle can create significant problems because citations, registration issues, and other enforcement actions may continue to be associated with your plate number.
If you intend to transfer the plate to another vehicle, keep it in your possession until the transfer is completed.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
Before visiting your county office, collect all necessary ownership and registration documents for both vehicles.
Most Alabama counties require:
- Valid Alabama driver’s license or state ID
- Current registration for the plate being transferred
- Title for the newly acquired vehicle
- Bill of sale or purchase documentation
- Proof of Alabama liability insurance
- The physical plate being transferred
- Payment for transfer fees
Additional documentation may be required if the vehicle was inherited, received as a gift, or purchased from an out-of-state seller.
Step 3: Visit Your County License Plate Issuing Office
Plate transfers must generally be completed in person. During the visit, county officials will verify ownership, confirm insurance coverage, review vehicle classification, and update registration records.
If the replacement vehicle qualifies for the same registration class as the vehicle being replaced, the transfer is usually completed quickly.
Step 4: Pay the Transfer Fee
Alabama charges a state transfer fee of $1.25. Counties may also collect additional local issuance fees depending on where the vehicle is registered.
If the replacement vehicle falls into a higher registration classification, you may be required to pay a prorated difference in registration fees for the remainder of the registration year.
Step 5: Update the Registration Record
Once the transfer is approved, the county office updates the vehicle registration record to show that the plate is now assigned to the replacement vehicle.
You may then legally install the plate on the new vehicle and operate it under the updated registration.
If the replacement vehicle requires a different plate classification, the county office may issue a different plate and collect any applicable fee differences.
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a License Plate in Alabama?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| State transfer fee | $1.25 |
| County issuance fee | Varies by county |
| Prorated class difference | If applicable |
| Title fee (new vehicle) | $15.00 plus county charges |
Alabama’s transfer fee is among the lowest in the country, making plate transfers significantly cheaper than purchasing new registration in many situations.
Can You Transfer a Personalized Plate?
Yes. Most personalized and specialty plates can be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same person, provided the replacement vehicle qualifies for the same plate category.
Certain distinctive plates have special transfer provisions involving spouses, children, estates, or inherited vehicles. If you own a specialty plate, contact your county licensing office to verify eligibility before beginning the transfer process.
Can You Transfer a Plate to Another Person?
Generally, no. Alabama license plates are assigned to the registered owner and cannot simply be transferred to another individual.
Limited exceptions exist for certain family transfers involving spouses or children, but standard vehicle sales require the new owner to obtain their own registration and plate.
What Happens If You Sell Your Vehicle and Don’t Buy Another One?
If you sell your vehicle and do not purchase a replacement, you should remove the plate and contact your county licensing office regarding surrender procedures.
Alabama does not provide prorated refunds for unused registration periods. Once registration fees are paid, they are generally nonrefundable.
How Long Do You Have to Transfer a Plate?
Alabama requires newly acquired vehicles to be registered within 20 calendar days of purchase or acquisition.
If you intend to transfer an existing plate, complete the transaction within that period. Missing the deadline can result in a $15 delinquency penalty plus any applicable interest or fees.