Frequently Asked Questions

Alabama is a title state. A title is a document, which proves ownership. Since titling requirements vary by state, you may not currently have a title on your vehicle. A new Alabama resident is required to title and register his/her vehicle with thirty (30) days of moving into the state with a valid out-of-state registration. State law requires an Alabama resident who owns a motor vehicle to obtain a title for that motor vehicle if it is 35 years or newer model. Automobiles and trucks older than 35 years old do not require titles. Boats are not titled. Boat trailers are not registered in Alabama. Campers and trailers are not titled when they are older than 20 years.

You may apply for an Alabama title at the Calhoun County Administration Building. A vehicle being registered in Alabama, which was previously registered in another state, must be present for inspection by a county official at the Anniston location. The Alexandria and Piedmont locations will process Alabama titles only. No inspections will be done at these locations. 

Title applications are sent to Montgomery for processing then mailed to the vehicle owner or lien holder. The fee for applying for a title is $18.00. Any applicable sales tax owed will be due at the time the Alabama title is processed, whether you are tagging the vehicle or not.

There is a $23.00 fee for processing a title for a manufactured home. This fee is assessed on each part of the home be it single, double or triple-wide. Homes older than 20 years do not require titles. All sales tax will be collected at the time of title/registration.

Notice:
The following is a list of States that send a valid original title to the owner and not to the lien holder. Applicants are required to surrender the original title before they can make application for first Alabama Title and purhcase license plates.

Original Certificate of Title held by owner in the following States:

Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan (Unless owner authorizes title to be mailed to lienholder – TR-114), Minnesota, Montana (Unless owner signs MV 37A form when lienholder requests title), New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota (Unless owner indicates that title is to be mailed to lienholder), Wisconsin, Wyoming (Either as requested)

 Application for a replacement title can be made by the registered owner of a vehicle at the Calhoun County Commissioner of License Office for a fee of $18.00.  location.  PLEASE NOTE: Only the registered owner of a vehicle may apply for a replacement title after showing proper proof of identification and vehicle information.

A public portal is also available for the general public to apply for a replacement title without having to come to the local office.   Documents are uploaded into the portal, applications are made directly from Alabama Department of Revenue Titles Division at https://revenue.alabama.gov/motor-vehicle/title-information/       

Vehicles must be transferred within 20 calendar days of the date of purchase to avoid penalties.

When the deceased has left no probated will, you will need the outstanding original title, a copy of the death certificate, and a completed MVT Form 5-6 (commonly referred to as the Next of Kin Form)

When the deceased has left a probated will, you will need the outstanding certificate of title properly assigned by the executor, and letters of testamentary or letters of administration.

For further information regarding the transfer of a title or when an owner is deceased, please contact our office at 256-241-2900 or email tsmith@calhouncounty.org

The status of a title application can be tracked through the public portal on the Alabama Department of Revenue’s website at https://title.mvtrip.alabama.gov/
Any questions you may have about your title can be answered through the portal. You will need to be prepared with the  VIN number and other pertinent information in the email, such as make, model, and year of the vehicle.

After the application is made and approved, the State of Alabama will mail the title directly to the registered owner or lien holder normally within 4 to 6 weeks.

Specific military documentation may be needed in order for you to register your vehicle, and we will be glad to assist you.
Please contact our office by phone at 256-241-2900 or email the Title Specialist at
tsmith@calhouncounty.org in order for us help you with your specific needs.

• The cost of a title is $15.00 plus a $3.00 fee due to the County License Plate Issuing Official. The state registration fee for a private passenger vehicle is $23.00, with a $1.25 issuance fee. In addition, local fees and taxes may apply.
• Distinctive license plates, including military plates, may be purchased instead of the standard license plate. Certain qualifications, as well as additional fees, may apply. For a complete list of vanity plates, click here.

If you are a legal resident of Alabama and Calhoun County, you must bring the vehicle to the the Ken Joiner Administration Building at 1702 Noble Street in Anniston, Alabama. A county official will inspect the vehicle identification number (VIN) of 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 customs report from Homeland Security is required.
• Please contact the Titles Specialist at tsmith@calhouncounty.orgfor more information.

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.