Al. Admin. Code r 810-5-1-.247 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Inspections.

(1) All vehicles being titled for the first time in Alabama and all non-titled vehicles being registered for the first time by the license plate issuing official must be physically inspected by the license plate issuing official to ensure that the VIN is properly recorded on the application for certificate of title and/or vehicle registration. The physical inspection requirements do not apply to the following:

• (a) Registration renewals;
• (b) Vehicles registered pursuant to Section 32-6-56, Code of Ala. 1975 (IRP-registered vehicles);
• (d) Vehicles owned by a manufacturer, dealer or wholesaler and held in inventory which are properly registered with dealer, dealer transit or manufacturer license plates;
• (e) Utility trailers are defined in Section 40-12-240, Code of Ala. 1975, and Rule 810-5-1-.240.

(2) License plate issuing officials may appoint a government official located in Alabama or a law enforcement officer as a deputy for the purpose of inspecting a motor vehicle and completing Department of Revenue Form MVT 5-10, Motor Vehicle Inspection by a Government Official. The government official, or law enforcement officer, must verify the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, year, model, body type, number of cylinders, color, and odometer reading of the vehicle by signing the form.

(3) All vehicles must have a unique VIN. It is the registrant's responsibility to ensure that the VIN is permanently affixed to the vehicle. The VIN must be 17 characters for 1981 and later year model motor vehicles, in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Chapter V, Part 565. The VIN is not required to be 17 characters for trailers.

(4) Required ownership documentation for first time registrations for vehicles not required to be title in Alabama is a bill of sale that contains the minimum requirements established in Department of Revenue Administrative Rule 810-5-1-.246. The VIN on the vehicle must be compared to the VIN appearing on the ownership documentation to ensure that the correct vehicle is being registered.

(5) Guidelines on where to locate the VIN on the vehicle:

• (a) Passenger vehicles/pickup trucks – driver’s side windshield or inside driver’s door jamb.
• (b) Motorcycle – on front fork.
• (c) Trailer – on trailer frame or tongue.
• (d) Assembled vehicles – driver’s door jam.
• (e) 1954 and prior year vehicles – inner fender well or driver’s door post. Motor number is to be used as VIN if there is not a VIN plate on the vehicle.

Authors: James Starling, Amy Bright Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§32-8-3(b)(2), 40-2A-7(a)(5). History: New Rule Amended: Filed July 26, 2013; effective August 30, 2013

Al. Admin. Code r 810-5-75-.27 Title Procedure - First Title For A Vehicle Reconstructed With A Glider Kit.

(1) A glider kit is defined as a new vehicle without a power train (engine, transmission, drive train and rear axles). A glider kit comes with a manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MCO) from the manufacturer and may or may not have a conforming seventeen digit vehicle identification number (VIN) and is designed to use a power train (engine, transmission, drive train and rear axles) from an existing vehicle.

(2) The following documents shall accompany the owner’s application for certificate of title:

(a) If the power train for the new glider kit was removed from a year model vehicle that is exempt from titling, the following documents are required:

• (i). Manufacturer's certificate of origin for new glider kit properly assigned to owner.
• (ii). Affidavit stating that the applicant is the recorded owner of the vehicle, from which the power train was removed (including identification of the vehicle by vehicle identification number, year, make, and model), and that there is no lien on the vehicle from which the power train was removed.
• (iii). Copies of the owner’s registration receipts for the last two years covering the vehicle from which the power train was removed. In lieu of copies of the
• registration receipts, the owner may provide printouts of registration records for the vehicle from the state in which the vehicle was registered for the last two years.
• (iv). If the power train was obtained from a vehicle which was not owned by the applicant, a bill-of-sale covering the power train must be attached in lieu of the documents as provided for in subsection 2(a)(3) of this rule. The bill-of-sale shall contain the vehicle identification number, year, make and model of the vehicle from which the power train was removed. If the parts of the power train were purchased individually, a bill-of-sale covering each part must be furnished. The bill-of-sale shall contain the vehicle identification number, if assigned by the manufacturer, of the part.
• (v). Affidavit by the person reconstructing the vehicle stating what was done to reconstruct the vehicle and that said vehicle is now in operable condition.

