An Alabama motor vehicle bill of sale is a document that provides proof of a vehicle sale or transfer between a seller and a buyer in the state. It includes key details such as the make, model, year, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle. The document also lists the names, addresses, and contact information of the parties, along with the agreed-upon sale price and the date of the transaction.
The bill of sale may need to be notarized, depending on county requirements. In Lee County, you must sign the document before a notary public, while Mobile County requires only the seller’s signature.
Registering a Motor Vehicle
The Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division is responsible for registering vehicles, while the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency oversees driver’s licenses. Registrations must be renewed each year and may be done so online, depending on the county. [1]
Buyers must register newly purchased vehicles within 20 days from the date of the sale. If the vehicle is new to Alabama, the owner must register it within 30 days from entering the state — provided that it already has a valid registration from another jurisdiction. [2] Before issuing a registration, a licensing official or an appointed deputy will inspect the vehicle. [3]
Gather Required Documents
The documents required by the Department of Revenue Licensing Office include:
- Bill of Sale.
- Certificate of Title: You can obtain one using the Public Title Portal.
- Valid Driver’s License.
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Proof of Insurance: With the minimum requirement [4] :
- $25,000 for bodily injuries per person
- $50,000 for bodily injuries per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Additional Documents (If Applicable)
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MVT 5-5): Required if the vehicle is newer than 2011, under 16,000 pounds, and self-propelled.
- Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney: Used when the vehicle owner wants to grant authority to another person to handle the registration on their behalf.
Submit Your Documents
Motor vehicles can be registered in person at a Department of Revenue Licensing Office within the owner’s county of residence. Vehicles owned by a firm, corporation, or association should be registered in the county where they are used or operated.
If the vehicle is owned by the State, a county, a municipality, a public utility department, or a volunteer fire department, it should be registered through the Department of Revenue, Motor Vehicle Division, Registration Section.
Pay Registration Fees
In Alabama, motor vehicle registration fees are paid at your local county licensing office. You can visit the office in person to pay the necessary fees, or in some counties, you may have the option to pay online through their official website.
Alabama Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Sample
Below, you can download an Alabama motor vehicle bill of sale template in PDF and Word formats.
