Your Guide to the Alabama DMV: Services, Locations, and Online Tools
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Alabama's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is one of the most critical government agencies for Alabamans to understand. The Alabama DMV plays a key role in vehicle ownership, registration, and driver services.
Whether you're getting a driver's license for the first time, buying a car, or relocating to the state, it's essential to understand key DMV services and how to access them.
How To Register Your Vehicle With the Alabama DMV
Whether you're a resident who acquired a new vehicle or have recently relocated to Alabama, you must register your car with the Alabama DMV. After getting a new car, you have 20 days to register and obtain a license plate. If you moved to the state with an out-of-state vehicle, you have 30 days to register the vehicle.
To register your vehicle with the DMV in Alabama, you must visit the License Plate Issuing Office in the county in which you live. To complete the registration, you'll need:
- Driver license or non-driver license: Each owner must have an Alabama license, ID, or other official government ID.
- Title: Before you can register the vehicle, you must complete an Alabama application of title or Alabama title transfer to ensure you have a certificate of title from the Alabama Department of Revenue (ALDOR)
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)/proof of ownership: Whenever a vehicle changes hands, you must have a bill of sale with the VIN stated.
- Proof of insurance: All vehicle owners must provide proof of having minimum Alabama liability insurance coverage.
- Proof of residency: New residents must provide proof of residency, like a utility bill or lease agreement.
- Out-of-state registration: If you're transferring registration into Alabama, you need your previous state's registration.
- Power of attorney: To register a leased vehicle, you might need a power of attorney, which your dealer can arrange.
In Alabama, registering a vehicle costs between $15 and $23, and renewing it annually costs $50.
Renewing Your Alabama Driver's License
You can use the Alabama DMV Online License Renewal system to renew an Alabama driver's license. To streamline renewal, you'll need:
- Current Alabama driver's license
- Proof of identity
- Proof of residency
- $36.25 renewal fee
If you're under 18 and getting a license for the first time, you must complete driver's education or 30 hours of supervised driving. Study the Alabama Driver's Handbook to prepare to pass the Department of Public Safety vision and driver exam. You can take an Alabama DMV practice test ahead of time to make sure you're ready.
Finally, once you pass the driving test, you'll graduate from a learner license to a temporary license with restrictions until you're 18.
Visit the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) website for a list of the credentials necessary to get your license at different ages.
Using Alabama DMV Online Services
In addition to the license renewal system, the Alabama DMV offers a range of online services. By navigating this portal, you can address the majority of the reasons you would visit an Alabama DMV location or license office.
Some of the actions you can complete include:
- Applying for a duplicate license or replacement license
- Applying for a replacement title or registration
- Navigating license plate issues
- Getting or transferring a motor vehicle title
- Applying for disability tags or placards
This is really just the tip of the iceberg. If you're concerned about how time-consuming it might be to visit an Alabama DMV or county licensing office, check the website first to see if you can resolve the issue online.
How To Avoid Long Wait Times at the Alabama DMV
One of the best ways to avoid wait times is to avoid going. The Alabama DMV's online portal allows you to resolve many issues without visiting an office. If you need to go in person, like to get a driver's license card or provide proof of identification, it's a good idea to make an appointment first.
Where To Find Alabama DMV Service Locations
You can always use your preferred search engine to find DMV locations near you. Alternatively, ALEA publishes a map of all DMV locations.
Tips for a Smooth Alabama DMV Experience
Nobody likes going to the DMV. There's a reason why shows like The Simpsons have long made the DMV the butt of jokes. Fortunately, in today's digital world, there are far fewer reasons to actually visit the DMV in person.
From changing the information on your license to renewing your registration or driver's license and more, you can do a lot on the DMV's website. But if you must go in person, make an appointment first to streamline your visit.
Get the Right Car Insurance for Your Vehicle
It's crucially important to understand how to navigate the DMV in Alabama. Likewise, you need to have adequate car insurance to meet Alabama's minimum legal requirements. Use EverQuote's comparison tools to find the best coverages for your vehicle and your budget.