(b) If the power train for the new glider kit was removed from a year model vehicle that is subject to titling the following supporting documents are required:

• (i). Manufacturer's certificate of origin for new glider kit properly assigned to
• owner.
• (ii). Copy of the certificate of title in the name of the owner for the vehicle from
• which the power train was removed.
• (iii). If the power train was obtained from a vehicle which was not titled in the
• applicant's name, a bill-of-sale covering such power train must be attached in
• lieu of a copy of the certificate of title as provided for in subsection (2)(b)(2) of
• this rule. If the parts of the power train were purchased individually, a bill-of-sale
• covering each part must be furnished. The bill-of-sale shall contain the vehicle
• identification number, if assigned by the manufacturer, of the component part.
• (iv). Affidavit by the person reconstructing the vehicle stating what was done to
• reconstruct the vehicle and that said vehicle is now in operable condition.

(3) The vehicle identification number to be shown on the application for certificate of title shall be the vehicle identification number shown on the manufacturer's certificate of origin issued for the glider kit.

(4) The year, make and model of the vehicle constructed with a glider kit shall be the year, make and model as designated on the manufacturer’s certificate of origin for the glider kit.

(5) Any vehicle constructed with a glider kit shall have the certificate of title branded with the notation “RECONSTRUCTED.” Such brand shall be carried forward to any subsequent certificate of title issued for the vehicle.

Author: Mike Gamble Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§40-2A-7(a)(5), 32-8-3(b)(2), 32-8-35(c), 32-8-39(a)(6). History: Amended: Filed October 23, 2012; effective November 27, 2012.

Al. Admin. Code r 810-5-75-.28 Title Procedure - First Title For Assembled Vehicles.

(1) The term “Department” as used in this regulation shall mean the Department of Revenue of the State of Alabama.

(2) The term “major component” as used in this regulation shall mean the following:

• (a) For passenger vehicles:
  • 1. Motor or engine.
  • 2. Transmission or trans-axle.
  • 3. Trunk floor pan or rear section and roof.
  • 4. Frame or any portion thereof (except frame horn), or, in the case of a unitized body, the supporting structure which serves as the frame, except when it is a part of the trunk floor pan, or rear section and roof.
  • 5. Cowl, firewall, or any portion thereof.
  • 6. Roof assembly.
• (b) For truck, truck type, or bus type vehicles:
  • 1. Motor or engine.
  • 2. Transmission or trans-axle.
  • 3. Frame or any portion thereof (except frame horn), or, in the case of a unitized body, the supporting structure which serves as the frame.
  • 4. Cab.
  • 5. Cowl or firewall or any portion thereof.
  • 6. Roof assembly.
  • 7. Cargo compartment floor panel or passenger compartment floor pan.
• (c) For motorcycles:
  • 1. Engine or motor.
  • 2. Transmission or trans-axle.
  • 3. Frame.
  • 4. Front fork.
  • 5. Crankcase.

(3) VEHICLES ASSEMBLED WITH KITS.

• (a) Before making application for title, the applicant must obtain (available from all County License Plate Issuing Officials and from the Department) and properly complete form MVT 26-3 (Application For Alabama Assigned Vehicle Identification Number).
  NOTE: The vehicle identification number to be shown on form MVT 26-3 shall be the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was removed. The applicant shall deliver completed form MVT 26-3 along with the following supporting documents to the Department.
• (b) Supporting Documents:
  • 1. For kits (1975 or subsequent year model) assembled with chassis or frame from a 1974 or prior model vehicle:
    • (i) Certified manufacturer's certificate of origin for new kit properly assigned to the applicant.
    • (ii) Certified copy of the most recent registration receipt in the applicant’s name for the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was removed, or if the chassis or frame was obtained from a vehicle which was not registered in applicant's name, then a notarized bill-of-sale to the applicant for the chassis or frame must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was obtained.
    • (iii) If any of the major component parts were purchased individually, a notarized bill-of-sale for each component part must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the identifying number (serial number) and trade name of the component part.
    • (iv) A notarized affidavit by the person assembling the vehicle stating what was done to assemble the vehicle and that said vehicle is now in operable condition.
  • 2. For kits (1975 or subsequent year model) assembled with chassis or frame from a 1975 or subsequent year model vehicle:
    • (i) Certified manufacturer's certificate of origin for new kit properly assigned to the applicant.
    • (ii) Outstanding certificate of title (in applicant’s name or assigned to applicant) for the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was removed, or if the chassis or frame was obtained from a vehicle which was not titled in applicant's name or assigned to the applicant and the certificate of title is unavailable, then a notarized bill-of-sale to the applicant for the chassis or frame must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was obtained.
    • (iii) If any of the major component parts were purchased individually, a notarized bill-of-sale for each component part must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the identifying number (serial number) and trade name of the component part.
    • (iv) A notarized affidavit by the person assembling the vehicle stating what was done to assemble the vehicle and that said vehicle is now in operable condition.
• (c) Fee (See Schedule of Fees and Commissions). Upon receipt of a properly completed form MVT 26-3 and the required supporting documents, the Department will issue a vehicle identification number plate which will have an assigned vehicle identification number embossed thereon. The Department will then notify the applicant to bring the assembled vehicle to an inspection station designated by the Department so that the Department can physically inspect the assembled vehicle and, if everything is in order, attach the vehicle identification number plate to the assembled vehicle. The Department and the applicant shall then complete forms MVT 26-4 and MVT 5-1c. The Department will then process forms MVT 5-1c, MVT 26-3, MVT 26-4, and any other required supporting documents and, upon approval, issue a certificate of title with legend “ASSEMBLED”.

