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Military FAQs
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I am in the military and will be moving to Alabama. How do I register my vehicle in Alabama?
I am an active duty military member, who is a non-resident of Alabama, but am currently stationed at a base/post in Alabama. How do I title and register my vehicle in Alabama?
I am an active duty military member, who is a non-resident of Alabama, but am currently stationed at a base/post in Alabama. Am I required to title and register my vehicle in Alabama during the time I am residing in Alabama?
I am an active duty military member who is a non-resident of Alabama, but was previously stationed at a base/post in Alabama. Although I am no longer residing in Alabama, can I continue to register my vehicle in Alabama?
I am an active duty military member and a legal resident of Alabama, but am currently stationed outside of Alabama. Can I title and register my newly acquired vehicle in Alabama?
Does Alabama offer a discount on vehicle registration fees or an exemption of ad valorem tax for active duty military members?
I purchased a vehicle overseas and will be shipping it to the United States. How do I title and register the vehicle in Alabama?
I am in the military and will be moving to Alabama. How do I register my vehicle in Alabama?
First, you must title the vehicle in Alabama. Registrants in the military may apply for the title by mail by completing a Department of Revenue Form MVT 5-9 (Supporting Documentation to a Mail Order Application for Certificate of Title). The following website displays all County License Plate Issuing Official’s office locations and telephone numbers: http://www.revenue.alabama.gov/motorvehicle/statemap.html.
The cost of a title is $15 plus a $3 fee due to the County License Plate Issuing Official. Once the title paperwork is completed, it must be mailed to the County License Plate issuing Official’s office of the county of residency. The state registration fee for a private passenger vehicle is $23, with a $1.25 issuance fee. In addition, local fees and taxes may apply. The following website displays all County License Plate Issuing Official’s office locations and telephone numbers: http://www.revenue.alabama.gov/motorvehicle/statemap. html
Distinctive license plates, including collegiate, military, specialty, generic specialty, and generic racing plates, may be purchased instead of the standard license plate. Certain qualifications, as well as additional fees, may apply.
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I am an active duty military member, who is a non-resident of Alabama, but am currently stationed at a base/post in Alabama. How do I title and register my vehicle in Alabama?
First, you must bring the vehicle to your County License Plate Issuing Official’s office, as that office is required to inspect the vehicle identification number (VIN) for the vehicle. You must also provide the non-Alabama title to the vehicle (or a copy of the title, if there is a lien holder), a bill of sale (if applicable), and a copy of the current vehicle registration.
The cost of a title is $15, plus a $3 fee due to the County License Plate Issuing Official. Once the title has been issued, you will be able to register the vehicle (obtain a license plate). The cost of a standard passenger license plate fee is $23, plus $1.25 issuance fee. In addition, local fees and taxes may apply.
Distinctive license plates, including collegiate, military, specialty, generic specialty, and generic racing plates, may be purchased instead of the standard license plate. Certain qualifications, as well as additional fees, may apply.
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I am an active duty military member, who is a non-resident of Alabama, but am currently stationed at a base/post in Alabama. Am I required to title and register my vehicle in Alabama during the time I am residing in Alabama?
No. If you are an active duty military member, you have the option of titling and registering your vehicle in Alabama during the time that you are stationed at a base/post in Alabama, OR you may register your vehicle in your legal state of residency, as long as you maintain a current registration on the vehicle. If your vehicle is currently registered in another state which is not your home of record (legal state of residency), you are required to re-register the vehicle in Alabama or your home of record within 30 days of entering Alabama.
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I am an active duty military member who is a non-resident of Alabama, but was previously stationed at a base/post in Alabama. Although I am no longer residing in Alabama, can I continue to register my vehicle in Alabama?
No. If you are not a legal resident of Alabama or currently living in Alabama due to military orders, you may not register your vehicle in Alabama.
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I am an active duty military member and a legal resident of Alabama, but am currently stationed outside of Alabama. Can I title and register my newly acquired vehicle in Alabama?
Yes, if you are a legal resident of Alabama (i.e., Alabama appears on your military leave and earnings statement as your state of legal residency, you file a State of Alabama Individual Income Tax Return, you’re registered to vote in Alabama, etc.), you may title and register your vehicle in Alabama by requesting a mail-in package from the County License Plate Issuing Official’s office in your county of residency. The county official will mail you a form for vehicle identification number (VIN) certification by a law enforcement officer. Once all forms have been completed, you must return the package to your county official’s office for processing.
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Does Alabama offer a discount on vehicle registration fees or an exemption of ad valorem tax for active duty military members?
Alabama law does not have a provision for a discount on vehicle registration fees for active duty military members. However, Alabama does offer one (1) registration fee exemption for active and retired members of the Alabama National Guard and Active Reservists.
Property Tax Division officials may be contacted at (334) 242-1525 regarding any exemption for ad valorem (property) tax.
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I purchased a vehicle overseas and will be shipping it to the United States. How do I title and register the vehicle in Alabama?
If you are a legal resident of Alabama, you must bring the vehicle to the County License Plate Issuing Official’s office in the county in which you reside. The county official will inspect the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the vehicle prior to issuing an Alabama title.
You must also provide to the county official with the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO)/foreign title document (or a copy of the title, if there is a lien holder), a copy of the current vehicle registration, and a bill of sale (if applicable). Depending on the vehicle type, the county official may require additional documentation (i.e., EPA and DOT certification letters).
The cost of an Alabama title is $15, plus a $3 fee due to the County License Plate Issuing Official. Once the Alabama title has been issued, you will be able to register the vehicle (obtain a license plate). The cost of a standard passenger license plate is $23, plus $1.25 issuance fee. Local fees, ad valorem tax, and sales tax may be added to this amount by the County License Plate Issuing Official’s office.
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