An Alabama vehicle bill of sale is a document used when buying or selling an automobile in Alabama. It is a sales receipt proving a transaction where someone transferred a vehicle to another person, either as a sale or a gift.
The Alabama Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division is responsible for registering vehicles, while the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency oversees driver’s licenses.
Bill of sale requirements can vary from county to county. In Lee County, you must sign the document before a notary public, while Mobile County requires only the seller’s signature.
You will also need to fill out an Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MVT 5-5) and attach it to the bill of sale if the vehicle is newer than 2011, under 16,000 pounds, and self-propelled.
Vehicle Registration
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 the vehicle within 30 days from entering the state—provided that the vehicle already has a valid registration from another jurisdiction (Section 40-12-262(a)).
The vehicle will be inspected by a licensing official or an appointed deputy before issuing a registration. (Section 810-5-1-.247).
Registrations must be renewed each year and may be done so online, depending on the county.
Where to Register Your Vehicle
Motor vehicles can be registered 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.
Documents Required by the DMV Office
- Bill of Sale
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form MVT 5-5)
- Certificate of Title (you can obtain one using the Public Title Portal)
- Valid driver’s license
- Registration fees
- Proof of insurance with the Minimum Requirement [1] :
-
- $25,000 for bodily injuries per person
- $50,000 for bodily injuries per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
- Alabama motor vehicle power of attorney
Alabama Vehicle Bill of Sale Sample
Below is an example of an Alabama bill of sale. Use our document builder to create a customized form based on your unique situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an Alabama Motor Vehicle Report?
Residents of Alabama can subscribe to Alabama.gov to obtain a motor vehicle report. Enter vehicle’s details into the National Motor Vehicle Information System (NMVTIS) to learn about a used car’s history.
Do you have to get a car inspected in Alabama?
You do not have to have a car inspected annually in Alabama. However, the owner must undergo a vehicle safety inspection before purchasing.
Does Alabama have a used car lemon law?
No, Alabama has no used car lemon law. Therefore, buyers must take extra precautions to ensure the vehicle’s safety and that all systems operate properly. You may want to take a used car for a test drive and have a licensed mechanic inspect it.
Can you register a car without a title in Alabama?
No, you cannot register a vehicle without a title in Alabama. State law says the new owner must have a certificate of title, a signed bill of sale, and proof of insurance.