(4) VEHICLES (NOT INCLUDING TRAILERS) ASSEMBLED FROM PARTS

• (a) Before making application for title, the applicant must obtain (available from all County License Plate Issuing Officials and from the Department) and properly complete form MVT 26-3 (Application For Alabama Assigned Vehicle Identification Number).
• NOTE: The vehicle identification number to be shown on form MVT 26-3 shall be the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was removed. The applicant shall deliver completed form MVT 26-3 along with the following supporting documents to the Department.
• (b) Supporting Documents:
  • 1. For vehicles assembled with chassis or frame from a 1974 or prior year model vehicle:
    • (i) Certified copy of the most recent registration receipt in the applicant’s name for the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was removed, or if the chassis or frame was obtained from a vehicle which was not registered in applicant's name, then a notarized bill-of-sale to the applicant for the chassis or frame must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was obtained.
    • (ii) If any of the major component parts were purchased individually, a notarized bill-of-sale for each component part must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the identifying number (serial number) and trade name of the component part.
    • (iii) A notarized affidavit by the person assembling the vehicle stating what was done to assemble the vehicle and that said vehicle is now in operable condition.
  • 2. For vehicles assembled with chassis or frame from a 1975 or subsequent year model vehicle:
    • (i) Outstanding certificate of title (in applicant’s name or assigned to applicant) for the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was removed, or if the chassis or frame was obtained from a vehicle which was not titled in applicant's name or assigned to the applicant and the certificate of title is unavailable, then a notarized bill-of-sale to the applicant for the chassis or frame must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was obtained.
    • (ii) If any of the major component parts were purchased individually, a notarized bill-of-sale for each component part must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the identifying number (serial number) and trade name of the component part.
    • (iii) A notarized affidavit by the person assembling the vehicle stating what was done to assemble the vehicle and that said vehicle is now in operable condition.
• (c) Fee (See Schedule of Fees and Commissions). Upon receipt of a properly completed form MVT 26-3 and the required supporting documents, the Department will issue a vehicle identification number plate which will have an assigned vehicle identification number embossed thereon. The Department will then notify the applicant to bring the assembled vehicle to an inspection station designated by the Department so that the Department can physically inspect the assembled vehicle and, if everything is in order, attach the vehicle identification number plate to the assembled vehicle. The Department and the applicant shall then complete forms MVT 26-4 and MVT 5-1c. The Department will then process forms MVT 5-1c, MVT 26-3, MVT 26-4, and any other required supporting documents and, upon approval, issue a certificate of title with legend “ASSEMBLED”.

(5) TRAILERS ASSEMBLED FROM PARTS (FROM ONE OR MORE TRAILERS)

