Selling or junking a car in Alabama

How do I sign over a car title in Alabama?

The seller signs the assignment on the back of the title. Alabama does not require the assignment to be notarized. Any alteration or erasure voids the assignment, so don't correct mistakes by hand; errors in an assignment are fixed with form MVT 5-7. The seller must certify the odometer reading in the assignment, and the buyer's title application must match it exactly. Under federal rules, model-year 2011 and newer vehicles need an odometer disclosure until they are 20 model years old.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in Alabama?

A titled vehicle must be sold with a properly assigned title. If the title is lost, get a replacement before selling. Motor vehicles more than 35 model years old cannot be titled in Alabama, so no title is required for them. A vehicle branded junk, parts car, parts only, nonrebuildable or certificate of destruction cannot be rebuilt and is good only for parts. Dismantlers, recyclers and crushers located outside Alabama report a junk, parts-only or scrap vehicle on form MVT 5-48 and must send the certificate of title with it.

How do I get a duplicate title in Alabama?

The titled owner or recorded lienholder can apply online through ADOR's Public Title Portal, or at a county license plate office or other designated agent. The ADOR fee is $15 and is non-refundable. Agents add a $1.50 commission, county plate officials may add another $1.50, and local fees may also apply.

Do I need to file a release of liability in Alabama?

ADOR does not list a notice-of-sale or release-of-liability filing for private sellers. Protect yourself by removing your plate (see plates) and keeping a signed bill of sale.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Alabama?

Plates stay with the seller. The registrant must remove them when the vehicle is sold or disposed of. They may be transferred to another vehicle the owner acquires; ask the county license plate office.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Alabama?

Code §32-8-49(a)(2) requires ADOR to suspend or revoke a title once the vehicle has been scrapped, dismantled or destroyed. Form MVT 5-48 (Notice of Junk, Parts Only or Scrap Vehicle) is used by out-of-state buyers that dismantle or crush vehicles, and it must include the title. A vehicle is a salvage (total loss) vehicle when damage is 75% or more of its fair retail value. Vehicles branded junk, parts only, nonrebuildable or certificate of destruction cannot be rebuilt.

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in Alabama?

A vehicle becomes unclaimed when it stays on private property more than 48 hours without the property owner's consent, or when it is left for repairs and not picked up within 48 hours. The holder must report it in ADOR's Unclaimed/Abandoned portal within 5 calendar days, which puts a 60-day hold on the title record. The holder then runs an NMVTIS check, sends certified notice to the owner and lienholders, and posts a public auction notice. The vehicle can be sold 35 days after the auction notice. The portal generates the bill of sale used to apply for a title.

Official sources

1. ADOR FAQ: What vehicles are required to be titled in Alabama?
2. ADOR FAQ: Is the assignment of an MSO or title required to be notarized?
3. ADOR Form MVT 5-7 Affidavit to Correct an Assignment (alteration voids assignment)
4. ADOR FAQ: How do I apply for a replacement title?
5. ADOR FAQ: Cost of an Alabama certificate of title application
6. ADOR FAQ: Does the license plate remain on the vehicle when sold?
7. ADOR FAQ category: Titles (odometer in assignment)
8. ADOR FAQ category: Salvage vehicles and rebuilt inspections
9. ADOR Form MVT 5-48 Notice of Junk, Parts Only or Scrap Vehicle
10. ADOR Unclaimed/Abandoned Motor Vehicle Law and Procedures
11. NHTSA Consumer Alert: Changes to Odometer Disclosure Requirements

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR), Motor Vehicle Division before you sell.