What you need to know about Alabama plates

Alabama issues standard passenger plates, specialty plates tied to causes or organizations, and plates for commercial vehicles and trailers. The state's Department of Revenue handles all plate issuance. When you buy a vehicle in Alabama or move to the state with an out-of-state vehicle, you'll register it through your county probate office, which assigns your plate at that time. Renewal happens every year, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person at your probate office.

Your plate number stays with you as long as you own the vehicle and keep it registered in Alabama. If you want a different plate design — such as a specialty plate supporting a particular cause — you can request that change, though it may cost more than a standard plate and requires a separate request process.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Alabama plates are issued through your county probate office when you register your vehicle, and renewal is required every 12 months.
  • Specialty plates cost more than standard plates but support specific organizations or causes, and you request them separately from your initial registration.
  • You can renew your plate online through the Alabama Department of Revenue website, by mail, or in person at your probate office.
  • Commercial vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles have different plate types and may have different renewal schedules or fees.

Getting a plate when you register a new vehicle

When you purchase a vehicle in Alabama or register an out-of-state vehicle for the first time, you visit your county probate office with your title, proof of insurance, and a completed process. The probate office processes your registration and issues your plate on the spot or within a few days. You'll pay the registration fee at that time, which covers both the registration and the plate itself.

If you're moving to Alabama from another state, bring your out-of-state title, your vehicle's VIN, and proof of insurance. The probate office will issue you an Alabama plate and register your vehicle under Alabama law. You do not need to keep your old plate.

Renewing your plate each year

Alabama requires annual renewal of your vehicle registration and plate. You'll receive a renewal notice from your county probate office about 30 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee and instructions for renewing online, by mail, or in person.

Online renewal through the Alabama Department of Revenue website is the fastest option if your vehicle information hasn't changed and you have no outstanding violations or unpaid fines. You'll need your plate number, VIN, and driver's license number. By-mail renewal requires you to send your renewal notice and payment to your probate office. In-person renewal at your probate office takes a few minutes and is useful if you need to update your address or other registration details at the same time.

Specialty plates and custom designs

Alabama offers more than 100 specialty plate designs supporting causes like wildlife conservation, military service, university alumni associations, and professional organizations. Each specialty plate costs more than a standard plate — the difference varies by design but typically ranges from $15 to $50 above the standard registration fee. A portion of that extra cost goes to the organization the plate supports.

To get a specialty plate, you request it when you first register your vehicle or during renewal. You can change from a standard plate to a specialty plate at any time by visiting your probate office or renewing online if the Department of Revenue website offers that option for your chosen design. Not all specialty plates are available for online renewal, so check with your probate office if you're unsure.

Plates for commercial vehicles and trailers

Commercial vehicles, farm trucks, and trailers have separate plate types with different fees and renewal schedules. A commercial plate is required if you use your vehicle for business purposes, even part-time. Farm plates are available for vehicles used primarily in agricultural work. Trailers under a certain weight may not require a plate at all, depending on how they're used.

Renewal schedules for commercial and farm plates may differ from standard passenger vehicle renewal. Some commercial plates renew annually; others renew every two years. Check your renewal notice or ask your probate office about the specific renewal cycle for your vehicle type.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged plate

If your plate is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond readability, visit your county probate office with proof of ownership and a police report if the plate was stolen. You'll pay a replacement fee, which is less than the cost of a new registration. The probate office will issue a replacement plate with the same number as your original plate.

If your plate is damaged but still readable, you can request a replacement during your next renewal. Some probate offices will replace a damaged plate when ready if you visit in person, even if your renewal isn't due yet.

Transferring your plate to a new vehicle

You cannot transfer an Alabama plate number to a different vehicle. When you sell or trade in your vehicle, that plate number is retired. When you register your new vehicle, you receive a new plate number. If you want to keep a particular plate number for sentimental reasons, you would need to contact the Department of Revenue about personalized or vanity plates, which follow a separate process and have their own fees and availability rules.

Personalized plates allow you to choose custom letters and numbers instead of the random assignment you receive with a standard registration. These plates cost more than standard plates and require a separate request. The Department of Revenue maintains a list of combinations that are not permitted, so your chosen combination must be reviewed before it's issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Alabama plate online?

Yes, you can renew online through the Alabama Department of Revenue website if your vehicle information hasn't changed and you have no outstanding violations or unpaid fines. You'll need your plate number, VIN, and driver's license number. The process takes a few minutes, and you'll receive your renewal sticker by mail.

What happens if I drive with an expired plate?

Driving with an expired plate is a traffic violation in Alabama and can result in a fine. Law enforcement can stop you for an expired plate, and you may be cited. Renew your plate before your registration expires to avoid this penalty.

How much does an Alabama license plate cost?

Standard plate fees vary by vehicle type and weight class. Passenger vehicles typically cost between $20 and $30 for initial registration and renewal, but the exact amount depends on your county and vehicle specifications. Specialty plates cost more. Contact your county probate office for the exact fee for your vehicle.

Do I need a new plate if I move within Alabama?

No, you keep the same plate if you move to a different county within Alabama. You do need to update your address with your probate office, which you can do during renewal or by visiting in person. Your plate number and registration remain valid.

What do I do if my plate is unreadable or faded?

Contact your county probate office and request a replacement plate. You'll pay a replacement fee, which is lower than a full registration fee. Bring proof of ownership and your current registration. The probate office will issue a new plate with the same number.