• (a) Before making application for title, the applicant must obtain (available from all County License Plate Issuing Officials and from the Department) and properly complete form MVT 26-3 (Application For Alabama Assigned Vehicle Identification Number).
  NOTE: The vehicle identification number to be shown on form MVT 26-3 shall be the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was removed. The applicant shall deliver completed form MVT 26-3 along with the following supporting documents to the Department.
• (b) Supporting Documents:
  • 1. For trailers assembled with chassis or frame from a 1974 or prior year model vehicle:
    • (i) Certified copy of the most recent registration receipt in the applicant’s name for the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was removed, or if the chassis or frame was obtained from a vehicle which was not registered in applicant's name, then a notarized bill-of-sale to the applicant for the chassis or frame must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was obtained.
    • (ii) If any of the major component parts were purchased individually, a notarized bill-of-sale for each component part must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the identifying number (serial number) and trade name of the component part.
  • 2. For trailers assembled with chassis or frame from a 1975 or subsequent year model vehicle:
    • (i) Outstanding certificate of title (in applicant’s name or assigned to applicant) for the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was removed, or if the chassis or frame was obtained from a vehicle which was not titled in applicant's name or assigned to the applicant and the certificate of title is unavailable, then a notarized bill-of-sale to the applicant for the chassis or frame must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the vehicle identification number of the vehicle from which the chassis or frame was obtained.
    • (ii) If any of the major component parts were purchased individually, a notarized bill-of-sale for each component part must be attached. This bill-of-sale shall contain the identifying number (serial number) and trade name of the component part.
  • 3. A bill-of-sale for each part other than a major component part.
  • 4. A bill-of-sale for materials used in the construction of the vehicle.
  • 5. A notarized affidavit by the person assembling the vehicle stating what was done to assemble the vehicle and that said vehicle is now in operable condition.
• (c) Fee (See Schedule of Fees and Commissions). Upon receipt of a properly completed form MVT 26-3 and the required supporting documents, the Department will issue a vehicle identification number plate which will have an assigned vehicle identification number embossed thereon. The Department will then notify the applicant to bring the assembled vehicle to an inspection station designated by the Department so that the Department can physically inspect the assembled vehicle and, if everything is in order, attach the vehicle identification number plate to the assembled vehicle. The Department and the applicant shall then complete forms MVT 26-4 and MVT 5-1c. The Department will then process forms MVT 5-1c, MVT 26-3, MVT 26-4, and any other required supporting documents and, upon approval, issue a certificate of title with legend “ASSEMBLED”.

(6) TRAILERS ASSEMBLED FROM PARTS - HOMEMADE TRAILERS (NOT MANUFACTURED FROM OTHER TRAILERS)

• (a) Before making application for title, the applicant must obtain (available from all County License Plate Issuing Officials and from the Department) and properly complete form MVT 26-1 (Application For Assigned Vehicle Identification Number For A Homemade Trailer).
• (b) Supporting Documents:
  • 1. A bill-of-sale for each part with the identifying (serial) number (if available) and trade name for that component part listed on the bill-of-sale.
    • 2. A bill-of-sale for materials used in the construction of the vehicle.
• (c) Upon receipt of a properly completed form MVT 26-1 and the required supporting documents, the Department will issue a vehicle identification number plate which will have an assigned vehicle identification number embossed thereon. The Department will then mail the vehicle identification number plate and a partially completed form MVT 26-2 (Assigned Vehicle Identification Number for Homemade Trailer) for the trailer for which the assigned vehicle identification number request was made on form MVT 26-1. The applicant shall affix the vehicle identification number in the manner prescribed on form MVT 26-2 and sign form MVT 26-2. The applicant shall then make application for certificate of title through a designated agent of the Department who shall physically inspect the vehicle. The applicant shall surrender the original MVT 26-2 to the designated agent as a supporting document to accompany the MVT 5-1c (application for certificate of title). Upon the Department’s receipt of forms MVT 5-1c and MVT 26-2, the required fee and any other required supporting documents and, upon approval, the Department will issue a certificate of title with the legend “ASSEMBLED” and the make “HOMEMADE”.

Author: Mike Gamble Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§32-8-1 thru 32-8-88, 32-8-3(b)(2), 40-2A-7(a)(5). History: Amended: Filed October 13, 2000; effective November 17, 2000.

Al. Admin. Code r 810-5-75-.30 Title Procedure - First Title For A Rebuilt Vehicle.
(1) Vehicle owner must first complete an INV 26-15E Form (Application For Inspection of a Salvage Vehicle and Affirmation Supporting Salvage Certificate) and submit to the department. The INV 26-15E properly completed provides the written affirmation by the owner as required by Section 32-8-87 (k), Code of Ala. 1975, by stating the following:

• (a) The actions taken to restore the vehicle to its operating condition which existed prior to the event which caused the salvage certificate to issue.
• (b) Applicant personally inspected the completed vehicle and it complies with all safety requirements set forth by the state of Alabama and any regulations promulgated thereunder.
• (c) The identification numbers of the restored vehicle and its parts have not, to the knowledge of the owner, been removed, destroyed, falsified, altered or defaced.
• (d) The Alabama salvage certificate document or foreign jurisdiction’s salvage certificate of title or equivalent attached to the application has not, to the knowledge of the owner, been forged, falsified, altered or counterfeited.
• (e) All information contained on the application and its attachments is true and correct to the knowledge of the owner.

