Drivers may be required to perform a car title transfer in Alabama when they sell or purchase a motor vehicle within the state, during which the ownership rights related to a vehicle must be transferred. In general, this procedure is conducted by the Alabama Department of Revenue (DOR).

Motorists who perform a vehicle title transfer will also be required to pay certain fees and sales tax, if applicable. Overall, title transfers for cars may vary based on the specific situation of the driver who performs this procedure. Therefore, to discover how to transfer a title, you are recommended to continue reading the sections below.

What is a car title transfer in Alabama?

Motorists who want to perform title transfers for cars in Alabama need to first discover what the process consists of and how to conduct it through the AL DOR.

Completing a title transfer online is not a possibility in Alabama as both the existing and the new owner of the vehicle need to be physically present to sign the paperwork. Moreover, drivers are recommended to learn what a certificate of title is.

A car title is a legal document issued by the AL DOR which may be used as a proof of the driver’s ownership rights over a motor vehicle. Motorists may need to transfer a title when they sell or purchase a motor vehicle and they need to transmit the ownership rights to the other legal entity.

When is a vehicle title transfer required in Alabama?

Individuals may be required to perform a car title transfer in Alabama under various circumstances and in specific situations. The most common instance for transferring a car title is when individuals purchase motor vehicles, regardless of whether the vehicle is purchased from an individual or a dealership.

Moreover, motorists may also be required to perform a transfer when they receive a motor vehicle as a gift or as part of an inheritance. Therefore, individuals need to learn how to fill out the transfer of title in Alabama prior to beginning the procedure, because the requirements may vary based on their specific situation.

Information and Documents Necessary to Transfer a Title in Alabama

A car title transfer in Alabama is a procedure that must be performed by vehicle owners who have participated in a sale and purchase process. Both the seller and the buyer in the auto title transfer procedure must prepare the documents that are needed and complete a title transfer. To transfer a title, residents need to submit the following documents:

• Car title assigned to the buyer
• Proof of car insurance
• Proof of residency
• Bill of sale
• Valid drivers license or ID card

In addition to these documents needed for a title transfer, owners may be also required to provide a notarized Power of Attorney. Moreover, if there are more owners who are involved in the transfer, they all will be required to provide a valid driver’s license or ID card.

Keep in mind that when transferring a title from a dealership, motorists may need to provide a complete “Application For Certificate of Title to Record or Transfer a Lien” form as well.

Note: Electronic title transfers are not allowed in the state of Alabama.

Steps for Performing a Transfer of Title in Alabama

Motorists who want to perform a transfer of car title in Alabama are required to satisfy certain steps in order to complete the procedure. In most cases, the car title transfer procedure consists of the following steps:

• Preparing the required documentation
• Paying the applicable fees and sales tax
• Submitting the paperwork at an AL DOR office

Once you perform these steps for a vehicle title transfer, you will get the ownership rights transferred in your name. However, if you want to learn additional information about how to fill out a transfer of title in Alabama, you may contact the AL DOR.

Getting a New Car Title Versus Title Transfers in Alabama

Applying for a new title for a car in Alabama is a process that differs slightly from a standard title transfer. When getting a new car title, vehicle owners do not need a reassigned title certificate that originally carried the name of another individual or business.

Instead, you will order a new title after purchasing a brand-new vehicle from a state dealership on a manufacturer’s certificate of origin. It is important to note that, in most case, the dealer will apply for a new title on your behalf. You will also need a title document if you move to Alabama with a vehicle that was titled outside of the state.

Unlike the procedure to order a new car title in AL, transferring the ownership of a vehicle with an existing title is a slightly different procedure. In such cases, the transferor must first sign over the title in your name, which you will need to submit directly through a designated agent of the state DOR. The department will then manufacture a new title in your own name.

Car Title Transfer Fees in Alabama

The ultimate step of the Alabama car title transfer procedure is to pay a $15 titling fee determined by the AL DOR. In addition to this fee, motorists may be required to pay a sales tax, which varies based on the county where you live. Furthermore, applicants may be required to pay for a vehicle inspection, if required.

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