Which vehicles are required to be titled in Alabama:

Every motor vehicle not more than 35 model years old, which is domiciled in Alabama and is required to be registered in Alabama, is required to have an Alabama certificate of title. Travel trailers and folding and collapsible camping trailers not more than 20 model years old are required to have an Alabama certificate of title. Manufactured homes not more than 20 model years old are also required to be titled.

DEFINITIONS: The term motor vehicle shall include every automobile, motorcycle, mobile trailer, semitrailer, truck, truck tractor, trailer and other device that is self-propelled or drawn, in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public highway except such as is moved by animal power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks. Every trailer coach and travel trailer manufactured upon a chassis or undercarriage as an integral part thereof drawn by a self-propelled vehicle.

EXCLUSIONS: No Alabama certificate of title shall be obtained for:

(a) A motor vehicle more than 35 model years old, trailer or manufactured home more than 20 model years old.

(b) A vehicle owned by the United States or any agency thereof.

(c) A vehicle owned by a manufacturer or dealer and held for sale, even though incidentally moved on the highway or used for the purpose of testing or demonstration, or a vehicle used by a manufacturer solely for testing.

(d) A vehicle owned by a non-resident of Alabama and not required by law to be registered in Alabama.

(e) A vehicle moved solely by animal power.

(f) An implement of husbandry.

(g) Special mobile equipment.

(h) A pole trailer.

(i) ATVs.

(j) Snowmobiles.

(k) Off road vehicles.

(l) Junked vehicles.

(m) Boats.

(n)Mobile homes, travel trailers, and mobile trailers designated 1993 year models and prior year models.

(o) Utility trailers. A utility trailer is a vehicle without motive power designed to be drawn by a passenger car or pickup truck.

(p) A folding or collapsible camping trailer more than 20 model years old.

(q) A vehicle for which the Alabama license plate issuing official has verified that the current owner or operator is recorded as the owner or operator on a currently effective certificate of title issued by another state and the certificate of title is being held by the recorded lienholder.

(r) A motor-driven cycle is defined as every motorcycle, including every motor scooter, with a motor which produces not to exceed five brake horsepower nor to exceed 150 cubic centimeter engine displacement, and weighs less than 200 pounds fully equipped, and every bicycle with motor attached.

Where to apply for an Alabama certificate of title:

Applications for Alabama certificate of title must be made through a Designated Agent of the Department. Designated Agents include: County License Plate Issuing Officials, licensed Alabama motor vehicle dealers, and financial institutions located in Alabama such as banks and credit unions. An application for replacement title can be submitted directly to the Alabama Department of Revenue by the recorded owner(s) or lienholder.

What is the cost to apply for a certificate of title:

The title application fee is $15.00 for each application for Alabama certificate of title for a motor vehicle. The title application fee is $20.00 for each application for Alabama certificate of title for a manufactured home. Designated agents shall add the sum of $1.50 as the commission for each application processed. License Plate Issuing Officials may also collect an additional $1.50 commission for each application processed to defray the cost of processing and mailing title applications. Certain counties may also have local fees which are due when an application for title is processed by that License Plate Issuing Official. Please contact the License Plate Issuing Official to determine if any local fees apply.

What documents are required to apply for a certificate of title?

An applicant for Alabama certificate of title must surrender the following documents to the designated agent in order to complete an application for Alabama certificate of title: (a) the outstanding manufacturer's certificate of origin or certificate of title that is either in the applicant's name or assigned to the applicant and any documents which support the transfer of the vehicle to the applicant; (b) if the vehicle is currently registered in a jurisdiction which does not title such vehicles, the applicant must surrender the outstanding registration documents which substantiate ownership of the vehicle. Additional documentation may be required if it cannot be determined whether the vehicle meets federal and state safety, emissions and antitheft standards.