(2) Supporting Documents:

• (a) The outstanding Alabama or foreign jurisdiction’s salvage certificate of title or equivalent properly assigned to reflect the correct chain of ownership down to and including the applicant.
• (b) In the event of an older year model salvage vehicle coming into Alabama from a jurisdiction where it was not required to be titled, a properly signed and notarized bill-of-sale, which declares the vehicle to be salvage, from the insurance company that declared the vehicle as salvage or from the titled owner, to the salvage buyer, is required. The bill-of-sale must provide a complete vehicle description, including the manufacturer’s identification number.
• (c) A notarized bill of sale for each transfer of the vehicle subsequent to the transfer from the insurance company (if the vehicle is coming into Alabama from a jurisdiction where it was not required to be titled).
• (d) Whenever any major component part as defined in Section 32-8-87(m), Code of Ala. 1975, is replaced and is not that component from the original salvage vehicle, appropriate notarized bill(s)-of-sale, with identifying number of part and trade name of part, for that component is required. Bills-of-sale must also be provided for minor component parts, but are not required to be notarized.
• (e) A copy of the applicant’s regulatory rebuilder’s license to serve as evidence that the owner is a licensed Rebuilder in the state of Alabama. However, where an owner acquires an Alabama salvage certificate of title to his or her own vehicle from an insurance company in settlement of a claim, a prior registration or other document that shows that he or she owned the vehicle prior to the issuance of the salvage title may be submitted in lieu of a rebuilder’s license. In addition, no rebuilder’s license shall be required in such cases where the owner qualifies to apply for an inspection pursuant to Section 32-8-87(r), Code of Ala. 1975.
• (f) When the public vehicle identification number (VIN) plate has been removed from the vehicle the owner must complete an INV 26-3 form (Application for Alabama Assigned Vehicle identification Number). If the identity of the vehicle can be established, the department will issue an assigned VIN plate containing the vehicle identification number that was issued by the manufacturer and affix the plate to the vehicle. Should it not be possible to establish the identity of the vehicle, the department will issue an Alabama assigned vehicle identification number on the VIN plate.
• (g) A notarized statement or a statement on company letterhead must be provided stating in detail all repairs necessary to restore the vehicle, when the application for inspection is for one of the following:
  • 1. Travel Trailer,
  • 2. Semi Trailer, or
  • 3. Moving, collapsible, and folding campers (model years1990 and after) (h) Inspection fee of $75.00 plus title fee of $15, for a total of $90.00.

(3) Upon receipt of a properly completed Form INV 26-15E, the required supporting documents and the required fees, the department’s agent will physically inspect the rebuilt vehicle, and if everything is in order, the department’s agent will proceed as follows:

• (a) Upon inspecting a vehicle for which the Form INV 26-15E (Application for Inspection of a Salvage Vehicle and Affirmation Supporting Salvage Certificate) is received by the department on or after October 1, 1996, as evidenced by the received date stamped on the INV 26-15E by the department, the department’s agent shall, upon the vehicle successfully passing inspection attach to driver’s side door jamb, a secure decal which shall state “Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle - AntiTheft Inspection Passed”.
• (b) Attach Alabama assigned vehicle identification number plate when necessary.
• (c) The department’s agent shall complete Form INV 105 (Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle Secure Decal/Alabama Assigned Vehicle Identification Number) on which both shall certify that the secure decal denoting that the vehicle is a “Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle”, and an Alabama assigned vehicle identification number plate when necessary, have been attached to the vehicle as required.
• (d) The Department’s agent shall complete a Form INV 105 (Completion of Vehicle Inspection) in which the Department’s agent certifies the following:
  • 1. He/she inspected the vehicle and its parts and there is no indication that the VIN of the vehicle or its parts have been removed, altered, defaced, destroyed, or tampered with.
  • 2. The vehicle appears to have been restored to its operating condition which existed prior to the event which caused the salvage certificate to be issued.
  • 3. That neither the vehicle nor any of its component parts are reported stolen with National Crime Information Center and/or the Alabama Criminal Justice Information Center and/or the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System.
    • 4. That the statements on the application for inspection of a salvage vehicle appear to be true and correct.
• (e) The department’s agent shall complete a Form INV 105 and return the Form and INV 105 to the department whereupon approval, an Alabama Certificate of Title will be issued to the owner which shall contain a legend on its face stating that the vehicle has been “REBUILT”.

