Selling or junking a car in Alabama, step by step
- Find your title (or replace it). If the title is lost or damaged, request a duplicate from the Alabama Department of Revenue (Motor Vehicle Division); it can be done online.
- Pay off any loan. If a lender is listed on the title, it must release the lien before the car can change hands. See our guide to junking a car with a lien.
- Sign the title over at pickup. The buyer applies for a new Alabama title using the existing certificate of title assigned over to them, together with any documents that support the transfer. Title applications go through a designated agent (county license plate officials, licensed dealers, or Alabama banks and credit unions), and the seller details on the application have to match the supporting paperwork.
- Deal with your plates. The registrant takes the plates off when the vehicle is sold or disposed of, and may be able to move them to another vehicle they acquire.
- Tell the state and your insurer. Alabama has no separate seller notice that we could confirm. Keep a copy of the signed title and receipt, then cancel your insurance and registration.
How to sign over a title in Alabama
The buyer applies for a new Alabama title using the existing certificate of title assigned over to them, together with any documents that support the transfer. Title applications go through a designated agent (county license plate officials, licensed dealers, or Alabama banks and credit unions), and the seller details on the application have to match the supporting paperwork.
Official page: revenue.alabama.gov. For general tips on avoiding mistakes, see how to sign over a car title.
Lost title? Getting a duplicate in Alabama
The titled owner or the recorded lienholder can request a replacement title online through ALDOR's Public Title Portal. Any designated agent can also process a replacement title application.
- Available online: yes
- Official page: revenue.alabama.gov
More background: how to get a duplicate title before junking.
License plates after you sell
Plates stay with you, the seller, not the car. The registrant takes the plates off when the vehicle is sold or disposed of, and may be able to move them to another vehicle they acquire.
Source: revenue.alabama.gov
Junk and salvage titles in Alabama
Form MVT 5-48 (Notice of Junk, Parts Only or Scrap Vehicle) is filed by automotive dismantlers, parts recyclers and secondary metals recyclers when they buy a vehicle as junk, for parts or for scrap, and the original title must accompany it. The department can then suspend or revoke the title of a vehicle that has been scrapped, dismantled or destroyed.
Official page: revenue.alabama.gov. Background: salvage vs. rebuilt vs. junk titles.
Selling a car without a title in Alabama
Alabama exempts motor vehicles more than 35 model years old from titling, so those vehicles have no title to transfer. Where ownership cannot be verified, ALDOR may require a cash or surety bond before it issues a title.
Official page: revenue.alabama.gov
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Alabama title questions
How do I replace a lost car title in Alabama?
The titled owner or the recorded lienholder can request a replacement title online through ALDOR's Public Title Portal. Any designated agent can also process a replacement title application.
Do I need to notify Alabama when I sell my car?
We couldn't confirm a separate notice-of-sale form for Alabama. Keep a copy of the signed title and bill of sale, cancel your registration if required, and check with the Alabama Department of Revenue (Motor Vehicle Division).
What happens to my license plates when I sell a car in Alabama?
The registrant takes the plates off when the vehicle is sold or disposed of, and may be able to move them to another vehicle they acquire.
Can I junk a car without a title in Alabama?
Alabama exempts motor vehicles more than 35 model years old from titling, so those vehicles have no title to transfer. Where ownership cannot be verified, ALDOR may require a cash or surety bond before it issues a title. Confirm the details with the Alabama Department of Revenue (Motor Vehicle Division).
Official sources
- Alabama Department of Revenue (Motor Vehicle Division) — homerevenue.alabama.gov
- Selling or transferring a vehicle titlerevenue.alabama.gov
- Duplicate or replacement titlerevenue.alabama.gov
- License plates after a salerevenue.alabama.gov
- Junk and salvage vehiclesrevenue.alabama.gov
- Selling without a titlerevenue.alabama.gov
Summarized from official Alabama government websites in October 2026. Fees and procedures change; always confirm with the Alabama Department of Revenue (Motor Vehicle Division) before you sell. This guide is general information, not legal advice.