Getting a replacement title in Alabama

If your car title is lost, stolen, damaged, or unreadable, you need to get a replacement from the Alabama Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division. You cannot drive legally without proof of ownership, and you cannot sell or trade the vehicle without it. The process takes about two weeks by mail and costs $20 for a duplicate title.

Alabama does not issue titles electronically, so you must request a physical copy. You can submit your request by mail or in person at a Motor Vehicle Division office. There is no online ordering system, and you cannot request a replacement by phone.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit Form MVT-4 (process for Duplicate Title) along with your driver's license copy and the $20 fee to the Alabama Department of Revenue.
  • Mail your request to the Motor Vehicle Division in Montgomery, or visit an office in person with the same documents and fee.
  • Processing takes approximately two weeks by mail; in-person requests may be faster depending on office wait times.
  • If your title was damaged in a flood or fire, include a brief explanation with your request so the department can note the reason in their records.
  • You will receive one replacement title; if you need multiple copies later, you must submit another request and pay another $20 fee.

What documents you need to submit

You must include a copy of your driver's license or state ID with your request. This proves your identity and matches you to the vehicle record. The Motor Vehicle Division uses this to confirm you are the registered owner.

If someone else is listed as the owner on the title, that person must sign the request form or submit their own request. If the vehicle is jointly owned, both owners should be listed on the replacement title. If ownership has changed since the original title was issued, you may need to provide a bill of sale or other proof of transfer.

Do not send your original title with your request, even if it is damaged. The department does not need it and cannot return it. If your title was stolen, you do not need a police report, though you may want to file one for your own records.

Mailing your request to Montgomery

Address your envelope to: Motor Vehicle Division, Alabama Department of Revenue, 50 North Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. Include the completed Form MVT-4, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for $20 made payable to the Alabama Department of Revenue.

Do not send cash. Processing by mail typically takes two weeks from the date the department receives your request. Mail delivery itself may add several days on each end, so plan for three to four weeks total from when you drop your envelope in the mail.

You can track your request by calling the Motor Vehicle Division at 334-242-9000 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). Have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and driver's license number ready when you call.

Visiting a Motor Vehicle Division office in person

Alabama has Motor Vehicle Division offices in Montgomery, Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, and Dothan. Visiting in person can be faster than mailing, though you may wait in line depending on how busy the office is. Bring the same documents: completed Form MVT-4, a copy of your ID, and $20 in cash or check.

Office hours vary by location. The Montgomery office (the main office) is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Call ahead to confirm hours at your nearest location, as some offices have different schedules or may close for lunch.

If you cannot visit in person and mailing takes too long, ask whether the office can process your request while you wait. Some locations can issue a temporary receipt or confirmation, though the actual title still arrives by mail.

What happens if your title was damaged in a disaster

If your title was damaged in a flood, fire, or other disaster, include a brief note with your request explaining what happened. The Motor Vehicle Division will note this in their records. This does not change the fee or processing time, but it helps the department understand why you are requesting a replacement.

If your vehicle was damaged in the same disaster and you are filing an insurance claim, keep a copy of your insurance report. Some insurers require proof that you own the vehicle, and a replacement title serves that purpose. The title itself does not prove the vehicle's condition, so you will still need photos, repair estimates, or an adjuster's report for the claim.

Getting a title if the original was never issued

If you bought a vehicle and never received a title from the seller or dealer, you have a different problem than a lost title. You need to contact the Motor Vehicle Division to find out whether a title was ever issued in your name. Call 334-242-9000 with your VIN and ask them to check the title status.

If a title exists but you never received it, the department can reissue it to your current address. If no title was ever issued, you may need to provide a bill of sale, proof of purchase, and proof of payment before the department will issue an original title. This process is more involved than a straightforward replacement and may require a visit to an office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive my car while waiting for the replacement title?

You can drive the vehicle, but you must carry proof of ownership. Keep a copy of your request form or a receipt showing you submitted it. If you are stopped by police, show them this proof along with your registration and insurance card. The officer can verify your ownership through the Motor Vehicle Division's records.

What if I need the title urgently for a sale or trade?

The Motor Vehicle Division does not offer expedited processing. Your fastest option is to visit an office in person with all required documents. Some offices can provide a temporary document or confirmation of your request, though the actual title still arrives by mail. Contact your local office to ask what they can provide on the same day.

Do I need to notarize the form?

No. Form MVT-4 does not require notarization. Your signature on the form and a copy of your ID are sufficient. Do not pay for notarization; it is not necessary and will not speed up processing.

What if the title arrives with errors in my name or address?

Contact the Motor Vehicle Division when ready at 334-242-9000 with the details of the error. You may need to submit a corrected Form MVT-4 and pay another $20 fee to get a corrected title. Keep the incorrect title in case the department asks to see it.

Can someone else pick up my replacement title for me?

If you submitted your request by mail, the title arrives at your address on the form. If you need someone else to receive it, update your mailing address before submitting. If you submitted in person and want someone else to pick it up, ask the office whether they allow this and what authorization they need.