(4). Each Form INV 26-15 (Application for Inspection of a Salvage Vehicle and Affirmation Supporting Salvage Certificate) received by the department on or after October 1, 1996, as evidenced by the received date stamped on the INV 26-15E by the department, shall result in the ensuing certificate of title containing a legend on its face stating that the vehicle has been “REBUILT”.

(5). Any person who sells, exchanges, delivers, or otherwise transfers any interest in any vehicle for which a salvage title or rebuilt title has been issued shall disclose in writing the existence of this kind of title to the prospective purchaser, recipient in exchange, recipient by donation, or recipient by other act of transfer. The disclosure must be made at the time of or prior to the completion of the sale, exchange, donation, or other act of transfer. The writing shall contain the following in no smaller than 10 point type: “This vehicle’s title contains the designation ‘salvage’ or ‘rebuilt’.”

Author: Mike Gamble Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§32-8-3(a)(2), 32-8-1 thru 32-8-88. History: Amended: Filed January 11, 2011; effective February 15, 2011.

Al. Admin. Code r 810-5-75-.34 Title Obtained Under Surety Bond.

(1) If the department is not satisfied as to the ownership of the vehicle or manufactured home, or that there are no undisclosed security interests in the vehicle or manufactured home, the applicant(s) shall complete an electronic request for an Alabama certificate of title under surety bond (form MVT 10-1A) pursuant to Section 32-8-36 or 32-20-24(2), Code of Ala. 1975. Upon approval of the request for a surety bond, the applicant(s) will be provided a certificate of title surety bond for a motor vehicle or manufactured home (form MVT 10-1), to be completed by the applicant(s) and the insurance company issuing the surety bond.

(2) The standardized amount of the surety bonds shall be as follows:

• (a) Trailers:
  • 1. Less than five (5) model years old - $25,000
  • 2. Five (5) model years old but less than ten (10) model years old – $10,000
  • 3. Ten (10) or more model years old - $5,000
• (b) Passenger vehicles and pickup trucks:
  • 1. Less than five (5) model years old - $50,000
  • 2. Five (5) model years old but less than ten (10) model years old $25,000
  • 3. Ten (10) or more model years old - $10,000
• (c) Trucks, buses and recreational vehicles:
  • 1. Less than five (5) model years old - $100,000
  • 2. Five (5) model years old but less than ten (10) model years old – $50,000
  • 3. Ten (10) or more model years old - $25,000
  • …

(3) Upon completion of form MVT 10-1, the applicant(s) shall make application for certificate of title through a designated agent. The application must be made within ninety (90) days from the date the surety bond was executed.

(4) The following documents are required to accompany the application for certificate of title:

• (a) Form MVT 10-1 must be properly completed by applicant(s) and an insurance company licensed to issue surety bonds in the State of Alabama.
• (b) The certificate of title surety bond must be signed by a representative of the surety company and shall include a power of attorney, for each representative authorized to sign on behalf of the surety company.
• (c) Documents by which applicant(s) claim(s) ownership of the motor vehicle or manufactured home (i.e. bill of sale, registration, etc.).

(5) The certificate of title, when issued, will be printed with the legend "THIS TITLE WAS SECURED UNDER THREE-YEAR SURETY BOND".

(6) When an application for certificate of title is supported by a certificate of title issued under surety bond that is currently in effect in another jurisdiction, the applicant(s) will be required to post a surety bond in Alabama in order to title the motor vehicle or manufactured home.

(7) Once the form MVT 10-1 will be printed, it may not be modified or altered (i.e. strikethroughs, whiteout, etc.).

(8) The surety bond will indemnify any prior owner and lienholder and any subsequent purchaser of the vehicle or person acquiring any security interest in it, and their respective successors in interest, against any expense, loss, or damage, including reasonable attorney's fees, by reason of the issuance of the certificate of title of the vehicle or on account of any defect in or undisclosed security interest upon the right, title and interest of the applicant in and to the vehicle for a period of three (3) years from the date the bond is executed.

Authors: James Starling, Mike Gamble Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§40-2A-7(a)(5), 32-8-1 through 32-8-88. History: Amended: Filed October 30, 2014, effective December 4, 2014.
 

From Alabama Code:

Code of Ala. § 40-12-290 Registration of vintage vehicle.

(a) Subject to the requirements of subsections (b), (c), (d) and (e), the owner of a motor vehicle which is herein defined as a "vintage vehicle", upon application to the judge of probate or commissioner of licenses on special application forms prescribed by the Commissioner of Revenue and the payment of a registration fee of ten dollars ($10), may register the vehicle as a "vintage vehicle" and procure therefor permanent license plates to be issued and displayed on the vehicle.

(b) Beginning October 1, 1996, the owner of a "vintage vehicle" which is owned and operated primarily as a collector's item may, upon satisfying the requirements of this subsection, register the vehicle as a "vintage vehicle." The owner shall apply to the judge of probate or county official authorized and required by law to issue license plates. The owner shall pay a registration fee of ten dollars ($10). Upon satisfying these requirements, permanent "vintage vehicle" license plates shall be issued and displayed on the vehicle.

(c)

• (1) The Commissioner of Revenue may make such reasonable rules and regulations as may be necessary to administer the provisions of this division
• (2) A vehicle using or displaying a "vintage vehicle" plate issued pursuant to this section shall not be used as a commercial vehicle, for transporting passengers or property, or for use as a service vehicle
• (3) "Vintage vehicle" license plates shall remain with the vehicle when sold or otherwise disposed of, and the new owner shall transfer the registration into his or her name in accordance with the provisions of Sections 40-12-260 and 40-12-261, if the vehicle will be operated in accordance with this section, and, if not, standard license plates shall be obtained
• (4) The owner of a vehicle displaying an antique license plate issued prior to October 1, 1996, if the vehicle is to be operated in accordance with the provisions of this section, shall surrender the license plate and obtain the vintage vehicle license plate above authorized without payment.

(d) For the purpose of this section, a "vintage vehicle" is:

• (i) a private passenger automobile, truck or truck tractor which weighs not more than 26,000 pounds gross weight, motorcycle, or fire truck,
• (ii) over 30 years old,
• (iii) operated as a collector's item, including participation in club activities, exhibitions, tours, parades, and not used for general transportation purposes,
• (iv) a vehicle having the original or substantially similar vehicle body, chassis, engine, and transmission as designated for that make, model, year, and age vehicle.

(e)

• (1) Effective October 1, 1997, it shall be unlawful for any person to operate, on the public highways of this state, a vehicle based in this state and displaying a vintage vehicle license plate not in compliance with subsections (b), (c), and (d). Any antique license plate or tag issued prior to October 1, 1996, shall become invalid on October 1, 1997.
• (2) Any person violating this section shall, upon conviction, pay a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100), shall forfeit the vintage vehicle registration and plates issued to the owner for the respective vehicle, shall be liable for the regular registration fee and taxes for the vehicle, and shall be barred from applying for or holding a vintage vehicle registration for the respective vehicle for three years from the date of the violation. This penalty shall be in lieu of any other penalty specified in this chapter for this offense.

Code of Ala. § 40-12-291 Design and renewal of license plates or tags

"Vintage vehicle" license plates shall be of such size and design as the Commissioner of Revenue may prescribe, shall bear no date, shall have inscribed thereon the words "vintage vehicle" and shall be of a color different from regular motor vehicle license plates and shall be valid without renewal.

Code of Ala. § 40-12-292 Replacement of defaced, lost or destroyed plates or tags.

Should any license plates or tags issued pursuant to this division be defaced, lost or destroyed, the owner may apply for a replacement in the same manner as prescribed by law for the replacement of regular motor vehicle license plates and tags.

Code of Ala. § 40-12-293 Exemption from certain other licensing requirements, license or privilege taxes and ad valorem taxation; exceptions.

Except for the provisions of Sections 40-12-260 and 40-12-261, a vehicle which has been registered and licensed as a "vintage vehicle" pursuant to this division shall not be subject to the motor vehicle licensing requirements of Division 1 of this article, nor any other law prescribing or requiring the payment of a license or privilege tax for the privilege of operating the vehicle upon the public roads or highways of this state. Vehicles registered under this division shall be exempt from ad valorem taxation.

Code of Ala. § 40-12-297 Registration of original license plate issued in model year of vehicle.

(a) The owner of any vehicle designated as a 1976 year model vehicle or earlier qualified to receive a vintage vehicle license plate, upon application to the county license plate issuing official, in lieu of receiving the vintage vehicle license plate, may request to register an original Alabama license plate, 1976 or previous, including a restored or refurbished Alabama license plate, issued in the model year as designated by the manufacturer of the vehicle, of a type license plate that would have been issued to that category vehicle. Subject to the restrictions herein provided, the license plate issuing official shall issue a permanent vintage vehicle validation decal and attach the decal to an appropriate location on the lower portion of the original Alabama license plate. The issuing official shall also issue a registration receipt to be maintained within the vehicle and presented to law enforcement upon request. The issuing official shall collect the fee authorized under subsection (b) of Section 40-12-290 when issuing a vintage vehicle validation decal and the funds shall be distributed in the same manner as other fees collected for the issuance of vintage vehicle license plates. The issuing official shall be entitled to the issuance fee provided under Section 40-12-271.

(b) The owner requesting the registration of an original Alabama license plate shall present the license plate to the issuing official for examination, and, upon approval, issuance. In examining the license plate, the issuing official shall check the legibility and condition of the license plate and shall ascertain if the original Alabama license plate would have been properly issued to the category of vehicle for which registration is being currently requested.

(c) In the event the owner of a vehicle has applied for and is currently displaying a vintage vehicle license plate and elects to obtain a registration for an original Alabama license plate as herein provided, the owner shall surrender the vintage vehicle license plate at the time of registration and shall not receive a credit for fees previously paid.

(d) This division shall otherwise be applicable to registrants electing to register as herein provided, including the ad valorem tax exemption authorized in Section 40-12-293.

(e) In the event the original Alabama license plate with a vintage vehicle validation decal is lost or stolen, the owner may elect to register another original Alabama license plate to the vehicle through the county license plate issuing official and pay the replacement fee as provided under subsection (b) of Section 40-12-265. If the validation decal only is lost or stolen, a replacement vintage vehicle validation decal may be issued.

(f) In the event front and rear original Alabama license plates were issued, only one original Alabama license plate shall be authorized for display on the rear of the vehicle.

(g) In the event that a vehicle owner requests the registration of a license plate number that is identical to a previously issued registration issued under this section, the license plate issuing official shall not approve the requested registration, and, if in the event duplicate registrations are issued, the department shall notify the vehicle owner with the most recent date registration that his or her registration is invalid and void, and the owner shall promptly surrender the vintage vehicle validation decal to the issuing official, and may request a subsequent registration of another original Alabama license plate upon payment of the transfer fee.

Code of Ala. § 40-12-258 Reregistration of certain stored motor vehicles; placement of license tags.

(a) Except for vehicles provided for in subsections (b) and (c), an individual reregistering a motor vehicle that has been stored in this state and not used or operated on the public highways of this state shall pay the annual license taxes and registration fees on the vehicle. The license taxes and registration fees associated with the reregistering of motor vehicles shall not be prorated.

(b) The owners of motor vehicles commonly known as self-propelled campers or house cars, when stored in this state and not used or operated on the public highways of this state, upon reregistering, shall pay license taxes and registration fees on a monthly prorated basis.

(c) The owners of farm trucks and farm truck tractors and vintage vehicles, without regard to subdivision (2) of subsection (c) of Section 40-12-290, when stored in this state and not used or operated on the public highways of this state, upon reregistering, shall pay license taxes and registration fees on a monthly prorated basis.

(d) The payment of the registration fee or license tax on motor vehicles shall be evidenced by the delivery of a license plate, which shall be placed in such position as to be lighted by the license plate lamp in accordance with subdivision (3) of subsection (g) Section 32-5-242 in an upright position, right side up, on the rear of the automobile; when a semitrailer truck is operated, the plate shall be placed on the rear of the semitrailer. It shall be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than ten dollars ($10) and not exceeding twenty-five dollars ($25) for each offense, to display the plate in any other place or in any other manner than as herein provided. The Department of Revenue shall provide plates for all motor vehicles and shall also provide receipts, one of which shall be retained by the judge of probate, one shall be delivered to the person paying the license fee, and one legible copy shall be mailed by the judge of probate to the Department of Revenue on the day the license was issued. Each receipt shall bear the same number as the plate delivered to the licensee. These receipts shall be prepared in the form to be determined by the Department of Revenue and delivered to the judges of probate of the several counties of the state under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the Department of Revenue; and the Department of Revenue shall have power to prescribe rules and regulations concerning the application for and delivery to the licensee of the plate and receipt required by this article.

(e) The automobile licensee shall be required to state in his or her application the proposed use of the automobile, whether for private use or for commercial purposes.